The gags don't play, the writing is off-key, and director Peter Chelsom never establishes a rhythm to carry the comedy along. The pained expressions on the actors' faces may reflect their characters' dilemmas, but you can't help wondering if some pain stems from the strain of working with such a gummed-up script. "Town & Country," shot nearly 2 1/2 years ago, endured many problems during and after production.

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