Although equally verbose and every bit as witty as Hartley, Whit Stillman’s patrician background was in stark contrast to his peer’s Long Island origins. Stillman’s films, up to and including the Irish-filmed Love and Friendship (2016), exude Ivy League sophistication, but view these rarefied worlds with an eye just jaundiced enough to prove subversive.

Metropolitan, his debut, follows a group of Manhattan socialites during debutante season. By chance, they encounter Tom (Edward Clements), and adopt him as one of their own despite his origins in a lower social stratum, leading to a highly entertaining and amusing romantic comedy of manners.

Notes by Kevin Coyne.

Screening as part of the American Independents season.