This book investigates the cultural, political, and economic significance of the British heritage film movement that dominated cinema in the 1980s and 1990s. Andrew Higson, a scholar of British cinema, utilizes a combination of industrial analysis and cultural critique to examine how these costume dramas functioned as both commercial products and representations of national identity. By situating these films within the broader 'heritage industry,' the author explores the tension between historical authenticity and the demands of the global film market.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of national identity and film production in the late 20th century. Readers frequently note the academic rigor and the depth of the industrial analysis provided by the author.