Stevens (Anthony Hopkins) is the perfect English butler, a man who has spent the best part of his working life in service at Darlington Hall. Housekeeper Miss Kenton (Emma Thompson) also works at Darlington, and as the days pass, she and Stevens develop a close feeling for each other. Meanwhile, as the Second World War approaches, Lord Darlington´s (James Fox) wish to avert catastrophe leads him to become involved with the Nazis.
Adapted by the Merchant-Ivory team from the Kazuo Ishiguro novel, ´The Remains of the Day´ was nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Picture.