The Missionary

In 1905, after 10 years of missionary work in Africa, Michael Palin's character Reverend Charles Fortescue is recalled to England, where he is given a new assignment by his bishop: to minister to London's prostitutes. He meets Maggie Smith's character Lady Isabel Ames, a wealthy and married woman who becomes his benefactor and romantic interest. As the mission for "rescuing" the women of ill repute gains success, Lord Ames' wife supports Charles's work financially but also tries to use it to further her own desires. The Bishop of London threatens to close down the mission unless Charles leaves or defies him; in response, he leaves the Church and joins Lady Ames.