Daisy Miller 1974

In the picturesque town of Vevey, Switzerland, Randolph C. Miller, a carefree American youngster, frolicked solo around a hotel, his antics drawing attention from passersby. On the outdoor patio, he approached Frederick Winterbourn, another American expatriate, seeking a lump of sugar. As Annie P. Miller, affectionately known as “Daisy,” strolled onto the scene, parasol in hand, Randolph proudly identified her as his older sister. The charismatic Daisy wasted no time charming Frederick with her effervescent personality, regaling him with stories of their upstate New York roots and impending journey to Italy after their Swiss sojourn. Her non-stop chatter left Frederick little opportunity to respond, but he remained captivated by her radiant charm.

As the days passed, Daisy’s inquisitive nature only intensified, peppering Frederick with questions as they explored Vevey together. Frederick’s aunt, Mrs. Costello, proved a constant thorn in their side, lamenting the Miller family’s perceived lack of refinement and suspecting Daisy’s mother, too, was enamored with their European courier, Eugenio. Frederick confided in her about his plans to visit Chillon Castle with Daisy, only to be reprimanded for his association with the Miller clan.

That night, as they strolled the hotel patio once more, Daisy sensed Frederick’s unease and reassured him that Mrs. Costello’s disapproval was of no consequence. However, when she introduced her mother to Frederick, revealing their impending excursion, Mrs. Miller droned on about reasons why they wouldn’t be visiting Chillon Castle after all. Frederick found himself struggling to interrupt her monologue, much like his earlier conversations with Daisy.

As Eugenio arrived to deliver the crushing news that Daisy would not be permitted to go boating, she departed with her mother and their courier, leaving Frederick to wonder if he’d ever have a chance to explore Italy alongside the charismatic Miller family. The following morning, Frederick and Daisy joined forces once more, racing against time to catch the ferryboat bound for Chillon Castle.

As they explored the ancient fortress together, Frederick shared tales of his own Geneva upbringing and revealed his passion for poetry by reciting a heartfelt verse. Impressed by his talent, Daisy proposed he join their family in Italy as Randolph’s teacher, but Frederick declined, citing his need to return to Geneva. Daisy’s agitation gave way to anger, and she demanded to know if he harbored romantic feelings for someone back in Geneva. Frederick denied the accusation, but her curiosity persisted.

In a calmer tone, she asked him to meet her family when they arrived in Rome, and Frederick agreed. As their journey came full circle, Frederick found himself standing outside his aunt’s new apartment in Rome, reflecting on the serendipitous encounters that had brought him closer to this enigmatic family, whose lives were forever intertwined with his own.

As the whispers of gossip swirl around them, Frederick finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue as he attends a tea party at the esteemed Mrs. Walker’s residence. It is here that he crosses paths with the enigmatic Daisy, whose presence sends shockwaves through the social circle. As the afternoon wears on, Frederick and Daisy grow more intimate, much to the chagrin of their hostess, who becomes increasingly agitated by their flirtatious behavior.

Unbeknownst to them, Mrs. Walker has been watching their every move from afar, her eyes fixed on the trio as they stroll through the park, arm in arm. It is here that she dispatches a messenger to Frederick, entreating him to bring Daisy back to her carriage and put an end to her reckless behavior. But Daisy refuses to be swayed, instead turning to Frederick for guidance. His agreement with Mrs. Walker only serves to further inflame the situation, and Daisy departs with her Italian suitor, Giovanelli, leaving Frederick feeling perplexed.

As the days pass, the whispers of gossip continue to spread like wildfire, fueled by Daisy’s brazen behavior. It is against this backdrop that Frederick finds himself at odds with Mrs. Walker once more, this time as they attend a party at her home. The atmosphere is tense, and it is clear that Daisy’s reputation hangs precariously in the balance.

But Frederick remains undeterred, his admiration for Daisy only growing stronger despite the warnings of those around him. And when he finally catches up to her and Giovanelli, he finds himself blocked by a parasol, a cleverly crafted barrier that prevents him from intervening in their plans.

As the night wears on, Mrs. Miller arrives at the party, apologizing for Daisy’s tardiness before revealing her daughter’s newfound love of music, which has brought her into close proximity with Giovanelli. Later, as the evening draws to a close, Frederick finds himself face to face with Daisy and her Italian suitor, who insists on performing for Mrs. Walker’s guests.

It is here that Frederick warns Daisy of the impropriety of her actions, cautioning her that flirting may be an American custom, but it is not one that is tolerated in European society. But Daisy refuses to listen, instead opting to reunite with Giovanelli and bid adieu to the party.

The consequences of her actions are swift and severe, as Mrs. Walker informs Frederick that Daisy will never again be invited to her home. And when he later visits Daisy at her hotel, he finds himself the object of speculation among the bellboys, who assume him to be just another in a long line of suitors vying for her attention.

As he reflects on their complicated relationship, Frederick is reminded of his aunt’s warnings, and it becomes clear that he must tread carefully if he hopes to navigate the treacherous waters of Daisy’s world.

As the curtain opens on a sun-drenched day at the Millers’ luxurious hotel suite, Frederick finds himself captivated by the melodic harmony of “Pop Goes the Weasel” as Daisy and Giovanelli (piano accompaniment) serenade the space with their lively rendition. Giovanni’s deft fingers dance across the keys as Daisy’s melodious voice soars, mesmerizing Frederick with her radiant presence. Mrs. Miller returns home to find her suspicions piqued about Daisy’s possible engagement to Giovanelli, prompting Frederick’s sudden departure from the suite. Later, Daisy chances upon Frederick taking a solitary stroll and joins him, only to tantalize him by hinting at an engagement before swiftly retraction. As night descends, Frederick confides in his friend Charles within the carriage confines, grappling with the enigma that is Daisy - is she impulsive or blissfully naive? His disquietude grows, prompting him to leave the carriage and make his way home under the stars.

As fate would have it, he stumbles upon Daisy and Giovanelli at the ancient Colosseum, where Frederick chastises Giovanelli for exposing her to the notorious Roman flu. Daisy’s ire is piqued by Frederick’s scolding, prompting her hasty departure. At the opera house, a chorus of gossiping women reveals to Frederick that Daisy has fallen prey to the very same illness she had been warned about. Days later, Frederick pays a somber visit to the Millers’ hotel suite, where he learns from Mrs. Miller that Giovanelli has vanished since Daisy’s illness and is informed by Daisy herself (in a final, poignant message) that she was never engaged to begin with.

In the aftermath of her passing, Frederick finds himself among the mournful assembly at Daisy’s funeral, joined by the bereaved Giovanelli, Mrs. Miller, and Randolph. As the veil of reality settles over the gathering, Giovanelli imparts a telling truth: Daisy remained forever innocent, never destined to marry him or anyone else. In a poignant moment of introspection, Frederick shares his regrets with his aunt, acknowledging the regrettable manner in which he treated the lovely Daisy during her lifetime.