The Gilded Heiress

Shupe (The Duke Gets Even) riffs on Don Bluth’s 1997 animated feature Anastasia in this enchanting Gilded Age romance. In 1896, con man Leo Hardy is on the lookout for a scheme to support his mother and five siblings when he spots Josie Smith singing in front of a Boston crowd and notes her resemblance to New York socialite Mrs. Pendelton, whose two-year-old daughter was kidnapped almost 18 years ago. Josie, a wily orphan, is justifiably wary of Leo’s offer to manage her singing career since, unbeknownst to her, he plans to collect on the Pendeltons’ $100,000 reward by presenting Josie as their long-lost daughter. After he introduces her to famed singer Lotta Crabtree, however, Josie’s confidence in him grows and she agrees to his offer. Together, they travel to New York City, mutually agreeing to keep their relationship strictly professional. It’s a short-lived promise; soon, their intense chemistry gives way to a scintillating affair. But when Josie and Mrs. Pendelton meet, shocking revelations on all sides may keep the young lovers from their happy ending. Shupe brings the Gilded Age to life, complete with vast wealth disparity and actual historical figures (like Lotta). Affable characters, sizzling romance, and a sparkling setting make this shine. (Mar.)