It was a brave venture to adapt Henry James's greatest and most subtle novel for the stage, for as the title suggests it is a character study rather than a drama. What would happen if a young idealistic American girl with a huge appetite for life was given enough money to carry out her generous vision? This chance is given to Isobel Archer, and she  muffs it by marrying a scheming dilettante, as she ultimately realises when she has to affront her destiny, as James calls it....

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