Who can be expected to act sensibly when provided with the recent glut of Oscar-caliber historic films? This is research at its very best.

In "Restoration" (best art direction and costume design), Robert Downey, Jr. plays Merrivale, a physician who gets into the good graces of King Charles II by saving his sick spaniel. Recognizing Merrivale for the forelock tugging toady that he is, the King has him marry his mistress in order to waylay suspicions about their affair. Trouble is, Merrivale falls in love with her. While set during the same period, "Restoration" is not about King Charles' return to the throne, but rather the restoration of Merrivale's beliefs and sense of self worth. Regardless of the plot, "Restoration" is a feast for the eyes. Downey looks suitably grubby in some scenes, his teeth a tribute to 17th-century dentistry, while at other times he is tricked out in period wig, silks, boots and other finery. Of course, researchers of romantic history will have to see the film twice-once to take in the whole, again to concentrate upon period details.

More popularly, Miss Jane Austen is alive and well in the spirit of Emma Thompson who picked up an Oscar for best screenplay adaption of Austen's "Sense and Sensibility." Not only are the current spate of Austen-based films entertaining in the extreme, they provide answers to the prayers of Regency aficionados everywhere. Thompson's "Sense and Sensibility" brings the Regency to glorious life. And while anyone can produce a period film, complete with costumes, carriages and the English countryside, Thompson succeeds in masterfully playing up the romantic aspects of the plot. Every romance author worth her salt should take note of the subtle nuances, subdued signs which speak of overpowering emotion.

After being so long separated from the rakish Willoughby, Marianne Dashwood spies him at a London entertainment. She wears a formal dress, her hair dressed to perfection and holds the necessary fan in a gloved hand. It is evident that she knows the rule of proper decorum-a lady must never behave in a forward fashion, or draw undue attention to herself. Yet, upon seeing Willoughby across the very crowded room, Marianne's pent up emotions are such that she dispenses with every rule of Regency etiquette. She calls out to him, causing heads to turn, and rushes to his side. Loving Willoughby desperately causes her to make a spectacle of herself and this single breach of decorum is more telling than one thousand words of description or dialogue. In addition, Thompson as Elinor Dashwood becomes enamored of Edward Ferrars, played by Hugh Grant. Knowing Edward is engaged to someone else, Elinor tries to convince herself that she is over him. When at last it becomes clear that Edward is no longer spoken for, Elinor, so relieved at the news, can only break down and sob. While this is an authentic period reaction on Elinor's part, the depth of her emotion transcends history and speaks powerfully to 20th-century hearts.

Romance authors will also do well to note how the hero's emotions are presented. Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon, quietly in love with Marianne, speaks the most telling, the most romantic line in this film. As Marianne lies in her sickroom, close to death, Elinor is startled to find Colonel Brandon in the corridor outside. "What can I do?" he asks. Elinor replies, "Colonel, you have done so much already." To which the Colonel, looking her steadily in the eye, responds painfully, "Give me an occupation, Miss Dashwood, or I shall run mad." There is no gnashing of teeth or overt signs of angst. Yet in most elegant Regency-speak, Captain Brandon most eloquently conveys his sense of deep frustration.

As many readers insist on having their heroines, a) control vast fortunes, b) possess extensive estates, and, c) live life as they darn well please, "Sense and Sensibility" injects some reality. The circumstances the Dashwood sisters found themselves in upon their father's death was the norm. It should be remembered that women's lives were ruled by the men in their families, upon whose fate their own rested. Many females found themselves dependent upon the kindness of strangers, or living in near poverty, when there were no male relatives providing for them.

An added bonus is Thompson's book, THE SENSE AND SENSIBILITY SCREENPLAY AND DIARIES. Chock full of photos, it is a glorious tribute to both Austen and the Regency. While the diary portion, kept by Thompson during the filming, is gossipy and a treat to read, it is the working script that will prove immensely helpful to romance writers. Note the turns of phrase and, more importantly, what is allowed to be spoken of and what is not according to the period.

Well, what are you doing standing about? There's research to do. Hie thee to the movies and watch the centuries unfold.

Recommended Title:

• THE SENSE AND SENSIBILITY SCREENPLAY AND DIARIES by Emma Thompson