James Ivory's adaptation combines two beloved books by Evan S. Connell. Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward play Mr. and Mrs. Bridge, an upper-class couple living in Kansas City in the 1930s and 40s. Trapped by a strict sense of decorum, they live emotionally isolated from each other and from their children. Order is kept by a constant vigilance, unpleasant events are stared down, tragic ones ignored or trivialized. And yet both Bridges glimpse another way to live. India takes painting classes, while Walter sings “Stout-Hearted Man” in his car. This subtle, compassionate film retains the episodic nature of the book, while humanizing the characters.