Jewels

I had seen the film many times and thought Miss O'Toole had a great performance. In the movie, the children grew to be snobbish and selfish. I felt that their mother was showing her devotion by bailing them out of every mess they got into. She sacrificed her wishes and desires for their well being and security. I feel that she was brave in war time and true to her Husband in his illness.

I enjoyed the movie very much but I am prone to devour saga-type books/movies. Characters are believable except for the role of Phillip as a child. Too bratty.

I watched this movie when it aired on tv in the early to mid 90's it has been a favorite since. Bought it on VHS and watched it over and over till it no longer played, I now have it on dvd and watch it whenever the mood strikes. I have also read the book several times over the years. I love how Danielle Steel weaves so much history into her work. Zoya, The Ring, No Grater Love, and Star have book and movie adaptations that are awesome as well. Pegasus, and the award are awesome as well but to the best of my knowledge are only books. The Promise, Ransom, Fine Things, Heartbeat, Mixed Blessings, and Family Album have less history but are all awesome book or movie adaptations.

I really love this show - mainly due to the brilliant acting of Anthony Andrews who I believe was cast perfectly for this role. He played the role of the charming William perfectly... in my opinion his performance really makes Jewels a success. I liked Annette O'Toole also, but found her performance a little grating - especially in the labour scene which I thought was a little over the top. I preferred the first half of the series to the second half. I think that it turned into a bit of a soap opera to me with all their wayward children and their love lives :) I could watch the first half where William and Sarah first meet over and over though. Anthony's performance makes Jewels worth watching.

As far as Danielle Steel's TV movie adaptions of her books, this is one of her very best, along with Once in a Lifetime and Vanished. Sure, it's a fluffy melodrama, but who cares?? Annette O'Toole and Anthony Andrews are both wonderful, and you really believe in their everlasting love for each other, and their children. The portrayals of the children (both as children and adults) are credible as well. Interesting note: Bradley Cole, who played Freddie, currently plays Prince Richard Winslow on Guiding Light.