Charles Wood

Adapted from the memoirs of literary critic John Bayley, the film recounts his courtship of and long marriage to British novelist Iris Murdoch. The scenario tacks back and forth from the young Iris--ready to seduce one and all with her coy command of words and sex appeal--to the elder Iris--slowly giving way to the cruel erasure of Alzheimer's.

Memento mori: A mild-manner doctor is accused to poisoning his manic-depressive wife. Care in the community: Kavanagh takes on a case involving a dead infant and two unfit parents. Briefs trooping gaily: Kavanagh must defend a woman who insists that she is guilty as charged of murdering her husband.