symbolism of the flower competition?
If I'm correct one of the main purposes of this movie was to give the American audience a new perspective on the British, one in which they were to be convinced that England (and Europe) was actually worth going to war for.
Many Americans considered Great Britain to be an outdated aristocratic feodal society and felt a certain resentment to the ruling classes (true?).
In changing this image I can't help but feel that the rose competition has a huge symbolic contribution, in that it represents the fight between the ruling classes (Lady Byron), and the 'lower' working classes (the stationmaster). After years of domination by Lady Byron this time the competition is won by the postmaster. And he wins it by entering a ... red rose. To complete the picture, the prize is given (litteraly!) by Lady Byron, by which she concedes that her 'reign' has ended and the wall between the separate classes has been torn down.
Any thoughts on this appreciated.
voting history: http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=629013