Product Details

• Actors: Joan Plowright, Mia Farrow, Natasha Richardson, Adrian Dunbar, Jim Broadbent
• Directors: John Irvin
• Writers: Hugh Leonard
• Producers: Jo Manuel, Julian Schlossberg, Michael White, Prudence Farrow, Steven D. Mackler
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: New Line Home Video
• VHS Release Date: April 16, 1996
• Run Time: 101 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6303980414
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #262,410 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

In this quaint Irish comedy about a remote town run by the large number of widows, who are led by the monarchical Mrs. Counihan (Joan Plowright), Natasha Richardson is a newly arrived English widow who brings sex appeal and the possibility of mischief when she starts courting Counihan's befuddled son (Adrian Dunbar). This sets in motion a mystery akin to an Agatha Christie tale, led by suspicious Mia Farrow. The setup is fine and the acting first-rate, but the final act forces its hand far too soon. What starts off as an accessible film turns into a prize only for those who liked Enchanted April and similar movies. --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

76 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We Want It On DVD!, January 8, 2003

By 

Irish Flair (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Widows Peak [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is a top rate murder-comedy that more movies should be like. Think of the movie "Clue" only in Ireland.

OK... so the main performers are mostly English with an American thrown in for good measure -- still, it's set in Ireland with many talented Irish actors involved and the humor is as Irish as it gets! ("Back that at 8 to 1, ya bollix.") Each non-Irish actor is thoroughly convincing though and I had no clue that Natasha Richardson wasn't born in America her accent is that good!

The movie itself is set in Ireland with all the beautiful rolling hills, quaint towns (Inistioge? Help me out, people...) and scenic lakes that country has to offer. I can watch this movie over and over for the background alone - and often do. The twist had the end is one you'll never see coming which makes the movie that much the better.

If you love great acting, Ireland, mystery and a good laugh then watch this film. And be sure to bug New Line Studios for a DVD version!!

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent comedic mystery... on an Excellent DVD, April 24, 2005

By 

dooby - See all my reviews

This review is from: Widows' Peak (DVD)

This excellent comedic mystery takes a dig at the social hypocrisy permeating small town life in 1920s Ireland. Into their prim and proper society, a mystery, a scandal and even a murder descends. In the little lakeside town of Kilshannon, a group of widows lord it over the townsfolk. Led by Mrs. Counihan (Joan Plowright), they hold themselves apart from the town's men and others of lesser ilk. Their life is turned upside down with the arrival of a young English widow (Natasha Richardson) who instantly ensnares the Matriach's only son. But one of the clique, Miss O'Hare (Mia Farrow) holds an instant dislike to the new arrival. What lies behind the mysterious animosity between the two. What hold does the penniless, tart-tongued Miss O'Hare have over the rest of the widows? Will their mutual antipathy lead to murder? As an oh-so-genteel, parlour mystery it works deliciously. Savour the final twist at the end.

This DVD release from New Line Entertainment is one of the most beautiful transfers I've seen in a long while. The original photography of the Irish countryside, resplendant in greens and blues is exquisitely rendered in this transfer. Colors are gorgeously rich and natural. Black levels are perfect. The level of fine detail is revelatory. It's a joy just to watch the scenery unfold onscreen. It is presented in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 (enhanced for widescreen TV). Soundwise we are given a choice of 5.1 DTS, Dolby 5.1, and the original Dolby Stereo. All in, an absolutely admirable release from New Line. Definitely worth the asking price.

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Worth Watching, June 24, 2003

By 

Bruce Kendall "BEK" (Southern Pines, NC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Widows Peak [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Don't give up on this film. There may be several times where you may want to, but trust me, there will be a pay off and a great ending, should you ride it out.

That and the fact that this is a cast you just can't assemble these days! Excelllence all around. Acting. Screenplay. Directing. Just get it! Or if you don't get it, you really don't "get it."
BEK