Widows' Peak (1994)

In this quaint Irish comedy about a remote town run by the large number of widows, who are led by the monarchical Mrs. Counihan (Joan Plowright), Natasha Richardson is a newly arrived English widow who brings sex appeal and the possibility of mischief when she starts courting Counihan's befuddled son (Adrian Dunbar). This sets in motion a mystery akin to an Agatha Christie tale, led by suspicious Mia Farrow. The setup is fine and the acting first-rate, but the final act forces its hand far too soon. What starts off as an accessible film turns into a prize only for those who liked Enchanted April and similar movies. --Doug Thomas Amazon.com

 Widow's Peak
An excellent movie - with a strange and bizarre twist! Very funny and as a British film fan, a must have for any collection. Joan Plowright is an amazing actress - right along with Judi Dench. If you like British comedy and wit - this is great! Mia Farrow does a great job with the accent - and i always love to see Natasha Richardson in any movie! They have remarkable performances - you have to stick it out to the very end - for that is when you get the whole story. May 9, 2008

 Widow's Peak
This classic is an exciting mystery to the very end. The casting is excellent! Charming movie. March 3, 2008

 Watched it three times in sucession
WIDOW'S PEAK simply surprised and blew me away.I watched this 1993 Irish film three times in a row last night.It was THAT good on so many levels that I considered it a joy to see dark comedy again immediately.

First off, if you enjoy a dialogue and character driven screenplay,WIDOW'S PEAK is exactly that.The wealthy town of Kilshannon,Ireland,1926, is ruled by the matriarchal rich widows who inhabit the wealthy "high ground".The twice-bereaved Mrs.Doyle-Coonan (Joan Plowright Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont) being their head-mistress,is the "Queen Mam" over all of the men and woman and especially over her dutiful beloved son Godfrey.She is a benign and benevolent dictator...but a dictator nevertheless.The story starts lightly and almost whimsically,but soon develops into a darkness and shroud of mystery concerning the lone "old" maid ,Miss O'Hare (Mia Farrow Rosemary's Baby)and a young a beautiful young widow (Natasha Richardson Month in the Country) who has just moved to Kilshannon.Something starts very wrongly between these two,and they actually become rather sinister towards each other actually attempting to kill each other.The whole town becomes embroiled in the goings-on of these two,comically,yet tragically.....I STOP HERE!

All I can say is that everything I thought was true about this story fooled me,and the ending startled me.Not since The Sixth Sense (Collector's Edition Series) have I seen a story where all of the "clues" are there,but I just couldn't see them.Upon subsequent viewings, I sat in amazement that this film totally fooled me.The soundtrack by Carl Davis Pride and Prejudice - The Special Edition (A&E, 1996) and is positively romantically and enchantingly lyrical as the lilting accents of the widows of Kilshannon.Co-stars the great Jim Broadbent Irisand Anne Kent Topsy-Turvy.This is a real ensemble piece of great acting.OUTSTANDING. No small wonder the Bible says "Widows, keep from being busy bodies!" January 21, 2008

 Loved it!
I loved this movie, it was funny and fun. Mia Farrow and Natasha Richardson did a great job and Joan Plowright was wonderful as usual. I HIGHLY recommend this movie! December 22, 2007

 Widow's Peak -- a true slice of life
Widow's Peak is a fascinating tale of privilege exercised without wisdom and the cummupence of the downtrodden. The Irish brogues -- it takes place in a small Irish town between the wars -- are authentic as are the attitudes of the widows who live on their husbands' money on the hill overlooking the town and who lord it over the less "worthy" of the village. For those who aren't accustomed to the accents, it might be well to use the option of closed captioning!

You're never quite sure how the matter is to be resolved until the very end. It's a throughly enjoyable film
December 5, 2007

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