It’s looking a little bleak in terms of what’s coming out over the rest of spring and summer! Luckily we’ve got Outlander to tide us over for a while, plus Brits are getting season 2 of Indian Summers. Hopefully there will be more summer movies/TV shows of interest that just haven’t gotten release dates or trailers yet!
Tale of Tales – U.S. & streaming release April 22
Three stories based on early 17th-century fairy tales. Yes, we know, this one has been kicking around for a while — it’s been on the film festival circuit, and it’s been released in other countries. However, we Americans are finally getting our filthy paws on it!
Houdini and Doyle – starts on Fox TV May 2
“At the turn of the 20th century, the Metropolitan Police were overwhelmed with bizarre cases, so they turned to outsiders including Houdini and Doyle, who collaborated with New Scotland Yard on some unsolved and inexplicable crimes.” This already aired in the UK, but now we get to watch it.
Love and Friendship – in theaters May 13
Based on a Jane Austen story (Lady Susan), directed by Whit Stillman (who hasn’t done any historical stuff, but is a super-talented arty director), starring Kate Beckinsale and Chloe Sevigny. I can’t wait! The 1790s-ish costumes (by Eimer Ni Mhaoldomhnaigh) look mostly good, with a few weird touches that I’m sure we’ll enjoy nitpicking.
Sunset Song – in theaters May 13
“The daughter of a Scottish farmer comes of age in the early 1900s.” Starring Peter Mullan (Miss Julie) and written/directed by Terence Davies (The House of Mirth).
Roots – starts on History, A&E, Lifetime TV channels May 30
A new adaptation of Alex Haley’s Roots, chronicling the history of an African slave sold to America and his descendants. Starring Laurence Fishburne and … Jonathan Rhys-Meyers.
Genius – in theaters July 29
A chronicle of Max Perkins’ time as the book editor at Scribner, where he oversaw works by Thomas Wolfe, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and others. Starring Guy Pierce, Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, Colin Firth, and more.
Ben-Hur – in theaters August 12
“A falsely accused nobleman survives years of slavery to take vengeance on his best friend who betrayed him.” Has Hollywood officially run out of ideas?
Florence Foster Jenkins – in theaters August 31
Meryl Streep as a real-life “New York heiress, who dreamed of becoming an opera singer, despite having a terrible singing voice.” Costumes by Consolata Boyle.
What upcoming historical costume movie or TV show are you looking forward to?
I have tickets to see Tale of Tales this weekend!! VERY excited! I’ve been waiting at least a year.
I was surprised to hear that they were going to do a re-make of Roots, though I probably shouldn’t have been; if someone can get permission to do a re-make of Psycho, then nothing is sacred. I’m sure I’ll end up watching it- I loved the book, the cast looks good, but…..the History Channel is not what it used to be. My attachment to LeVar Burton in that role is pretty strong, but I’ll try to give the new one the benefit of the doubt.
I was intrigued by Sunset Song, then I watched the trailer and dear God, does that look like a movie of unremitting depression. Also, the male lead looks so goofy, especially with that haircut. It looks like Charlie Cox’s hair in Stardust before he got his sexy makeover. (Maybe it’s historical, but it does nothing for my loins.)
I’m so excited for Love and Friendship and can’t wait to hear what you guys think about the costumes! I’m also interested in thoughts on Kate Beckinsale’s hair… It looks kind of kooky from the trailers.
I am excited for both Love and Friendship (I just finished reading Lady Susan) and the FloFoJo movie, because I love her story. Hooray!
Also, I am so thoroughly pleased the Call the Midwife is back–it is possibly my favorite show, despite all the births. The early 1960s outfits have been great so far!
interesting lineup. Will definitelysee the Meryl Streep film on Florence Foster Jenkins, Sunset Song and Genius. The others hmm. Remake of Ben-Hur and Roots is a crime. But then so was Psycho remake.
Maybe the Roots remake will be bringing something new to the table that has a better perspective (I haven’t seen the original in years, so I don’t remember if it was patronizing or not) but the Ben-Hur remake is a travesty of Brobdingnagian proportions.
Thanks for the roundup.
Love & Friendship looks SO FUN.
Funny about the Meryl Streep movie–my husband & I were just talking today about how all of a sudden (since Mama Mia?), she’s singing in movies. And she can do it, too! So now she sings a part where she’s not supposed to sing well? LOL
I am going crazy here waiting for Versailles… It looks so amazing!! Any idea when that comes to the us?
Us too! They JUST announced the US release date about a week ago — Oct. 6 on Ovation. Start stocking up on champers!
Oh thank you!!! I was having no luck searching for this. SO. EXCITED. I love all the summaries ladies, thanks for steering me in the right direction when I need a good movie, and for educating me once Im done!!
Sunset song was a required text for my secondary school english classes here in Scotland (especially as I grew up in the north east, were it is set. I have fond memories of it and it has a great last line.
“…they’d the last of the light with them up there, and maybe they didn’t need it or heed it, you can do without the day if you’ve a lamp quiet-lighted and kind in your heart.”
I’m fairly horrified at the notion of a Ben-Hur remake!! Love and Friendship and the Meryl Streep vehicle seem fun.
I haven’t seen the original Ben-Hur, but even I can tell you it doesn’t need a remake!
I’m so excited for Love & Friendship!
I saw Love & Friendship this weekend — and loved it and laughed my head off in many places (whenever Sir James Martin appeared). i am so looking forward to your take on the 1790s costumes.
Have you guys seen the trailer for The Aspern Papers? Stars Vanessa Redgrave & Joely Richardson.