Wives and Daughters (1999, BBC)
Book/Author: Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell
Summary: This four-episode miniseries stars the sweet and kind hearted Molly Gibson (Justine Waddell). Her life is tuned upside down when her widower father remarries the well-meaning but pretentious and irritating Hyacinth (Francesca Annis). Hyacinth’s beautiful and flirtatious daughter Cynthia (Keeley Hawes, also in Our Mutual Friend) becomes friends with Molly; although Molly must endure watching the man she loves fall for Cynthia.
Comments: I never thought I’d enjoy a movie as much as I enjoy Pride & Prejudice but Wives & Daughters proved me wrong. I fell in love with Molly and her kindness and even found a soft spot for the prone-to-be selfish and immature Cynthia. I thought Roger was a gem of a man (until he fell for Cynthia – but he later redeemed himself) and Osbourne’s hidden secrets and relationship with his father brings me to tears every time I watch. This is a rare occasion – when I recommend watching the movie before reading the book for it is an unfinished novel. Gaskell died before she could finish the last chapter but there were enough of her notes for the producers of the movie to know how it was meant to end. If you haven’t seen it, watch it…and bring some kleenex.
Category Archives: tv
Movie Night: Masterpiece Theatre – Wives & Daughters
1/23/04 – the friday five: the favorite edition
Sorry I haven’t been around in awhile but I had “computer overload” and was burning out so I needed to stay away from the computer for a bit. But I always know time is up when I start getting emails asking “where are you?” and “is anything wrong?” I’m touched that you care and I’m a little amazed that anyone even notices. Well anyway, I’m back and it’s time to post here, update RoL and answer emails again but before I start… let’s have a moment of fun with the friday five. If you don’t have a weblog but want to answer, feel free to add your own answers in the comment box!
The friday five: At this moment, what is your favorite…
1. …song? Breathe by Jennifer Knapp. I’ve only heard of her recently and just bought her newest CD A Diamond in the Rough: The Jennifer Knapp Collection and I’m really enjoying it.
2. …food? Hmmm…the spicy chicken platter at our favorite local Mex restaurant.
3. …tv show? Hard one since I don’t watch TV shows per se – but we’re old movie addicts (thanks to TCM channel) and I’ve been on an A&E binge. I just saw Daniel Deronda and am now reading the book. And I’m almost done with my “favorite literary adaptations” list.
4. …scent? LizSport by Liz Claiborne – has a “clean” smell without being too “phoophee”. But the bottle is almost empty so I may try something new.
5. …quote? “If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world ablaze.” – St. Catherine of Sienna. It’s something I need to remind myself of often!