Comments on: Howards End: An Ivy-Covered Cottage in the Country

By: Allison Costello

Allison Costello — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 22:33:01 +0000

Though I love this film, the only “comforting” parts involve the Shlegels when they are still together, or to some extent Margaret’s socializing with the innocent, naive Ruth Wilcox (taking her shopping for Christmas gifts).

Otherwise, the film begins, after a lovely scene with Ruth (the wonderful Vanessa Redgrave) strolling in the dusk through the grounds of Howard’s End. From that point on, we are plunged into world of deceit, conceit, manipulation and ultimately, misused economic power at the hands of the Wilcoxes, who represent Edwardian England’s remnants of n0n-Socialized wealth and privilege, to either gain their own ends, secure spouses (as Henry does with Margaret) or even evade responsibility for past misdeeds, as he does with both Leonard Bast, and worse, with Jackie Bast, his former lover.

In this, the rich and their lust for power and control are laid bare for us to see, and it is not a pretty sight. Though Margaret (Emma Thompson) may choose to ignore its ugliness (and who knows why?). But her sister, the supposedly “daft” Helen, refuses to buckle under to the pretensions and false niceties of the upper class. Even when her reputation is on the line, she remains defiant, even toward her own brother and sister.

Margaret’s marriage to the symbol of wealth and entitlement, Henry Wilcox, does not help matters at all. To Helen, Margaret is a traitor, and at the very least, a part of “The Other Camp”. Now, Helen has nobody to trust and so goes abroad with her dark secret.

By: Allison Costello

Allison Costello — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 22:09:15 +0000

I thought Wickham place was to be pulled DOWN! And yet there it is! I must have fallen through a time warp. Now I can go back and warn Helen NOT to sleep with Leonard Bast, or if that doesn’t work, at least warn the poor boy against visits to Howard’s End! I feel Henry Wilcox has LIED to us all, yet again!

By: amwh

amwh — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 11:35:16 +0000

This is also a “comfort film” for me. Supposedly the house is handed to the Schlegel sisters symbolically as a change in England’s social class structure – new people taking over the Old Order. Whatever. I would loved to have been given that house. It is in the style of English Arts and Crafts (interior and exterior) because I do not think it’s Medieval look comes from Medieval times – it’s later. A-la William Morris et al. Beautiful. And I loved “the meadow.” The women’s clothing (just pre-WWI) is also my favorite fashion era – hats, hobble skirts and all!

By: Tina Martin

Tina Martin — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 22:09:11 +0000

The pictures are beautiful. Thank you so much for doing this. I love this movie, and I even have a tea cozy that looks a lot like the cottage at Howard’s End. If you can send me a regular e-mail, I can send you a picture of it.

By: Howards End . . . « Lifeonthecutoff's Blog

Howards End . . . « Lifeonthecutoff's Blog — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:44:03 +0000

[...] I have mentioned before called hookedonhouses and there is a wonderful post with enticing photos of Howard’s End, its countryside and its [...]

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:14:06 +0000

Have always loved Howards End from the very first scene of Vanessa Redgrave walking in the deep dewy grass. Had to buy the video just so I could look at the cottage (the days before DVD’s). It is the epitome of the English country cottage and embodies every fairy tale dream — wisteria and rose covered, bow window, beamed ceilings and Tudor paneling, window seat, multi-paned casements, et.al. Be still my heart. I had no idea, though, that it was so big. Thanks for the post!

By: For Sale: The London Townhouse from Howards End

For Sale: The London Townhouse from Howards End — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:45:38 +0000

[...] I showed you the ivy-covered cottage from the classic Merchant-Ivory film Howards End. Today we’re taking a look at another property from the movie: 6 Wickham Place. This is where [...]

By: Bonnie Mattson

Bonnie Mattson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:19:15 +0000

This is one of my favorite movies along with Room With a View. I am adding Maurice to my Netflix queue right after I finish this comment. I love these period pieces. Have you seen Mrs. Palrey at the Claremont? The house speaks volumes~I am definitely hooked on the house and thank you, Julia, for reminding me of it again. .-= Bonnie Mattson´s last blog ..A Simple Woman's Daybook~November 2, 2009 =-.

By: Karen

Karen — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:24:03 +0000

Homes like this inspired my love for authentic miniature dollhouses. If you could never live in a house like that, then build it in miniature. I’ve seen some beautiful, intricate miniature replicas that would astound you.

By: lindalou

lindalou — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:18:56 +0000

Love Howard's End. Just recently got to catch the ending. I also love Room with a View. They both have a look and feel about them. Very British, very detailed. BTW, I love almost anything with Emma Thompson! .-= lindalou´s last blog ..Watching The Food Network =-.