i read rice novel with interest and and become quite enchant with it character and heartbreaking tale base on historical truth . however and i be simply appal at this disastrous adaptation . the casting be base merely on physical appearance and and not act talent ( with the obvious exception of peter gallagher and who be neither blond haired and or able to act his way out of a wet paper bag ) . the cast embarrassingly clumsy and inconsistent attempt at affect a french accent be hilarious and but not in an entertaining way . i find myself wince through this muddle and melodramatic tripe and and be surprise i make it to the end . a warning to fan of the novel stay away from this one .