by Dave Wittkowsky

Film Notes: Maurice

When, in 1914, E.M. Forster wrote his optimistic drama about the college years and early relationships of a young gay aristocrat, homosexuality was a crime punishable by life imprisonment in Great Britain. Forster had not yet come to terms with his own sexuality, and was no doubt overwhelmed by the social obstacles which would stand in the way of his coming out.

"Maurice" (pronounced Morris) is not generally regarded to be among the greatest works of the author who penned "A Room with a View" and ΜΑ Passage to India." But the filmmaking team of Ismail Merchant, producer,

and James Ivory, director, has found particular success in adapting Forster's work for the screen. Their adaptation of "A Room with a View" was the highest-grossing foreign film in the U.S. in 1986, and deservedly

so.

After producing four or five of Forster's novels, Merchant and Ivory have now released what they claim will be their last Forster adaptation in "Maurice." With it they have met the challenge of following up a great with a great work. "Maurice" is awash with the lush landscapes, exquisite surroundings, rich lighting and breathtaking cinematography that embody all Merchant Ivory produc-

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tions. But here the characters are SO real, their plights so true and their motives so clear, the seventyfive years which distance audience for action seem immaterial.

Maurice (James Wilby) is a young man of privileged birth. enjoying the company and influence of his peers at Cambridge. Among his better friends is Clive Durham (Hugh Grant) of whom Maurice grows increasingly fond. One dreary afternoon while passing between classes, Clive suddenly declares his love for Maurice. Maurice is shocked. It takes him some time to grasp this previously unacknowledged concept, but he quickly adjusts.

In their remaining years at Cambridge, Maurice and Clive develop a powerful, though platonic, relationship. Doubtless each is frustrated by his inability to express his affection physically, what with the moral and social restrictions of both the day and their class. Indeed, Clive is so encouraged by his mother that marry and settle down passing the bar, he does so. Poor Maurice. Where is he to turn to now that his guide through these murky waters has left him alone?

to

upon

Romantics: fear not. The young and rugged Alec Scudder, Clive's gamekeeper, has had his eye on this strained relationship, and steps in

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LESBIAN GAY

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to support Maurice in his need...and beyond. Happy endings all around!

hour of

Few people had an opportunity to read "Maurice" before Forster's death in 1970. (The book was published in 1971.) of those close friends who did, most questioned the affair between Maurice and the gamekeeper. But in 1914, Forster was more concerned with a gay relationship that would last than he was with the challenges of class differences. He ultimately found a happy ending of his enjoying a 40-year relationship a London policeman.

Equal Girls

women.

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own, with

SOUTH BEND, IN A dozen elementary school girls picketed their school on Sept. 16 to demand equality for According to News and Letters, the girls at Muessel School were protesting the school-organized, boys-only re-enactment of the Constitutional Convention.

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