The British author E.M. Forster (1879–1970) published five novels during his lifetime, four of which were made into films within ten years: “A Passage to India” (1924) in 1984, “A Room with a View” (1908) in 1985, “Where Angels Fear to Tread” (1905) in 1991 and “Howards End” (1910) in 1992. Only “The Longest Journey” from 1907 has not yet been adapted for film or television. In 1971, MAURICE, Forster's sixth novel, was published posthumously and filmed in 1987.
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| Maurice, 0:29:14 |
Forster wrote the story about gay love in 1913 and 1914 and adapted it in 1932 and again between 1952 and 1960. Being homosexual himself, Forster did not dare to publish the book because of its controversial subject matter; until 1967, sex between men was illegal in England. After director James Ivory and producer Ismail Merchant had enjoyed success with the film adaptation of “A Room with a View”, it was decided to adapt this novel for the screen as well.
Main character is Maurice Hall (James Wilby), a young man from a wealthy family who studies at Cambridge University at the beginning of the 20th century. He befriends Clive Durham (Hugh Grant), with whom he enters into a romantic relationship. Afraid of losing his social position, Clive wants their relationship to remain platonic and, under pressure from his mother, eventually marries a woman.
Filming took place in the autumn of 1986 at various locations in England and on the Italian island of Sicily. Coincidentally, we visited both countries this year and visited locations from the film. An overview of all locations can be found on the website ReelStreets.
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| Tempio di Segesta, 6 July 2025 |
During their years at university, Clive visits Greece, a scene that lasts just over a minute. The film was not shot in the Hellenic Republic but in the Parco Archeologico di Segesta, located in north-western Sicily. Segesta was a city inhabited by the Elymians. This indigenous people were strongly influenced by Greek culture. An example is the Doric-style temple built in the 5th century BC, seen briefly in the film. For unknown reasons, the temple, also featured in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, was never completed but is very well preserved.
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| Maurice, 0:56:34 |
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| Tempio di Segesta, 6 July 2025 |
Clive reads a letter from Maurice in the theatre, which was built in the 3rd century BC and, like the temple, is located on a hill. During our visit, the temperature was 30°C (86°F). It is about a half-hour walk from the park entrance, but fortunately there are also buses. The theatre has been restored several times and is still used for performances.
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| Maurice, 0:56:53 |
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| Teatro di Segesta, 6 July 2025 |
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| Maurice, 0:57:03 |
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| Teatro di Segesta, 6 July 2025 |
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| Maurice, 0:57:08 |
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| Teatro di Segesta, 6 July 2025 |
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| Maurice, 0:57:53 |
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| Teatro di Segesta, 6 July 2025 |
Information about opening hours and prices can be found on the website Parco di Segesta. Read more about one of the English locations from Maurice in the blog post London, England.
Screenshots © Merchant Ivory Productions
