*Casablanca US Amazon DVD
This timeless romantic drama starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, is set during World War II and follows the story of an American expat who must choose between his love for a woman and helping her Czech Resistance leader husband escape from the Vichy-controlled city of Casablanca. click here
*Lady Chatterley's Lover UK NETFLIX
A historical romantic drama that follows the story of Lady Chatterley, an aristocrat who is married to a wheelchair-bound husband who was injured in WWI. She engages in a passionate affair with a gamekeeper on her husband's estate, discovering intimacy and desire she never thought possible.
*Outlander UK Prime Video Starz
This historic costume drama series was a surprise to me and out of my usual oeuvre. It follows a combat nurse recovering from the war as she travels with her husband to Scotland and is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743. Lost and with her life threatened she finds herself under the protection of the local Laird and is forced to marry young Jaimie Fraser, a romantic and chivalrous Scottish warrior. What appears to be the makings of a cliched romance novel is actually a very well-written and addictive series with great characters and a beautiful love story. Over seven seasons, it traces their lives against the backdrop of English/Scottish history and the early beginnings of the American colonies. Starring Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe. Based on the novels of Diana Gabaldon.
*Pride & Prejudice UK BRITBOX
This popular romantic drama based on Jane Austen's novel stars Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth as swoon worthy Mr. Darcy. The film depicts the story of Elizabeth Bennet, her four sisters, and their romantic entanglements in Georgian England. As they approach the all-important marrying age two wealthy, but socially out of their league, suiters appear on the horizon, young Mr. Bingley and the proud Mr. Darcy. Can they each overcome their pride and prejudice? Let the games begin!
*In the Mood for Love Hong Kong Prime Video
This beautifully nuanced romantic drama, starring Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung portrays the story of a man and a woman against the backdrop of 1960's Hong Kong, who form a strong bond after suspecting their spouses of extramarital activities, yet agree to keep their bond platonic so as not to be like their unfaithful partners. Written and directed by Kar Wai Wong.
*Victoria UK PBS Passport
The romance between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert is legendary. This lavish BBC production
traces the early beginning of their relationship and through their lives together. click here
*Poldark UK PBS Passport Prime Video
This popular British romantic drama series based on the novels by Winston Graham follows the life of Captain Ross Poldark as he returns from the American War of Independence to his beloved Cornwall to find his inheritance gone and his world in ruins. This series has all of the classic elements - a rugged hero, great scenery, well-written stories, and an eternal love triangle. click here
*Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction Denmark NETFLIX
A Danish romantic comedy period drama about a love connoisseur who is appointed to teach
the Grand Duchess's timid son the intricacies of seduction, finding himself in a scandal and an
unexpected romance. click here
*The Lady with the Black Veil Italy PBS Passport
The story of Clara Grandi who was coerced into an arranged upper-class marriage, and after a series of tragic events, is presumed dead. She returns to her home hidden behind a black veil to unmask the person who sent her life into a spiral and set right the wrongs of the past.
*Before Sunrise US Prime Video
In this heartfelt romantic drama, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke star in the first film in Richard Linklater's Trilogy. The French art student and American tourist, meet on a train bound for Budapest and decide to stop off in Vienna. They spend the night roaming the city and exploring the enchantment of new love knowing they only have a few hours and may never meet again. click here
*Bright Star UK Prime Video
A biographical romantic drama about the last three years of the life of poet John Keats and his romantic relationship with Fanny Brawne, which was cut short by Keats' untimely death at the age of 25.
*Love Again US Prime Video
All hearts for Sam Heughan and Priyanka Chopra as they star in this bittersweet American romantic comedy-drama about a young woman who tries to ease the pain of her fiancé's death by sending romantic texts to his old cell phone number, forming a connection with the man who now has that number. click here
BOOKS
*Poldark
by Winston Graham click here
*Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon click here
*Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen click here
*Lady Chatterley's Lover
*Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction
by Karen Blixen click here
