While this side of the Atlantic thankfully remains secure from mad cow disease, the toxic influence of an American…

Cast
Andie MacDowell (Kate)Imelda Staunton (Janine)Anna Chancellor (Molly)Kenny Doughty (Jed)Bill Paterson (Gerald)Caroline Holdaway (Pam)Joe Roberts (Brendan)Josh Cole (Young Police Constable)Gary Powell (Sergeant)Christian Burgess (Kate's Frenchman)Morris Perry (Bishop)Richenda Carey (Lady Governor)Roger Booth (Hearty Governor)Derek Deadman (Little Crematorium Man)Andrew Bicknell (Mr Yacht)Jeremy Gittins (Mr Horse)Timothy Walker (Mr Bundesbank)Louis Hammond (Mr Sensitive)
Director
John McKay
Synopsis
Three 40-something women in a small English town meet weekly for a ritual of gin, cigarettes, and sweets -- and swap stories arguing which of them has the most pathetic love life. Kate is the headmistress at the local school; her best friends are the town's police chief and a cynical, thrice-divorced doctor. When Kate begins a fling with a handsome younger man, less worldly than her friends but passionate and sincere, the other women can't simply be happy for the couple's unusual new romance. In jealousy they promptly take it upon themselves to break up the pair, taking drastic measures which result in unintended outcomes, some happy and some tragic.