‘Princess Caraboo’

Witty and hilarious, this 1994 release is based on a true story: In 1817, a proud, beautiful but dirty-faced young woman (Phoebe Cates, pictured) shows up in Bristol. She is in mortal danger from the harsh laws of the time and must rely on the kindness of a well-intentioned aristocrat (Wendy Hughes). The deliciously ambiguous Cates and the film itself keeps us guessing about the authenticity of the princess right up to the climax (TMC Wednesday at 7:20 p.m.).