A Room with a View (1985)

Last updated:
October 27, 2025

A Room with a View (1985) is a romantic period drama directed by James Ivory, produced by Ismail Merchant, and written by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. Adapted from E.M. Forster’s 1908 novel, it tells a story of love, class, and the awakening of passion set against the backdrop of Edwardian society. It’s elegant, witty, and unapologetically romantic—a true classic of British cinema.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Florence: The Beginning of Change

The film opens in Florence, Italy, where young Englishwoman Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter) and her chaperone, Charlotte Bartlett (Maggie Smith), arrive at the Pensione Bertolini. Lucy is reserved, well-mannered, and proper—a reflection of her upbringing in Edwardian England. The two are disappointed when their room lacks a view of the Arno River.

Enter Mr. Emerson (Denholm Elliott) and his son George Emerson (Julian Sands), who generously offer to swap rooms with them. This simple act of kindness sets off a chain of events that will change Lucy’s life. Charlotte is scandalized by their forwardness, but Lucy is intrigued by the Emersons’ lack of pretension and emotional honesty.

The Kiss in the Italian Countryside

While exploring the Tuscan countryside, Lucy and George find themselves alone in a sun-drenched field of violets. Overcome by emotion and beauty, George impulsively kisses Lucy. The moment is pure and spontaneous—everything her proper English world has warned her against. However, Charlotte witnesses the kiss and quickly removes Lucy from Florence to prevent any “impropriety.”

Back in England: A Return to Restraint

Back in Surrey, Lucy tries to forget what happened in Italy. She becomes engaged to Cecil Vyse (Daniel Day-Lewis), an intellectual, pompous, and self-absorbed man. Cecil represents everything society expects of her—a “safe” marriage within her class—but not what her heart truly desires.

When the Emersons unexpectedly move into a nearby cottage (through a series of social coincidences orchestrated by Cecil himself), Lucy’s carefully constructed world begins to unravel. George’s presence rekindles her buried emotions, forcing her to confront what she truly wants.

The Breaking Point

George’s second kiss, this time in the English countryside, reignites the passion Lucy has tried so hard to suppress. But societal expectations, family pressures, and her own confusion cause her to deny her feelings. She insists she doesn’t love George and proceeds with plans to marry Cecil. However, George’s raw honesty—his plea for her to be true to herself—plants a seed of doubt.

When Lucy finally sees how condescending and emotionally distant Cecil truly is, she breaks off the engagement, realizing she cannot live a life based on duty and appearances.

Movie Ending

In the final act, Lucy decides to follow her heart. Despite pressure from her family and her aunt, she seeks out George Emerson. Their reunion takes place back in Florence, the city where it all began. The final scene shows them together in the very room with a view they had once been denied—now symbolizing love, freedom, and emotional honesty.

George and Lucy look out the window over the Arno, a married couple at last, having overcome the suffocating expectations of Edwardian society. The ending is both joyful and cathartic—a perfect culmination of Lucy’s journey from repression to self-realization.

It’s a classic romantic finale that rewards patience and emotion rather than spectacle. There’s no irony, no tragedy—just two people choosing love and authenticity over social convention.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, A Room with a View does not include any post-credits scenes. The film ends with the emotionally fulfilling Florence sequence, and the credits roll over the serene backdrop of the city. It’s a self-contained, beautifully concluded story—no teasers, no setup for a sequel (nor would we ever want one).

Type of Movie

A Room with a View is a romantic drama with elements of period comedy and coming-of-age storytelling. It explores emotional awakening, class divisions, and societal constraint, all through the lens of a young woman’s search for authenticity in love.

Cast

Helena Bonham Carter as Lucy Honeychurch
Julian Sands as George Emerson
Maggie Smith as Charlotte Bartlett
Daniel Day-Lewis as Cecil Vyse
Denholm Elliott as Mr. Emerson
Judi Dench as Eleanor Lavish
Simon Callow as Reverend Beebe
Rupert Graves as Freddy Honeychurch

Film Music and Composer

The score, composed by Richard Robbins, is one of the most memorable aspects of the film. It blends classical themes, particularly Puccini’s “O mio babbino caro”, with an original orchestral score. The music perfectly complements the film’s lush visuals and emotional tone—romantic yet tinged with longing and nostalgia.

Filming Locations

The film was shot both in Florence, Italy, and various locations in England, including Surrey and Hampshire.

Florence, Italy: Real historical sites like the Piazza della Signoria, the Santa Croce Church, and the Arno River were used. These locations emphasize Lucy’s awakening—a place of beauty and freedom.
England: The English countryside scenes were filmed in Surrey, representing the restraint and repression of her social world.

The stark contrast between the warm vibrancy of Italy and the subdued greenness of England visually mirrors Lucy’s internal conflict.

Awards and Nominations

A Room with a View received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including:

Academy Awards (1987):
- Won: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design
- Nominated: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Denholm Elliott), Best Supporting Actress (Maggie Smith)
BAFTA Awards:
- Won Best Film, Best Actress (Maggie Smith), Best Supporting Actor (Denholm Elliott)

It cemented Merchant Ivory Productions’ reputation for intelligent, beautiful adaptations of literary works.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Helena Bonham Carter was only 18 when she filmed the role—her first major film performance.
Julian Sands was not the first choice for George; Rupert Everett was initially considered.
Daniel Day-Lewis almost turned down the role of Cecil because he didn’t think he could convincingly play someone so snobbish.
The infamous “bathing in the pond” scene was shot on a cold day in the English countryside, and the actors found it more comedic than romantic.
James Ivory and producer Ismail Merchant worked closely with Forster’s estate to preserve the novel’s tone and message.

Inspirations and References

The movie is directly based on E.M. Forster’s 1908 novel of the same name. Forster’s work often explores themes of personal freedom, class barriers, and the tension between repressed English society and the liberating influence of travel and love.

The title itself is symbolic: a “room with a view” represents openness, experience, and emotional awakening—contrasted with a room without a view, which symbolizes restriction and ignorance.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

No official alternate ending exists, though early drafts of the script contained more scenes set in England, emphasizing Lucy’s inner turmoil. These were trimmed for pacing. The Florence finale was always intended as the ending—it’s faithful to the novel and emotionally complete.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is a faithful adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel. The main differences are stylistic:

The movie compresses some of the novel’s dialogue-heavy social scenes.
The character of Reverend Beebe is given slightly less focus.
The film places more visual emphasis on the contrast between Italy and England, something Forster achieved through prose.

Overall, it remains one of the most faithful and beloved literary adaptations in film history.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The “room swap” at the Pensione Bertolini, symbolizing new perspectives.
The first kiss in the Italian meadow.
The chaotic but charming nude bathing scene in the pond.
Lucy breaking off her engagement with Cecil.
The final reunion scene in Florence, looking out the window together.

Iconic Quotes

George Emerson: “Love and understand the Italians, for the people are more marvelous than the land.”
Mr. Emerson: “Life is easy to chronicle, but bewildering to practice.”
Lucy: “We cast a shadow on something wherever we stand, and it is no good moving from place to place to save things; because the shadow always follows.”
Cecil: “You don’t love me, evidently. I dare say you’re right not to.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

In Lucy’s piano scenes, she plays Beethoven’s Sonata No. 8 (Pathétique)—symbolic of her restrained passion and inner turbulence.
The Pensione Bertolini was an actual hotel in Florence, still operational during the 1980s shoot.
The recurring imagery of windows and vistas reflects Forster’s theme of “seeing beyond social boundaries.”

Trivia

The movie launched Helena Bonham Carter’s career, establishing her as the face of Merchant Ivory’s romantic films.
The film’s costumes were so authentic that many were rented from the BBC’s historical wardrobe department.
Richard Robbins’ score became a signature element in later Merchant Ivory productions.
A Room with a View is often cited as one of the best British films of the 20th century.

Why Watch?

If you love intelligent romance, period settings, and emotional authenticity, A Room with a View is essential viewing. It’s not just a love story—it’s a journey from repression to freedom, told with exquisite performances, witty dialogue, and breathtaking cinematography. It’s the kind of film that makes you believe in love—not as fantasy, but as self-discovery.

Director’s Other Movies

Howards End (1992)
The Remains of the Day (1993)
Maurice (1987)
The White Countess (2005)
Call Me by Your Name (2017) – producer

A Room with a View (1985)