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Robertson Davies commented, "The drama may be called that part of theatrical art which lends itself most readily to intellectual discussion." There are truly few more enjoyable pastimes than being transported to a distant time and surrounded by breathtaking castle views and lavishly costumed characters. Period films in particular have gained recognition and popularity in recent years, exemplified in the resurgence of screen adaptations of the works of Jane Austen, Henry James, E.M. Forster, and William Shakespeare. So why do modern audiences, who live in the dizzying age of cell phones, fax machines, and the Internet, resonate with films depicting bygone eras? Perhaps we yearn for the innocence and gentility of the past. Period films, many of which are adapted from literature, tend to present more developed and complex characters than the slick, one-dimensional heroes of the modern blockbuster. Without the need for dazzling special effects and complicated action sequences, period dramas are free to explore the deeper issues of life that are often lost in our age of mass e-mails and fast-paced lifestyles.

Eras of Elegance is the site for period film enthusiasts. Our list of period movies by era is the most comprehensive list on the Internet. Find lighthearted comedies, heart-wrenching tragedies, swashbuckling adventures, suspenseful mysteries, or sentimental romances in any period of history. Moreover, the stories behind the movies have captured our imaginations for years. Our in-depth, behind-the-scenes pages contain fun facts, insightful interviews, and more about our favorite period movies. For example, find out how a bowl of seafood chowder resulted in director James Cameron having to shut down production for a day during the "Titanic" shoot. Or read about Colin Firth's reactions to "Darcymania" after the success of the 1995 "Pride and Prejudice" miniseries. And beyond the world of film, Eras of Elegance offers plenty of information on television shows and live plays set in various historical eras too.