Based on a novel by Edith Wharton, The House of Mirth is set in the world of the 1905 American elite, who - if this film is anything to go by - were at least as snobbish as their English contemporaries.
Lily Bart (Anderson) is a lady of society. She is beautiful and spends her time indulging in the idle pursuits of the wealthy, such as cards, touring and parties. There is only one problem. Being a woman, she does not have any wealth of her own but must find a husband who is both 'well-bred' enough to be a suitable match and wealthy enough to support her. Without such a husband, Lily is helpless: with no skills with which to gain employment, and barely any education, she has no other way of supporting herself.
Many of the actors do not usually appear in period dramas, but play their roles convincingly. In particular, Anderson excels in evoking sympathy for Lily as a few bad decisions and a lot of bad luck place her in a desperate situation. In addition, Ackroyd and LaPaglia are also impressive.
Visually, the film is a treat, with sumptuous sets and costumes. It is an interesting antidote to similar tales of ladies in high society such as those by Jane Austen, and it shows a far darker side to the perpetual quest by a lady of good standing for a wealthy and respectable husband.