(Made-for-cable mini series; first broadcast 1/13/02)

An RKO cable movie for A&E based on Booth Tarkington's famous novel and Orson Welles' classic film, the story chronicles the demise of a once prosperous American family in the early years of the 20th century. Bruce Greenwood plays the central role of Eugene Morgan, the man Isabel Amberson should have married. Returning to town 20 years later with his charming daughter Lucy, Eugene is now polished and prosperous from the invention of the automobile, a symbol of the altering American lifestyle that none of the Ambersons can fully accept. Eugene begins to gently woo Isabel after the death of her stolid husband Wilbur, but their second chance at love is once again denied through the manipulations of Isabel's spoiled and jealous son George, who sees Eugene as a threat to all he deems dear, even though he himself is in love with Eugene's daughter.

A nice change of pace for Greenwood, his Eugene is the heroic center of this historic saga, the only completely healthy character along with the daughter he's obviously raised well. The role suits his sensitive style and ethical strength, and capitalizes on both his Byronic charm as well as his silky voice, which is used effectively in voiceovers throughout the film.

The movie was directed by Alfonso Arau from the original Orson Welles script and includes 40 minutes of lost footage from the 1942 released version, which was violently edited against Welles' wishes. Madeleine Stowe co-stars opposite Greenwood as Isabel Amberson, Eugene's lost love, with James Cromwell as her father Major Amberson, William Hootkins as her brother and Jonathan Rhys Meyers as her son George, Eugene's nemesis. Gretchen Mol enacts Eugene's pretty daughter Lucy and Jennifer Tilly plays Isabel's sister-in-law, the desperate spinster Fanny. The movie was filmed entirely in Dublin, Ireland in late 2000.

A video and DVD of the production was released in January 2001 by A&E to coincide with the film's first broadcast. Full information on ordering is available on their website along with an interview and biography of Bruce.

Sound Files from The Magnificent Ambersons

		Young Eugene's apology	12 secs
		Eugene's plea to Isabel	1 min 10 secs
		Eugene's final promise to Isabel	1 min 07 secs