Howards End (1992)

James Ivory’s Howards End (1992), adapted from E.M. Forster’s 1910 novel, is a richly layered period drama about class, love, betrayal, and inheritance in Edwardian England. It’s part of the celebrated Merchant Ivory productions, famous for their lavish sets, intelligent adaptations, and nuanced performances. Let’s break it down piece by piece.

Detailed Summary

The Schlegel Sisters and the Wilcoxes

The story begins with the intellectual, progressive Schlegel siblings: Margaret (Emma Thompson), Helen (Helena Bonham Carter), and Tibby. Their lives become entwined with the wealthy but conservative Wilcox family after Helen briefly courts Paul Wilcox. Though the romance fizzles, ties remain between the families.

Mrs. Wilcox and Howards End

Ruth Wilcox (Vanessa Redgrave), the gentle matriarch of the Wilcox family, forms a strong bond with Margaret. Before she dies, Ruth writes a note expressing her wish that Margaret inherit her beloved country home, Howards End. However, the Wilcox family disregards the note, destroying it, and the inheritance never formally occurs.

Margaret and Henry Wilcox

Margaret eventually develops a relationship with Henry Wilcox (Anthony Hopkins), Ruth’s widowed husband. Despite their differences—Margaret is idealistic and empathetic, Henry is practical and conservative—they marry. Margaret tries to act as a bridge between classes and between the families, but tensions grow.

Helen and Leonard Bast

Helen sympathizes with Leonard Bast (Samuel West), a struggling lower-middle-class clerk. When Henry advises Leonard to leave his job due to a bad investment (advice that proves misguided), Leonard ends up unemployed and financially ruined. Helen becomes entangled in Leonard’s plight, driven by guilt and compassion.

The Scandal and Confrontation

Helen returns to Howards End pregnant with Leonard’s child, a situation that deeply unsettles the Wilcox family. When Leonard later comes to the house to confront the Wilcoxes about the injustices he has suffered, Charles Wilcox (James Wilby), Henry’s hot-headed son, attacks him. Leonard dies when a bookcase topples onto him during the assault. Charles is arrested and later imprisoned for manslaughter.

Movie Ending

The film closes with Margaret’s quiet triumph. Henry, humbled by the scandal and his son’s disgrace, begins to recognize Margaret’s strength and humanity. Margaret inherits Howards End after all, just as Ruth Wilcox originally wished. Helen, now with her baby, joins Margaret at Howards End. The house becomes a symbol of continuity and reconciliation—a place where divisions of class and family slowly begin to blur.

The final moments show Margaret, Helen, Henry, and Helen’s child together at the estate, suggesting a new beginning rooted in Ruth’s original vision of home, stability, and compassion.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Howards End (1992) does not feature any post-credits scenes. The film concludes with the ending at Howards End itself, which serves as the natural closure to the narrative.

Type of Movie

This is a period drama/romantic drama with strong social commentary. It’s classic Merchant Ivory territory: refined, slow-burning, deeply human, and rich in historical detail.

Cast

• Emma Thompson as Margaret Schlegel
• Anthony Hopkins as Henry Wilcox
• Helena Bonham Carter as Helen Schlegel
• Vanessa Redgrave as Ruth Wilcox
• James Wilby as Charles Wilcox
• Samuel West as Leonard Bast
• Prunella Scales as Aunt Juley

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Richard Robbins, a frequent collaborator with Merchant Ivory. His music, heavily influenced by classical pieces (notably Beethoven), emphasizes both the grandeur of Edwardian England and the underlying emotional turmoil of the characters.

Filming Locations

• Peppard Cottage, Rotherfield Peppard, Oxfordshire – served as Howards End itself.
• London – numerous Edwardian settings for the Schlegels’ life.
• Henley-on-Thames and Brampton Bryan – picturesque towns doubling as various backdrops.

The locations are essential because the contrast between urban London and rural Howards End underscores Forster’s theme of industrial progress clashing with the pastoral ideal of “home” and tradition.

Awards and Nominations

• Won: Academy Award for Best Actress (Emma Thompson)
• Won: Best Art Direction, Best Adapted Screenplay
• Nominated: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress (Vanessa Redgrave), Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score
  It was also showered with BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Emma Thompson wrote in her diary that she doubted her performance daily, yet it became one of her most acclaimed roles.
• Merchant Ivory were meticulous about authenticity—costumes were sourced or made using period-accurate materials.
• Vanessa Redgrave’s role was small but pivotal; she reportedly insisted on filming barefoot for the meadow scenes at Howards End to connect with the earth.
• Hopkins and Thompson reunited again for The Remains of the Day (1993), another Merchant Ivory masterpiece.

Inspirations and References

The film is directly based on E.M. Forster’s 1910 novel Howards End. Forster’s main inspiration was his critique of Edwardian society—particularly class divisions, the rise of industrialism, and the importance of personal connection (“Only connect!”).

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no widely publicized alternate endings. Merchant Ivory’s adaptation closely followed the book’s narrative. Minor deleted scenes included extended dialogues between Margaret and Helen but nothing altering the plot.

Book Adaptations and Differences

• The film is largely faithful to the novel.
• Some of Forster’s more philosophical commentary—especially the repeated motif of “Only connect!”—is softened in the film.
• The novel devotes more time to Leonard Bast’s internal struggles; the film streamlines his arc.
• The ending is nearly identical to the book, ensuring fidelity to Forster’s vision.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Helen’s chaotic visit to the Wilcoxes after her affair with Paul.
• Mrs. Wilcox quietly bequeathing Howards End to Margaret.
• Leonard Bast’s tragic death beneath the falling bookcase.
• The final walk across the fields at Howards End with Margaret, Helen, and the child.

Iconic Quotes

• Margaret Schlegel: “Only connect! That was the whole of her sermon.”
• Henry Wilcox: “You don’t understand the Wilcoxes. We’re not attractive, but we mean business.”
• Helen Schlegel: “It isn’t true that love is blind. Love sees what is most true.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• In the meadow scenes, the cinematography mirrors Pre-Raphaelite paintings, a nod to Edwardian art movements.
• The name “Howards End” itself is symbolic: an ending but also a new beginning, a cycle of inheritance.
• Robbins’ score subtly incorporates Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, which Forster referenced in the novel.

Trivia

• Emma Thompson became the first actress to win an Oscar for Best Actress in a Merchant Ivory film.
• The movie was one of the highest-grossing independent films of the early 1990s.
• Helena Bonham Carter was only 25 when she played Helen, but she already had a reputation as the “corset queen” of period dramas.

Why Watch?

Because it’s one of the most intelligent, beautifully crafted literary adaptations ever filmed. It combines stunning performances, timeless themes, exquisite visuals, and the subtle power of Merchant Ivory’s storytelling. If you want a film that examines love, class, and human connection with grace, Howards End is essential viewing.

Director’s Other Movies (James Ivory)

• A Room with a View (1985)
• Maurice (1987)
• The Remains of the Day (1993)
• Call Me by Your Name (2017) – screenplay, for which Ivory won an Oscar

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Remains of the Day (1993)
• A Room with a View (1985)
• Maurice (1987)
• Sense and Sensibility (1995)
• The Age of Innocence (1993)