<P> Lee became known for his "frightening" tendency to not "mince words". The director often had his cast do numerous takes for a scene in order to get the perfect shot, and was not afraid to call something "boring" if he disliked it . Thompson later recalled the director would "always come up to you and say something unexpectedly crushing", such as asking her not to "look so old ." She also commented, however, that "he doesn't indulge us but is always kind when we fail ." Due to Thompson's extensive acting experience, the director encouraged her to practice t'ai chi to "help her relax (and) make her do things simpler ." Other actors soon joined them in meditating--according to Doran, it "was pretty interesting . There were all these pillows on the floor and these pale - looking actors were saying,' What have we got ourselves into?' (Lee) was more focused on body language than any director I've ever seen or heard of ." He suggested Winslet read books of poetry and report back to him in order to best understand her character . He also had Thompson and Winslet live together to develop their characters' sisterly bond . Many of the cast took lessons in etiquette and riding side - saddle . </P> <P> Lee found that in contrast to Chinese cinema, he had to dissuade many of the actors from using a "very stagy, very English tradition . Instead of just being observed like a human being and getting sympathy, they feel they have to do things, they have to carry the movie ." Grant in particular often had to be restrained from giving an "over-the - top" performance; Lee later recalled that the actor is "a show stealer . You can't stop that . I let him do, I have to say, less' star' stuff, the Hugh Grant thing...and not (let) the movie serve him, which is probably what he's used to now ." For the scene in which Elinor learns Edward is unmarried, Thompson found inspiration from her reaction to her father's death . Grant had been unaware that Thompson would cry through most of his speech, and the actress attempted to reassure him, "' There's no other way, and I promise you it'll work, and it will be funny as well as being touching .' And he said,' Oh, all right,' and he was very good about it". Lee had one demand for the scene, that Thompson avoid the temptation to turn her head towards the camera . </P> <P> Production of Sense and Sensibility was scheduled for fifty - eight days, though this was eventually extended to sixty - five . Filming commenced in mid-April 1995 at a number of locations in Devon, beginning with Saltram House (standing in for Norland Park), where Winslet and Jones shot the first scene of the production: when their characters read about Barton Cottage . As Saltram was a National Trust property, Schamus had to sign a contract before production began, and staff with the organisation remained on set to carefully monitor the filming . Production later returned to shoot several more scenes, finishing there on 29 April . The second location of filming, Flete House, stood in for part of Mrs. Jennings' London estate, where Edward first sees Elinor with Lucy . Representing Barton Cottage was a Flete Estate stone cottage, which Thompson called "one of the most beautiful spots we've ever seen ." </P> <P> Early May saw production at the "exquisite" village church in Berry Pomeroy for the final wedding scene . From the tenth to the twelfth of May, Marianne's first rescue sequence, depicting her encounter with Willoughby, was shot . Logistics were difficult, as the scene was set upon a hill during a rainy day . Lee shot around fifty takes, with the actors becoming soaked under rain machines; this led to Winslet eventually collapsing from hypothermia . Further problems occurred midway through filming, when Winslet contracted phlebitis in her leg, developed a limp, and sprained her wrist after falling down a staircase . </P>

Where was the movie sense and sensibility filmed