I began the book, I Capture the Castle twice. I really was intrigued by the cover and blurbs for this novel, but I had a hard time keeping interested. Finally, I gave up and watched the movie instead.

Dodie Smith wrote a fine novel, but the 2003 film allowed me to finish the story of a highly eccentric family set in 1930s England. The film narrates the story of the Mortmains, a family of kooky characters struggling to survive in a decaying castle in England. Romola Garai plays Cassandra Mortmain, the protagonist, while Bill Nightly gives an outstanding performance as the father, a washed-up author struggling with writer’s block. The beautiful Rose Bryne plays Cassandra’s sister who is intent on “landing” a titled husband to bring the family out of its ruined financial state.

The comedic film deals with communication conflict both among the family members and the romantic relationships of the two oldest sisters. Roger Ebert, the Chicago Sun film critic gave the film 3 1/2 stars, describes the Mortmains as the tale of “a sublimely impractical family given to dramatic outbursts, ” who are “behind on the rent, short on food money [who are becoming] increasingly desperate.”

When the sons and heirs of the castle arrive on the scene and find the family squatting in the castle, the fun begins. This film does have brief scenes of nudity, but otherwise, it is a family film.