In this story-within-a-story, Anna is an actress starring opposite Mike in a period piece about the forbidden love between their respective characters, Sarah and Charles. Both actors are involved in serious relationships, but the passionate nature of the script leads to an off-camera love affair as well. While attempting to maintain their composure and professionalism, Anna and Mike struggle to come to terms with their infidelity.
Meryl Streep
as Sarah / Anna
Jeremy Irons
as Charles Henry Smithson / Mike
Hilton McRae
as Sam
Lynsey Baxter
as Ernestina
Emily Morgan
as Mary
Penelope Wilton
as Sonia
Jean Faulds
as Cook
Charlotte Mitchell
as Mrs. Tranter
Peter Vaughan
as Mr. Freeman
Colin Jeavons
as Vicar
Liz Smith
as Mrs. Fairley
Patience Collier
as Mrs. Poulteney
