Tom Jones (1963)

Beneath the genteel elegance of eighteenth-century England, the lives of two "first cousins," Tom Jones and Master Blifil, weave a tapestry of vivid contrast. Raised in the serene western countryside by the benevolent Squire Allworthy, their personalities diverge like divergent streams. Tom, the illegitimate offspring of Allworthy's servant Jenny Jones and a local barber, is a vibrant, randy young man whose heart beats for every skirted damsel in the vicinity, including the peasant maiden Molly Seagrim, daughter of Allworthy's gamekeeper. Despite his roguish tendencies, Tom's soul is saturated with kindness; he is a gallant defender of those he cherishes. In sharp contrast, Blifil, ordained in outward piety, harbors a heart as cold as a winter dawn, his spirit brimming with vengeance and dourness. When the radiant Sophie Western, Tom's long-cherished love, returns to their locality after years abroad, a whirlwind of emotions, half-truths, and societal expectations ensues. Despite Sophie's reciprocated affection for Tom, societal norms dictate a union with Blifil, much to the delight of Squire Western and his old maid sister. However, destiny has a way of untangling the most intricate knots. Forced to abandon his home under compelling circumstances, Tom embarks on a journey to London, a path riddled with misadventures and revelations that will redefine the course of his life. Meanwhile, the determined Sophie escapes in pursuit of Tom, drawing Squire Western and Miss Western into the chaos. As Tom navigates through a maze of heroic sword fights, lusty women, and mistaken identities, the image of Sophie remains etched in his heart, even when his life hangs by a thread. "Tom Jones" is a captivating tale of love, adventure, and the inescapable grip of social norms set against the backdrop of a bygone era.

Tom Jones is an adventure movie featuring Albert Finney.

Tom Jones is currently streaming on Criterion Channel and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Tom Jones on Amazon Video and Apple TV.