Basil (1998): Cast & Plot
Basil is a 1998 romantic drama directed by Radha Bharadwaj, starring Jared Leto as Basil, Derek Jacobi and Carli Fish. It is partly based on Basil by Wilkie Collins and Dorothy Goldman. It runs 1 hour 53 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 53m (113 min)
- Director
- Radha Bharadwaj
- Original language
-
English - After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Basil About?
The premise of Basil without spoilers, adapted from Basil by Wilkie Collins and Dorothy Goldman. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
In early twentieth‑century England, a solitary young aristocrat feels trapped by his domineering, class‑obsessed father. He longs for his father's approval while also attempting to win the affection of the self‑absorbed woman he loves, creating a painful tug‑of‑war between duty and desire.
Basil Cast & Characters
Jared Leto leads the cast as Basil, with Derek Jacobi as Father Frederick and Carli Fish as Young Clara Fairfax. Directed by Radha Bharadwaj; 23 actors are credited in all.
- Director Radha Bharadwaj
-
Jared Leto as Basil -
Derek Jacobi as Father Frederick - Carli Fish as Young Clara Fairfax
- Rachel Pickup as Clara Fairfax
Also Starring in Basil
· 19 more- Michael Lieber Boy with fishing rod
- Crispin Bonham-Carter Ralph
- Christian Slater John Mannion
- Guy Witcher Young John Mannion
- Stephanie Bagshaw Emma Mannion
- Claire Forlani Julia Sherwin
- Maisie Bryceland Sherwin Maid
- Jack Wild Peddler
- David Ross Mr. Sherwin
- Sarah Hadland Windmere House Chambermaid
- Matthew Steer Young Ralph
- Christopher Owen Father Mannion
- Jackson Ellis Leach Young Basil
- Jenny Downham Anna, Ralph's Wife
- Joanna John Mother Agnes
- Georgiana Johnson Young Clara
Show all 23 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Hannah Morris Regent's Park House Maid
- Ann-Louise Grimshaw Knitting Nurse
- Glenn Marks Tramp
Basil Plot Summary
What happens in Basil from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Basil recalls his younger days when he and his ennobled British family live at their Cornwall estate Windermere Hall. His father, Father Frederick, is a firm believer that people should know their place in society. Clara Fairfax is an orphaned daughter of Basil’s father’s friend, and she comes to live with Basil’s family. Basil’s older brother, Ralph, is banished to a distant, derelict family manor in Yorkshire for his transgression with a local girl. Later, Basil is home from Oxford University when he is rescued by a London merchant, John Mannion. Basil comes to think of John as his friend.
Full summary
The whole story of Basil, scene by scene
Basil Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 2 trailers.
- Trailer BASIL (1998) | Official Trailer | 4K
How Well Do You Know Basil?
9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 9
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
What is the name of the estate where Basil's family lives in Cornwall?
Basil Also Known As
5 alternative titles, including “Basils Liebe” and “Бэзил”.
- Also known as
-
- Basils Liebe
- Бэзил
- Átok és bosszú
- 欲望迷宫
- Namiętność i zdrada
Seen Basil?
Basil FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, the book behind it and post-credit scenes of Basil, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Basil?
Basil runs 1 hour 53 minutes (113 minutes).
When was Basil released?
Basil was released on July 22, 1998.
Who directed Basil?
Basil was directed by Radha Bharadwaj.
More films by Radha Bharadwaj Who is in the cast of Basil?
Basil stars Jared Leto as Basil, Derek Jacobi as Father Frederick and Carli Fish as Young Clara Fairfax, among 23 credited actors.
Is Basil based on a book?
Yes. Basil is partly adapted from Basil by Wilkie Collins and Dorothy Goldman.
Does Basil have a post-credit scene?
No. Basil has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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