Based on the novel by Evelyn Waugh. Tony and Brenda Last (James Wilby and Kristen Scott Thomas) appear to be the perfect married couple – with money, position, a great country house and an adored son, John Andrew.
A HANDFUL OF DUST
When Tony inadvertently invites John Beaver (Rupert Graves), an idle and penniless young socialite, to stay for the weekend, he sets in motion a series of events which drastically disrupts the course of all their lives.
Brenda drifts into an affair with the worthless Mr. Beaver, with disastrous consequences, particularly for Tony, who remains unaware of Brenda’s betrayal until the tragic death of their young son. As Brenda leaves home to take up a precarious life with her lover in London, Tony sets sail with an eccentric explorer on an expedition to the South American rain forests.
Lost in the jungle and stricken by fever, Tony is rescued from death by the eccentric half-caste Mr. Todd (Alec Guinness), with unexpected and sinister results.
CAST
James Wilby …. Tony Last
Kristin Scott Thomas …. Brenda Last
Rupert Graves …. John Beaver
Anjelica Huston …. Mrs. Rattery
Judi Dench …. Mrs. Beaver
Alec Guinness …. Mr. Todd
Richard Beale …. Ben
Jackson Kyle …. John Andrew
Norman Lumsden …. Ambrose
Jeanne Watts …. Nanny
Kate Percival …. Miss Ripon
Richard Leech …. Doctor
Roger Milner …. Vicar
Tristram Jellinek …. Richard Last
Pip Torrens …. Jock
Beatie Edney …. Marjorie
Stephen Fry …. Reggie
Graham Crowden …. Mr. Graceful
John Quentin …. Brenda’s Solicitor
Timothy Bateson …. MacDougal
Moyra Fraser …. Mrs. Northcote
Marsha Fitzalan …. Polly Cockpurse
Annabel Brooks …. Daisy
Tamsin Olivier …. Veronica
CREW
Charles Sturridge …. Director
Jeffrey Taylor…. Executive Producer
Nick Elliott…. Executive Producer
Derek Granger …. Producer
Tim Sullivan …. Writer
David Wimbury …. Line producer
George Fenton …. Original Music
Peter Hannan …. Cinematographer
Peter Coulson …. Film Editor
Celestia Fox …. Casting
Eileen Diss …. Production designer
Chris Townsend …. Production designer
Jane Robinson …. Costume Design