Iris Murdoch, Professor of Philosophy and celebrated author and her husband, Professor of Literature John Bayley, are guests-of-honour at a banquet at Somerville College. Iris Murdoch gives a brilliantly witty speech and finishes with an Irish folk song, "The Lark in the Clear Air". As she begins to sing, John Bayley''s thoughts wander back to the evening when Iris was first introduced to him at a dinner and he was so taken with her that he choked on his wine. Even back then, she always had a ready wit. Over the next few weeks, John is often reminded of the past, because of Iris'' health, which is beginning to worry him. A medical examination reveals that Iris Murdoch is suffering from Alzheimer''s disease. Iris'' condition worsens and before long, she doesn''t even recognise John any more. Although her illness is sometimes too much of a strain, even for John, the memory of their powerful love for each other nevertheless remains unforgettable.

Directed by
Richard Eyre

Cast
Judi Dench - Iris Murdoch
Jim Broadbent - John Bayley
Kate Winslet - Young Iris Murdoch
Hugh Bonneville - Young John Bayley
Penelope Wilton - Janet Stone
Juliet Aubrey - Young Janet Stone
Samuel West - Young Maurice
Timothy West - Maurice
Eleanor Bron - College Principal
Angela Morant - Hostess

Production Co.
BBC Films
Mirage Enterprises
Scott Rudin Productions

Produced by
Sydney Pollack
Anthony Minghella
Guy East

Studio
Intermedia Films (Munich)
Miramax Records

Writer
Richard Eyre
John Bayley

Music
James Horner