There is a lot of revisiting going on with "Brideshead Revisited." The plot involves a middle-class protagonist returning to the aristocratic mansion where he was a house guest some years before; and the 134-minute movie itself is revisiting ground covered by a 1981 BBC miniseries adapted from Evelyn Waugh's novel.

The classy new screen version is brimming with the sort of dysfunctional family intrigue that's difficult to resist, especially when it's played out in the English countryside and on the canals of Venice from the 1920s through the 1940s. Sparkling wit, eloquent suffering and plenty of drinks make for civilized entertainment.

Movies -- sorry -- films such as "Brideshead Revisited" ordinarily are released during the awards-conscious fall season, making this August release seem like odd timing. Look on it as an opportunity to watch a film in which the conversations are animated, but the characters are not. No superheroes fly through these English skies, and what teen comedy there is does not include gross jokes.

Director Julian Jarrold and screenwriters Andrew Davies and Jeremy Brock occasionally struggle to cram so much narrative into a feature film that's slightly longer than the norm, but they have a smooth handle on the characters and themes. It's not an outstanding film, but it's the kind of well-made film you can appreciate -- especially if you've had the misfortune of sitting through a more typical late summer excuse to sell soda and popcorn.

Some viewers may be disappointed that the lead roles are not played by major stars, but the actors chosen are smart choices; and, besides, there are some instantly recognizable names in supporting roles.

The protagonist is Charles Ryder (Matthew Goode), whose stern father and severely proper middle-class upbringing make him receptive to the intellectual and hedonistic adventures provided by a friend he makes when he goes to study at Oxford, Lord Sebastian Flyte (Ben Whisaw), whose decadent drinking is but one sign that he's as unstable as he is rich.

Charles is astounded when he visits Sebastian's home, which qualifies as a palace. Brideshead is the true star of the picture, because you'll share Charles' wide-eyed appreciation for its architecture and art.

You'll also share his bewilderment at an aristocratic family that includes Sebastian's sharp-witted and very modern sister, Julia (Hayley Atwell), and their formidable Roman Catholic mother, Lady Marchmain (Emma Thompson).

The heart of the story revolves around the unusual friendship between Charles, Sebastian and Julia. To the extent that Lady Marchmain understands their convention-breaking ways, she does not approve.

Things head even further into wealthy weirdness when Sebastian, Julia and their pal Charles visit the siblings' father, Lord Marchmain (Michael Gambon), who openly lives with his mistress, Cara (Greta Scacchi), in a Venice house that's definitely a prime waterfront address.

As the story jumps ahead in time, it does leave a viewer aware that not all of the personal histories are being as fully developed on screen as they were in the novel's pages.

Also, the lead actors are competent without making any lasting impression. They preen and pout against wonderfully photogenic backdrops, however, and that's more than enough reason to revisit Brideshead. Grade: B

"Brideshead Revisited" (PG-13) opens Friday, Aug. 1 at area theaters.

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