The Abduction Club [DVD]

From Stefan Schwartz, the director of SHOOTING FISH, comes this romantic-comedy period piece inspired by real-life events in 18th-century Ireland. Byrne (Daniel Lapaine) and Strang (Matthew Rhys) are two young and handsome noblemen from wealthy Irish families in search of equally wealthy brides who can guarantee their financial futures. Unfortunately, the laws of the time dictate that family fortunes pass on to the eldest sons, leaving both Byrne and Strang penniless and unable to attract the rich society ladies they desire. To remedy the problem, the lads form a clandestine "abduction club" whose modus operandi is to kidnap young heiresses and persuade them into marriage. The solution seems promising until Byrne and Strang target the headstrong Kennedy sisters--beautiful and intelligent Catherine (Alice Evans) and her feisty younger sister Anne (Sophia Myles)--resulting in a swashbuckling slapstick comedy where the lines of conquest and romance aren't quite what they seem.