Cold Comfort Farm (1995)

John Schelsinger directed this quirky, off-beat English comedy about a young, orphaned woman who, with little money to her name, seeks shelter (of sorts) with some relatives on a farm outside of London. Kate Beckinsale stars as Flora Poste, the young woman who cleverly and deviously changes life on the farm -- much to the chagrin of Aunt Ada Doom (Sheila Burrell), the bitter old woman who runs the farm with such authority she never has to leave her room. Schlesinger, who also directed "Midnight Cowboy," opts for more uplifting material here, pushing quirkiness to the edge of the spectrum with great success. Guilt, mystery, romance and some comical running gags make "Cold Comfort Farm" quite the enjoyable cinematic experience. Comedy is difficult, but not for a master. A big thumbs-up on the Date Scale.

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