March 26, 1996 -- ``Sense and Sensibility'' one of the most critically-acclaimed films of 1995, finally rolled into Laramie and we got to see what all the fuss was about. The fuss was well-deserved. This is a great film from top to bottom. A classic film based on a classic book by Jane Austen.

Emma Thompson, who stars in the film, also wrote the screenplay. She won an Oscar for her writing work. My wife, who has practically memorized all of Jane Austen's books, said the screenplay was true to the book in most respects and most of the dialogue was lifted from the book verbatim.

Thompson, who plays Elinor Dashwood, anchors the film as the selfless Dashwood daughter with the sense. She does a wonderful job in the role, while Kate Winslet shines in the more showy role as Marianne Dashwood, the one with all that romantic passion (the somewhat archaic meaning of sensibility).

The Dashwood women become poverty stricken when the head of the family dies and English law dictates that the lion's share of the estate goes to his spineless son. The son, manipulated by his wife, fails to keep his promise to his father to take care of his mother and sisters. They have to go begging for a place to stay.

Even though they are poor, the sisters manage to find some opportunity for romance and a series of interesting romantic triangles develop. Even though the 18th century English reserve is far from the norm today, the film is still emotionally powerful, even here in jaded 20th century America.

The supposedly powerful love story in ``Leaving Las Vegas'' pales in comparison to the understated passion in ``Sense and Sensibility.''

A host of fine performances support the great screenplay, photography and editing of the film. Alan Rickman, who usually plays the heavy, does a great job with the sympathetic role of the longsuffering and honorable Col. Brandon. Hugh Grant is good, but seems miscast as Edward Ferrars, who was a stronger character in the book (I'm told). Those with sharp eyes and ears might recognize Robert Hardy of ``All Creatures Great and Small'' in the role of Sir John Middleton. Elizabeth Spriggs, who played Mrs. Jennings, also turns in a sparkling performance in the film.

Director Ang Lee (``Eat, Drink, Man, Woman'' and ``The Wedding Banquet'') does another fine directing job. The costumes, sets and scenery are also first-class. This film rates an A.

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