Greenfingers is a 2000 British comedy film directed and written by Joel Hershman. It is loosely based on the true story about the award-winning prisoners of HMP Leyhill, a minimum-security prison in the Cotswolds, England, a story published in The New York Times in 1998.
Plot
When Colin Briggs, a convicted murderer, is placed in an experimental programme to finish off his prison sentence, all he wants is peace and quiet. After his wise, elderly roommate Fergus, imprisoned for killing three wives, introduces him to gardening, Colin uncovers a talent and passion for plants. When he accidentally raises a patch of double-violets, the warden assigns him to cultivate a garden, with other prisoners as his assistants.
Teaming up with his fellow inmates, Colin gets the attention of celebrated gardener Georgina Woodhouse. Soon, the unexpected gardeners are preparing to compete for the Hampton Court Flower Show. When Colin meets Georgina's beautiful daughter Primrose, he discovers another reason to fight for his freedom: true love.
Cast
Clive Owen – Colin Briggs
Helen Mirren – Georgina Woodhouse
Natasha Little – Primrose Woodhouse
David Kelly – Fergus Wilks
Warren Clarke – Gov. Hodge
Danny Dyer – Tony
Adam Fogerty – Raw
Paterson Joseph – Jimmy
Lucy Punch – Holly
Production
The film was shot in Britain in five weeks on a budget of £2 million, with the help of the Royal Horticultural Society and English garden designer Rosemary Verey.
References
External links
Guys, How Does Your Garden Grow? The New York Times, 27 July 2001.