Sobieski Stuart the movie...

[Redshank]

David Jason and Nicolas Lyndhurst ?

[Tobus]

....with all due respect, I said "The Merchant-Ivory" treatment, not the "Zucker Brothers" treatment...I wuz thinkin' some of those classy English actors who talk good...

My apologies (although I still think they'd be a pretty good representation!). I must admit I had never heard of the term "Merchant-Ivory" until now. After a quick Google search, it looks like you're referring to Merchant-Ivory Productions which apparently makes films of this description: "a period piece set in the early 20th century, usually in Edwardian England, featuring lavish sets and top British actors portraying genteel characters who suffer from disillusion and tragic entanglements."

With that limitation on the cast (unless you have a better definition of what you mean by "Merchant-Ivory treatment"), I admit to having to clue who to cast. I've not seen any of this company's films.

[Jack Daw]

Jim Broadbent and Allan Corduner (Gilbert & Sullivan in Topsy-Turvy) as the brothers.

[auld argonian]

My apologies (although I still think they'd be a pretty good representation!). I must admit I had never heard of the term "Merchant-Ivory" until now. After a quick Google search, it looks like you're referring to Merchant-Ivory Productions which apparently makes films of this description: "a period piece set in the early 20th century, usually in Edwardian England, featuring lavish sets and top British actors portraying genteel characters who suffer from disillusion and tragic entanglements."

I once again admit to being a bit facetious in the reference to Merchant-Ivory...the thing about them is that they did these remarkable films, just as you describe in the citation, and the films were popular and successful with American audiences much to the chagrin of Hollywood which would never consider material of that type. Thus, I use it as a term to describe a period piece with an obscure subject that would succeed because of its high production standards and the talent of the actors (many of whom were unknown here in the States) involved.

Best

AA

[MacLowlife]

Someone like Jude Law and Matthew Goode, with some meaty support from Michael Gambon - Too bad Robert Altman has gone to the big director's chair in the sky- as has James Ivory's partner, Ismail Merchant. I think the Gosford Park treatment might be just the thing. If you WILL take a comedic suggestion, why not the real life Wilson brothers, with bad fake accents?

[jordanjm]

I think Tom Baker would do a great job in such a role.

[O'Callaghan]

I think Tom Baker would do a great job in such a role.

How about John Pertwee as well (based on his character in the Navy Lark) - two Doctor Whos!

[davidlpope]

I'm thinking Tim Roth, based on his performance in "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead." Rupert Everett has been pretty good as Charles II in several movies. I can see him as the other Sobieski-Stuart.

Cordially,

David

[McMurdo]

How about Alan Cumming and Ewan McGregor?

[jordanjm]

How about John Pertwee as well (based on his character in the Navy Lark) - two Doctor Whos!

I like it.

I think there could be a place should be found for Catherine Tate as well. Another female possibility could be Patricia Routledge.