The Owl and the Pussycat

Set in 1897, an eccentric acrobatic clown and a comical dreamy music-teaching spinster happen to meet at a pub and fall in love on the spot. Their love is challenged by the spinster’s skeptical sister and imperious housekeeper. The story explores the eccentric ways of Victorian courtship and ends with their marriage. This charming film is both funny and satirical. Barnes does an excellent job in capturing the look and feel of Victorian England. It is a visually beautiful film with wonderfully crafted costumes, charming amusements, and set pieces. The music is rich and the sound effects recreate the era well. The comedic moments are often funny and a bit slapstick but always tasteful. The satiric elements are quite cutting socially and point out some of the absurdities of Victorian courtship and prejudices. The love story is both humorous and very rewarding. The only minor flaw of this film may be that at times it is almost too sweet, but this is not nearly enough to detract from this delightful movie. More than a mere sweet old-fashioned confection, this is a smart and carefully crafted film that is highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a good love story, a bit of social commentary, and lavish and accurate sets and costumes.