Dir: Celyn Jones, UK, 2026, 108 mins
Cast: Callum Scott Howells, Ruby Stokes, Rupert Everett
Review by Carol Allen
Henry’s claim to fame is the fact that he managed to hoover his way through the vast family fortune, when he inherited the title and moved into the family pile in North Wales in the 1890s. He blew his inheritance on extravagant parties, jewellery and most of all theatrical shows starring himself in gender challenging costumes.
As his relatives await the arrival of the new marquess on the island, cousin Neville (Louis Hynesvile), a stickler for tradition and protocol, states confidently that “when you’ve seen one lord, you’ve seen them all” – then quickly realises his error when Henry disembarks sporting a string of pearls and a frock. Neville’s sister Lily (Ruby Stokes) however finds her eccentric cousin and his weird ways great fun, to the extent of marrying him. Also on hand is Rupert Everett stealing scenes as the family butler Gelert, who is most solicitous of his new master’s welfare.
Henry by all accounts has been consumptive from childhood and also has hang ups about the way his father had ignored him. Still, he has no qualms about spending the boodle on his fantasies once he inherits. Callum Scott Howells brings not only a sense of flamboyant fun to the role but also a rather little boy lost poignancy too. Henry, it appears, is also loved by locals, even though his mad extravagance ultimately threatens their livelihood and puts them at the mercy of ruthless quarry owner Lord Penrhyn (Paul Rhys). Particularly effective among the lower orders are Greta Jones as the maid to whom Henry shockingly feeds cake at a family tea party and the orphans, for whom he hopes to raise money through his theatrical extravaganzas.
The film looks good though it is somewhat confusing at times in the telling of its tale. Lovely frocks though, darlings!
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