With the opening credits giving quirky character introductions with descriptions such as Lord Manwaring being "a divinely attractive man" and Sir James Martin "a bit of a rattle" - it's soon clear that American director Whit Stillman's adaptation of Jane Austen's novella, Lady Susan, is going to be a lot of fun.
Turns out this strangely titled adaptation, named after another of Austen's novellas, isn't just delightful good fun, it's also terribly funny, sharp and dry, and wonderfully brought to life by an irrepressible Kate Beckinsale and a supporting cast including her Last Days of Disco (also a Stillman number) co-star Chloe Sevigny.
As we expect from Austen, there are observations on society, class and the manners of the day - well, among English country house inhabitants at least.
But this is a more cynical piece from the timeless Austen, drawing less on romance and more on money and sex - both of which are very important to Lady Susan.
Recently widowed without money, and with a teenage daughter (Morfydd Clark) and lavish lifestyle to support, Lady Susan's main concern is financial security - something she has no choice but to obtain through her beauty and charm.
