In Cinemas Sept 19th 2008  (Cert 12)  Based on a true story the Duchess stars Keira Knightley.  Knightley plays  Georgiana Spencer during the 18th century.  The film follows the beautiful young woman's rather unfortunate marriage to the Duke of Devonshire, a distasteful older man of high status in British society but low morals.

The Duchess is adored by the people for her exquisite looks and fashionable dressing but in the privacy of her home she treated as a lowly person by a uncaring husband.  Unable to give the Duke a heir to the family name her husband then cruelly brings in his mistress to the residence and allows her to live also in the house.

Her husband is of the old fashioned British elite, played masterfully by Ralph Fiennes, her mother by Charlotte Rampling and the mistress portrayed by Hayley Atwell.

Georgiana Spencer's character moves from a feisty young woman through to a sacrificing mother.  The Duchess has more influence over crowds and sway of political opinion than she does over her own personal life.  In 18th century Britain the role and appearance of the elite must be maintained and what goes on behind closed doors must stay behind doors.

Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire is a 18th century ancestor of Princess Diana and mainly filmed at her ancestral home of Chatsworth House in Derbyshire.

The costumes used in the film are fabulous although at times Keira appears to give the impression she's a pirates moll.  Keira's role is the central hinge of the story and therefore gets most screen time but the performance of  Ralph Fiennes nearly puts her in the shadow.

However, if you are a lover of British history, based on true stories, colourful sets and locations then you will enjoy this film.

Check your Local Cinema

• Empire Cinemas
• Odeon Cinemas
• The Regent Centre

Movie Trailers

The Duchess

The Duchess of Duke Street - Nostalgia? Long running TV series where you can rise from a lowly cook to the mistress and back again.  The box-sets are available from Amazon.