Watch American Friends

American Friends is a charming, slow-moving period piece from 1991 directed by Tristram Powell. The film stars Michael Palin, who is perhaps best known for his work with Monty Python, in a rare dramatic turn. Palin plays an Oxford professor named Francis Ashby who, after recovering from a heart attack, decides to take a hiking trip in Switzerland. During his trip, he meets a beautiful American woman named Caroline Hartley (Connie Booth).

Caroline is also traveling alone, and the two quickly strike up a conversation. Before long, Ashby finds himself falling under her spell. However, there is a problem: Caroline is a Quaker, and Ashby is an agnostic who mainly just finds religion annoying. Nevertheless, the two continue to spend time together, enjoying the beautiful Swiss countryside and getting to know each other better. Things become even more complicated when Caroline reveals that she has feelings for Ashby, and that she would like for them to see each other again once they return to England.

Once they do return, Caroline introduces Ashby to her Quaker community. Ashby is impressed by the group's commitment to pacifism and social justice, even though he still can't quite bring himself to embrace their faith. However, as he and Caroline continue to spend time together, he begins to soften, at least a little bit. But there are still obstacles to overcome - Caroline's parents are dead set against their relationship, and Ashby is struggling with what he really wants out of life.

The film is set in the late 19th century, and it really captures the feel of that time period. The scenery is beautiful, the costumes are gorgeous, and the dialogue is full of little historical nuggets that will delight fans of that era. Powell does an excellent job of creating a sense of place - you can practically smell the musty old Oxford buildings, and feel the chill of the Swiss mountainside.

In terms of acting, Palin is the standout here. He does a great job of portraying Ashby as a reserved, somewhat stuffy academic who is coming out of his shell in his middle age. Booth is also excellent as Caroline, bringing just the right blend of warmth and idealism to the role. The two have an easy, believable chemistry, and watching their relationship develop is a joy.

While American Friends is not exactly a plot-heavy film, it is a deeply emotional one. At its core, it is a story about two people who are trying to connect despite coming from very different backgrounds. It is a story about the power of love to bridge gaps, even when those gaps seem insurmountable. It is a story about faith and doubt, and the ways in which those two things can coexist in a person. If you are looking for a slow-paced, character-driven drama with a rich historical setting, American Friends is definitely worth checking out.

American Friends is a 1993 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.