‘Belle Epoque’

Fernando Trueba’s sexy, bittersweet and contemplative 1992 comedy takes us back in time and place: early in 1931 Spain an uncertain but hopeful moment of calm before the storm of the Spanish Civil War. A handsome young army deserter, Fernando (Jorge Sanz, pictured with Maribel Verdu), lands in a charming rural community, where he is taken under the wing of the leading member of the landed gentry, the aging but vital Don Manolo (Fernando Fernan Gomez), whose four attractive daughters descend upon him for a visit. In good time Fernando manages to have his way with them--and vice versa (Bravo Wednesday at 8 p.m.).