The Wings of the Dove (1997 film)

The Wings of the Dove is a 1997 U.S.British drama film directed by Iain Softley and starring Helena Bonham Carter, Linus Roache, and Alison Elliott. The screenplay by Hossein Amini is based on the 1902 novel of the same name by Henry James. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards and five BAFTAs, recognizing Bonham Carters performance, the screenplay, costume design and the cinematography.

One day, Kate is introduced by Lord Mark to the wealthy and outgoing American orphan and heiress Milly Theale Alison Elliott, who is on an extended trip through Europe with her best friend Susan Stringham Elizabeth McGovern, and the cynical Kate is captivated by Millys beauty, openness, and amusement at the conventions of society. Milly invites Kate to accompany her and Susan to Venice. Prior to their departure, Milly meets Merton, with whom she is smitten, and she asks him to join them as well.Lord Mark secretly reveals to Kate that Milly is terminally ill and that he desires Kate but has to marry Milly to avoid losing his estates. Knowing Milly is repulsed by Lord Marks crudity, she decides to emulate his scheme and persuade Merton to woo Milly she fully expects Millys generous nature will lead her to include Merton in her will, making him wealthy enough to satisfy her aunt and allow them to marry. He despises her scheme but cant resist the opportunity to be in Venice with Kate. Kate becomes so jealous of the genuine affection growing between Merton and Milly that she lures him away one night, abandoning Milly in a crowd. Milly confronts her the next morning and Kate realizes she must leave, without warning Merton, if her scheme is to succeed. What neither she nor Merton anticipate is how things will change when she is gone. ........

Source: Wikipedia