Gosford Park

In November 1932, Sir William McCordle, a prosperous English industrialist, hosts a lavish shooting party at his country estate, Gosford Park. Alongside his wife, Lady Sylvia, and their daughter Isobel, a mix of guests arrives, creating an atmosphere of excitement and intrigue.

The guests include Sylvia's sisters, their spouses, and several notable figures like the famous actor Ivor Novello and American film producer Morris Weissman. As the group gathers, the dynamics among family and friends begin to unfold.

After a sumptuous dinner, a silver carving knife mysteriously goes missing, leading to rising tension among the party staff. Meanwhile, Henry Denton, Weissman's valet, engages in a late-night rendezvous with Lady Sylvia, hinting at deeper secrets among the guests.

Isobel confides in Elsie, urging her to convince Sir William to hire Freddie, who threatens to expose her past affair. Freddie's manipulation becomes a pivotal point in the unfolding drama, casting shadows over Isobel's future.

During a private conversation, Lady Trentham reveals the long-standing rivalry between Sylvia and Louisa, which adds layers of complexity to their relationships. The mention of previous card games for Sir William's affections deepens the intrigue among the women.

As the men go out for pheasant shooting, an incident occurs when a stray shot narrowly misses Sir William, bringing a sense of danger to the weekend's festivities. This near miss foreshadows the chaos that is to follow.

At lunch, Sir William retracts his support for Anthony's business venture, leaving his friend financially devastated. This betrayal amplifies the tensions among the male guests, setting the stage for jealousy and conflict.

During dinner, Lady Sylvia confronts Sir William, leading to Elsie unexpectedly defending him. This moment exposes their secret affair and creates a rift, driving Elsie to leave the room in shame as the atmosphere grows more charged.

In a shocking turn of events, Sir William is brutally stabbed in the library, shortly after the guests gather to listen to Novello play piano. The identity of the murderer remains unknown, cloaked in secrecy and riddles that baffle the remaining guests.

The arrival of Inspector Thompson and Constable Dexter marks the beginning of an investigation into the murder. Their clumsy approach contrasts with the undercurrents of tension that abound among the guests, complicating the search for answers.

As the investigation unfolds, it is revealed that Sir William had been poisoned before his stabbing. This discovery ignites new suspicions and highlights the depths of the betrayal among the guests, complicating the murder mystery.

Isobel attempts to buy Freddie's silence with a cheque, leading to further tensions between Freddie and Mabel. This act propels the drama forward, unraveling hidden motives and alliances among the characters.

In a confrontation with Mary, Robert reveals his motives for becoming Lord Stockbridge's valet were rooted in revenge against Sir William, whom he is revealed to be the illegitimate son of. Their complex relationship offers a window into the darker family secrets that permeate the narrative.

As the tragic weekend draws to a close, guests begin to depart. Tensions remain high, particularly between Isobel and Rupert, whose plotting regarding her inheritance becomes evident.

In a final twist, Lady Trentham reveals Mrs. Wilson's connection to the murder and her link as Robert's mother. The bonds of family and betrayal are laid bare, concluding the weekend with unresolved emotions as Mary and Robert part ways.