The Duchess

Saul Dibb's foamy adaptation of Amanda Foreman's "Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire" focuses its soft soap attention so much on its leading lady's personal struggles that it all but leaves out the story's broiling 18th century political and social context in favor of lush costumes and well-appointed environs. Keira Knightley is ravishing as Georgiana, the 16-year-old wife to Ralph Fiennes' none-too-loyal William Cavendish, the fifth Duke of Devonshire, who torments her with his blatant affairs and cruel disposition. The Duke goes so far as to take in a daughter he sired with another woman, and present the girl to Georgiana for her to practice mothering duties in preparation for the son he hopes she will deliver. A six-year leap finds Georgiana with two daughters of her own and a burning lust for her old friend and rising politician Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper – "The History Boys"). Although Knightley and Fiennes give worthy performances, their best efforts pale against a prosaic story with little dimension.

(Paramount Vantage) Rated PG-13. 130 mins. (C)