Stiff Upper Lips

Stiff Upper Lips

Year: 1998

Runtime: 99 mins

Language: English

Director: Gary Sinyor

Comedy

Stiff Upper Lips is a parody of British period cinema, lampooning the Merchant‑Ivory films of the 1980s and early 1990s. It specifically spoofs titles such as A Room with a View, Chariots of Fire, Maurice and A Passage to India, while generally mocking Edwardian tropes of propriety, sexual repression, xenophobia and class snobbery.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Stiff Upper Lips yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Stiff Upper Lips (1998)

Trace every key event in Stiff Upper Lips (1998) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Introduction at Ivory's End

Emily Ivory, a wealthy young woman living with her Aunt Agnes at Ivory's End, is nearing spinsterhood at age 22. Her Aunt hopes she will find love, and Emily interacts with her brother's best friend Cedric Trilling. The setting establishes the upper-class environment and Emily's social status.

1908 Ivory's End, England
2

Meeting Cedric Trilling

Emily meets Cedric Trilling, her brother's friend from university, and Aunt Agnes encourages romantic feelings between them. Cedric, however, is characterized as a pompous and repressed man, often quoting Homer and displaying no real romantic interest.

Ivory's End, England
3

Aunt Agnes's Travel Plan

Seeing the lack of romantic sparks, Aunt Agnes takes the family on trips to Italy and India, hoping exotic locations will inspire love and romance among her niece and the others. This represents her desire to catalyze romantic developments.

Italy, then India
4

Emily's Encounter with George

During her adventures, Emily's eye is caught by George, the family's new manservant, who previously saved her life by rescuing her from drowning. His tall, rugged demeanor and physical strength captivate her and lead to a romantic connection.

Ivory's End, England
5

Romance and Pregnancy

Emily and George develop a passionate relationship, resulting in her pregnancy. Despite societal disapproval, Emily considers giving the child to George's father to avoid scandal. George is shocked by her proposal, emphasizing their social divide.

Ivory's End, England
6

George's Response to Parenthood

George is appalled by Emily's suggestion to give away the child and humorously suggests abandoning it to pirates, wolves, or mountain life. This highlights George's protective instincts and their struggle with class expectations.

7

Cedric's Romantic Discovery

Cedric finds love with Edward, Emily's cheerful brother. Their relationship is kept secret because of the era's taboos, but during Emily's wedding, Edward boldly declares their love in front of everyone, denouncing societal constraints.

Church
8

Aunt Agnes's Romance

Aunt Agnes, inspired by her own romantic pursuit, meets an expatriate Englishman who owns a tea plantation in India. Her encounter signifies a hopeful new beginning and the theme of love transcending social barriers.

India
9

Resolution and Future Promises

Despite class differences, societal taboos, and age prejudices, the characters appear poised for fulfilling and happy lives. The film concludes with an optimistic outlook for love and contentment for all characters involved.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:14

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Romances that Defy Social Rules like in Stiff Upper Lips

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves characters trapped by expectations—of class, family, or profession—who find a forbidden connection. Their journey is one of gradual defiance, leading to a climactic rejection of the oppressive system and a happy ending that validates personal freedom and authentic love.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific vibe: the delightful tension of romance unfolding within a comically rigid world. The focus is on the upbeat, defiant energy of characters overcoming absurd obstacles, resulting in a feel-good experience that prioritizes emotional fulfillment over harsh drama.

Unlock the Full Story of Stiff Upper Lips

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Stiff Upper Lips Summary

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Stiff Upper Lips Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Stiff Upper Lips

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Stiff Upper Lips. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Stiff Upper Lips

Stiff Upper Lips Spoiler-Free Summary

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Stiff Upper Lips Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Stiff Upper Lips

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