SQUIRE'S LOVES

Switzerland, 1979, 100 minutes, Colour.
Directed by Wilfrid Bolliger.

A Swiss romantic comedy, beautifully photographed, using Swiss locations and elegance. It is a 19th century story of a squire who has never married. looking back over the memories of his life, inviting the women in his life - these have now married - to a dinner. Each thinks she is the only one invited. There are ironies when they all meet each other and have to decide whom the squire should marry.

The film is made with style, elegance, a leisurely pace. The cast is Swiss although there is a guest performance by Italian actress, Alida Valli as the squire's maid. An interesting example of Swiss film-making of the late seventies.

1. The attraction of period romantic comedy? Style and elegance? The leisurely humour, satire?

2. The colour photography, the decor, clothes, music? The atmosphere of the period and Swiss elegance?

3. The structure of the film: the story of Salomon - his arranging the day for the visit of the ladies, the memory of each of the ladies individually and the cumulative build-up of Salomon's life? The irony that he did not marry? The arrival of each of the ladies, the parallels in style of their arrival, introduction, meeting each other? Their discussion and choice about his marriage? Their leaving? The audience invited to participate in the experience, the gamesmanship?

4. A classic 19th century story adapted for the screen? The literary background of the story, the literary style of the film?

5. The portrait of Salomon - the squire and his position, middle age, the collusion with his maid and the plans for the ladies' visit? His memories, his dreams? Fantasy and reality? The five women in his life? His aunt and her influence? His friends? The decisions that he made and their reasons? Middle age, acting as squire, memories of his work as artist, the military training?

6. The atmosphere of humour, pranks? The servants and their work in preparing the banquet? Marianne and her preparation of the would-be bride? her control in the household?

7. What was Salomon left with at the end? The narrator's comment about his behaviour, the effect on him? Ilis looking at the day and its ending? A future?

8. The portrait of each of the ladies? their background, their attractiveness, their attraction towards Salomon, romance, their families, their unwillingness to commit themselves to Salomon? Salome, Figoura, Hildegard, Agleya, Barbara? The characteristies they had in common: beauty, position, the possibilities of being a squire's lady? Their romantic attitudes, coldness?

9. The picture of society, pastjimes, art, enjoyment, politics?

10. Marianne and the young maid as the options for Salomon's bride? The ladies and their discussions and what they revealed of themselves and their attitudes? Their final option? The joke being played on them with the young maid being a boy?

11. Gentle and satiric insight into human nature? The role of the sexes? The nature of romance, love, commitment? The atmosphere of regret at the end of the film?