Princess Caraboo Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

Princess Caraboo Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 20, 2020

While a forgettable offering from 1994, “Princess Caraboo” is best known as the final major film role for actress Phoebe Cates before she entered retirement (popping up in a small role for 2001’s “The Anniversary Party,” doing a favor for pal Jennifer Jason Leigh). Making a splash in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Gremlins,” Cates struggled to find success as the 1990s began, ending up in “Drop Dead Fred,” which is either one of the worst movies of 1991 or a grossly misunderstood cult classic. You make the call. Cates made one more play at starring power with “Princess Caraboo,” giving her an interesting challenge of non-verbal communication, portraying a foreign woman in 19th century England who arrives with her own secret language. Cates does well in the role, even without much dialogue to work with, supported by a cast of talents who really give the material (which is based on a true story) some thespian muscle. It’s the overall direction of the plot that’s problematic, with co-writer/director Michael Austin weirdly watering down the farcical potential of the project, aiming to create a soggy romance instead.

Emerging from the fields one afternoon is Caraboo (Phoebe Cates), a woman of unknown origin who speaks in an indeterminate language. Instead of being charged as a beggar, Caraboo finds a home with Banker Worrall (Jim Broadbent) and his caring wife, Mrs. Worrall (Wendy Hughes), who shows special interest in the stranger. Offering her comfort and clothes, Mrs. Worrall hopes to understand Caraboo, who’s marked as a fraud by butler Frixos (Kevin Kline). Interested in the estate happenings is journalist Gutch (Stephen Rea), who doesn’t have a friendly relationship with Mr. Worrall, but is willing to put grudges aside for a chance to examine Caraboo, looking for cracks in her possible scam. Realizing the potential of such a unique person in the household, Mr. Worrell offers Caraboo to high society while trying to gain entrance into the lucrative spice trade. Gutch remains skeptical, embarking on his own investigation with experts and possible acquaintances, hoping to expose a charlatan he’s gradually falling in love with.

“Princess Caraboo” opens as a mystery, with the titular woman popping up out of nowhere, catching a ride with farmers to the town of Almondsbury. She doesn’t speak English, barely communicating with others as she tries to make her way across the country, ending up in the care of the Worrell Family. The initial fun of the movie is found with early analysis, watching Mrs. Worrell try to learn more about Caraboo’s origin, making small breakthroughs with the guest as she shares pieces of her language, including writing samples. Her nationality is the central question mark of the screenplay (co-written by John Wells), with her headwear hinting at Turkish descent, her writing resembling Chinese characters, and there’s the presence of tribal tattoos on her upper thighs, possibly connecting her to Polynesian travel. “Princess Caraboo” devotes the first half of the feature to clues and the stranger’s odd behavior, giving Cates an opportunity to portray a character primarily through body language, including attention on the waving of rigid hands. It’s an interesting performance from an actress who rarely pursued profoundly dramatic roles (or perhaps wasn’t permitted to score them by small-minded Hollywood gatekeepers).

The question of Caraboo becomes a group effort soon enough, with Gutch joining the narrative. The arrogant journalist is taken with the stranger’s lack of origin story, setting out to expose someone he feels is a highly trained fraud. Such doubt gives the supporting cast plenty to play with, with Kline slicing some ham as Frixos, a Greek butler who devotes plenty of energy to cracking Caraboo’s exterior, only to find her protective of his invasive meddling. John Lithgow provides a blast of theatricality as Professor Wilkinson, an Oxford language specialist who stays with the Worrells for a few days, slowly losing his professionalism around the beguiling woman, especially when he desires to inspect her tattoos.

The whole ensemble has something to do in “Princess Caraboo,” with Hughes able to add warmth to the production, and Broadbent has a grand old time playing a loud drunk and a handsy lord of the manor. The writing eventually moves away from the mystery aspects of the new arrival, who’s submitted to high society as an exotic object, boosting the Worrell’s presence. They transform her into royalty, following the sketchy details of her heritage, sending Caraboo into the predatory community. The feature’s snap is lost in the second half, which gets bogged down in regal connections and Gutch’s gradual melt when considering the fate of Caraboo if he were to discover something unsavory about her. Also pushed aside in the back nine of the movie is its sense of humor, with wily behavior from easily overwhelmed men replaced by mundane games of power and influence. There are times in the early going of “Princess Caraboo” where it seems like the effort is going to explode into slapstick, but it merely teases such behavior, with the script growing more concerned with dramatic legitimacy as outsiders get closer to Caraboo’s personal history.

Princess Caraboo Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from an older scan of "Princess Caraboo," offering a softer look at the particulars of the period production. Facial surfaces aren't exact, lacking deeper textures to fully examine decay on certain characters, but the basics in makeup are understood. The same goes for interiors, which don't provide a crisp tour of decoration, but elements of wealth and festive events are passably defined. Exteriors supply slightly hazy dimension. Costuming is also appreciable without ideal sharpness. Colors are aged, though primaries are acceptable, displayed through ornate English outfits and more exotic hues for Caraboo. Greenery is comfortable. Skintones seem a bit bloodless at times. Mild clipping is also detected. Delineation is adequate. Grain is slightly chunky. Source is in good condition, with some periodic speckling.

Princess Caraboo Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix supplies a basic listening event, keeping dialogue exchanges clear as performances manage different accents and Caraboo provides unique sounds as her special communication. Scoring cues enjoy satisfactory instrumentation, with orchestral moods comfortable and communicative as the tale goes from comedy to drama. Operatic performances are also distinct. Atmospherics are mild, with some party bustle and outdoor interactions. Room tone, with the production entering cavernous areas, is understood.

Princess Caraboo Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Home Video Promo (1:30, SD) and a Theatrical Trailer (2:11, SD) are included.

Princess Caraboo Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Princess Caraboo" doesn't always come across complete, with a few instances of sloppy editing hinting at subplots that were hastily trimmed to downplay the more madcap elements of the endeavor. The production push to romance with Gutch is also awkward, repositioning the movie as a date night option when it often seems like a filmed play. While based on a strange story, "Princess Caraboo" eventually sheds all oddity to become conventional, wasting a talented cast as the whole effort goes frustratingly flat. But there's still Cates, and it's worth a watch to see the actress's last stand on the big screen, managing a starring role that requires something different from her, becoming a memorable centerpiece to a forgettable feature.