Based on a true story, in 19th Century England, a young woman (played by Phoebe Cates) appears in the English countryside and is promptly arrested for begging, as no one know seems to know her identity. When the woman is repeatedly questioned about her past, she fails to respond or understand her detainment. She can only speak a strange foreign language, but she seems to carry an heir of aristocracy in her appearance, as if she was royalty. Perhaps she is a true Princess who has escaped from some brutal capture?

Soon enough, a wealthy aristrocratic couple takes her in (Wendy Hughes and Jim Broadbent), and she becomes the object their of affection. She is then named Princess Caraboo and begins a new life in a safe haven. However, many in her presence question this woman's origins and seek to find her true identity. The couple's main servant (Kevin Kline) is suspicious of the woman, an renowned scholar (John Lithgow) is brought in to examine her, and a fascinated, yet skeptical journalist (Stephen Rea) investigates the woman and the few clues he can find in her past.
Is she a fake or a true Princess?

Stephen Rea appears in this film as the journalist Gutch, an outsider, a questioning investigator, and above all, a romantic with an allegiance to the truth. He falls for the Princess and her unabashed verve as she attempts to defy the conventions of society and its sensationalism. Look for Stephen Rea in the role of the sensual gothic journalist who is enamored with this mysterious woman; yet he keeps one eye on the facts of the story. The film blends the glow of literature's 19th Century romance with the realistic skepticism also prevalent at the time. There are fascinating appearances from Broadbent, Hughes, Kline and Lithgow, and of course, Stephen Rea.
Stephen Rea sachets back and forth in this role, capturing literature's best romantic realism...

PRINCE REGENT
The trouble with the aristocracy today is they have no respect for the royal family.


Probably a Republican.

AND

PRINCE REGENT
Who was the fellow? Looked like Byron.

Jim Broadbent can be seen in two other films with Stephen Rea: The Crying Game (1992) and Life is Sweet (1990). Jim Broadbent also won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Iris (2001). He also appeared in As Starring Pancho Villa as Himself (2003), Gangs of New York (2002) and Moulin Rouge! (2001).
For more info on Jim Broadbent, check out a website on him:

Jimbroadbent.com

Kevin Kline has appeared in My Life as a House (2001) and Wild Wild West (1999). Kevin Kline is currently married to Phoebe Cates.

John Lithgow is known for his appearances on U.S. television in the series, 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996) and was the voice of Lord Farquaad of Duloc in the film Shrek (2001). John Lithgow has a long list of credits in film and theatre. For more info, check out his website:

palooza.com