Englishman Who Went Up A Hill [But Came Down A Mountain], The MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: +2

Along with an associate, Mr. Reginald Anson (Hugh Grant), a young English map maker, has been assigned the seemingly choice task of measuring the beautiful mountains in Wales during World War I. However, in one small village now occupied by only women, children and the very old, Mr. Anson runs into trouble. The citizens are shocked to learn that a nearby "mountain" may indeed be only a hill. If the mountain measures less than 1,000 feet, it will be designated a hill and left off the surveyor's map. Considering this a high insult from the English, the Welsh countrymen band together against the very proper Mr. Anson and his associate. Led by George (Colm Meaney), the village barkeep, and Rev. Jones, the local minister, the townspeople come up with a fanciful scheme to make their hill a mountain. And the whole village goes to work on it. During this time, Mr. Anson meets Betty (Tara Fitzgerald), an attractive woman who takes an interest in him. The result is a wonderfully funny movie, full of beautiful scenery and outlandish characters.

Included in the film's very positive story line is the message of working together against high odds. Also, the local pastor, though comical at times, is portrayed as a passionate Christian loved by the community. To some extent, he is able to reach out to George, the black sheep barkeep of the town. There are several hells and damns in the dialogue and some exclamatory profanities, but no obscenities. Also, the dialogue contains some subtle sexual innudendos, and, at one time, George suggestively touches Betty's breasts while talking to her. On two occasions, sexual activity is implied, but it is not condoned. And one night Reginald and Betty spend a few hours on the mountain top, but it is not clear whether sexual activity takes place. Most of the villagers are decent, church-going folks, a far cry from most movie characters today. Though it has some flaws, THE ENGLISHMAN is one of the better foreign films to have arrived in America lately.

Preview Reviewer: Greg Wilson
Distributor: Miramax Films, 18 E. 48th St., NY, NY 10017