Ernerstina

Now here is a detail that I had not understood before Stirchley pointed it out. This movie has a rather involved plot – see all the earlier queries on this site from people who have become totally confused somewhere along the plot line. Yes, of course I had noticed the brief parting scene at the party as evening draws on and he climbs the steps and confronts the modern-day Ernestina. I’ve just played the scene to refresh my memory and there she is in a yellow dress with her hair swept up. She greets him and he (Jeremy Irons) is about to continue on his way, but stops, turns back, kisses her and once again is about to continue into the house in search of the present day Meryl Streep, but stops. By this time she is holding his arm, so he embraces her again with another kiss, saying, “take care” in parting.*

He turns away, continuing into the house in search of Meryl. Ernestina turns round to face the camera and looks bereft as she realises that there is nothing at all between them and after a pause begins to walk sadly out of the frame.

I must admit that although I had noticed the little scene earlier, its significance and who the girl in the yellow dress was had passed me by. It is a busy and exciting conclusion towards the end of the movie. Well-done Stirchley for pointing out this little cameo scene in what is a rather involved plot line.

"Did anyone else think that maybe Jeremy Irons's character had an affair with the actress who played Ernestina?" We are not shown this romance - always assuming it took place in the first instance, so we are left guessing perhaps?

(* well girls, these theatrical 'lovies' are very free with their kisses!)