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==Plot==
==Plot==
Framton Nuttel, a young man from London suffering from nervous exhaustion, goes to the country side for some prescribed rest. He calls upon a Mrs Stapleton, an acquaintance of his sisters. While waiting for Mrs Stapleton he is told by her niece, Vera, the terrible tragedy of her husband and sons. He is told how they were lost in a fog three years earlier while hunting, and their bodies were never found. The French doors in the sitting room were left open everyday by the mistress of the house, hoping that one day they will return.
Framton Nuttel ([[Michael Sheen|Sheen]]) enters the house of Mrs Sappleton ([[Cherie Lunghi|Lunghi]]). He is a young man from London suffering from nervous exhaustion, and he goes to the country side for some prescribed rest. He decideds to call upon Mrs Sappleton, an acquaintance of his sisters.


He is shown to the parlour by Mrs Sappleton's neice, Vera ([[Charlotte Ritchie|Ritchie]]), who entertains the man while he awaits the appearance of his host. Vera tells a story, the terrible tragedy of Mr Sappleton and his sons. He is told how they went out hunting in the marshes, and were lost in a fog three years earlier. Their bodies were never found but the mistress of the house insists that the French doors are left open every day until dusk, preying and hoping that one day they will return.
The hunters do indeed return that evening, giving Nuttel a terrible fright. He quickly runs from the house, leaving the niece to explain his sudden departure in an equally imaginative fashion.

Mrs Sappleton arrives in the room, and quite blithely references that the doors are left open in expectation of her husband and sons. Nuttell and Vera exchange a knowing look. Tea is served while Mrs Sappleton reads Framton's letter of introduction. As they sit, trying to make polite conversation, Framton notices figures emerging from the mist and heading towards the open doors.

Mrs Sappleton exclaims in surprise and delight, but the look of horror on Framton's face is obvious. He drops his tea cup and leaves the room and house as fast as he can.

When Mr Sappleton enquires after the guest he saw leaving in a hurry, Mrs Sappleton explains that he was visiting the country for his health but that she thought he was an odd man. Vera continues to explain his sudden departure as being caused by the dogs they had with them. She explains that he had spent a terrible night some years ago being chased by a pack of wild dogs. The film finishes with Vera giving the camera a cheeky knowing glance.




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*{{imdb title|id=0848600|title=The Open Doors}}<br/>
*{{imdb title|id=0848600|title=The Open Doors}}<br/>
*[http://www.britfilms.com/britishfilms/catalogue/browse/?id=54FCC00E1ae19281FFnSk4408F2A The British Films Catalogue]
*[http://www.britfilms.com/britishfilms/catalogue/browse/?id=54FCC00E1ae19281FFnSk4408F2A The British Films Catalogue]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBXb-8YoR0E YouTube.com]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBXb-8YoR0E YouTube.com - Full Feature]





Revision as of 12:45, 11 March 2009

The Open Doors
Directed byJames Rogan
Produced byKate McCullagh
StarringMichael Sheen
Cherie Lunghi
Charlotte Ritchie
Edited byPeter Hollywood
Music byJack C. Arnold
Distributed byOpen Door Films Ltd
Release date
2005
Running time
12 mins
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish


The Open Doors is a short British film based on a short story 'The Open Window' by Saki (H. H. Munro).

Plot

Framton Nuttel (Sheen) enters the house of Mrs Sappleton (Lunghi). He is a young man from London suffering from nervous exhaustion, and he goes to the country side for some prescribed rest. He decideds to call upon Mrs Sappleton, an acquaintance of his sisters.

He is shown to the parlour by Mrs Sappleton's neice, Vera (Ritchie), who entertains the man while he awaits the appearance of his host. Vera tells a story, the terrible tragedy of Mr Sappleton and his sons. He is told how they went out hunting in the marshes, and were lost in a fog three years earlier. Their bodies were never found but the mistress of the house insists that the French doors are left open every day until dusk, preying and hoping that one day they will return.

Mrs Sappleton arrives in the room, and quite blithely references that the doors are left open in expectation of her husband and sons. Nuttell and Vera exchange a knowing look. Tea is served while Mrs Sappleton reads Framton's letter of introduction. As they sit, trying to make polite conversation, Framton notices figures emerging from the mist and heading towards the open doors.

Mrs Sappleton exclaims in surprise and delight, but the look of horror on Framton's face is obvious. He drops his tea cup and leaves the room and house as fast as he can.

When Mr Sappleton enquires after the guest he saw leaving in a hurry, Mrs Sappleton explains that he was visiting the country for his health but that she thought he was an odd man. Vera continues to explain his sudden departure as being caused by the dogs they had with them. She explains that he had spent a terrible night some years ago being chased by a pack of wild dogs. The film finishes with Vera giving the camera a cheeky knowing glance.


Cast


Reference List