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Cynics beware, this isn’t your average, run-of-the- mill nineteenth century fable about how good manners and good connexions can lead you to Heaven.

On the contrary, Washington Square is a story with very modern concerns, an intriguing blend of love, ambition and mystery, questioning the validity of that age-old theme of romance literature, “true love”.

Catherine Sloper (Jason-Leigh) is the awkward and only heiress to wealthy doctor Austin Sloper (Finney). She lacks the natural charm and beauty required to be whisked off her feet by hordes of dashing young suitors of worthy financial background. But then there’s Morris Townsend (Chaplin) who has charm, wit and good looks in aces, and surprisingly pledges his love for the oft-overlooked daughter.

There’s only one problem: his finance.

Doctor Sloper, from what appears to be an overly-protective rationale, sees Townsend as a gold-digging fraud, and forbids the marriage of his daughter to this man.

The ensuing drama is a solid, well structured study of human motives, ulterior or otherwise. Washington Square is a period film that is refreshingly modern. ---Lachlan Gilbert

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originally posted: 10/17/98 15:54:17
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