A Will of Their Own

This film has a hackneyed plot with only adequate acting. The historical inaccuracies with which it was filled, irritated me immensely. They show a radio broadcast being listened to (before radio stations, as such, existed) on a radio available only in the 1930's. First sequence showed crossing the Atlantic in 1895 on a sailing ship when these were obsolete. Referred to Greta Garbo in the '20's before she became a star in America. Showed travel in Wisconsin in 1914 in a stage coach! Young screen writers (or maybe authors) need to research history more thoroughly before putting their films on the air to be viewed by people who know more about these things than they do!

This is an excellent docudrama about women in the 20th century. Ellen Burstyn proves to be the best performer as a stiff high society matron. Although some of the acting was a bit weak the other performers were still great especially Michael Muhney and Elizabeth Marvin. Costumes and Art/Set decoration was wonderful and this is an Emmy bound movie. It completely changes your view of men during the turn-of-the-century. This truly is a mini-series to see. It could not have been done better.

My Score 9.8/10

Seven years ago, I recall, I watched this movie over the course of it's playing on the television, much to my parents annoyance (they preferred the sitcoms to movies). I tried to record the movie, knowing I would want to see it again,but alas, my VCR stopped working, and the tape never worked properly. Since then, I've tried to find a copy of the movie, looking at all of the local video rental places, movie shops, blockbusters and everywhere else I could think to look, except the internet....then today I decided to look up Lea Thompson's filmography. Go figure, I'd learn it's under a different working title and I'd never find it here under "A Will of Their Own." Anyway, to the comment I am getting at, This movie has stayed in my mind for seven years. I was eleven or twelve when I watched it for the first time, and I still, though I cannot recall all of it, recommend it to anyone who comes across it. Watch it!

I loved this movie. It had Drama, a slice of comedy now and then, Romance, action. Everything I like in one mini-series. I hope it comes out on video or they show it again. I even bought the book,"A Will of Their Own" by Susan Richards Shreve. The movie was kind of based on Shreve's Daughter's of the New World, but it is unlike the series.

Overall, I enjoyed this mini-series. The characters weeped a lot and there was plenty of melodrama. However, the message of the movie was clear which is that being true to yourself and personal principles is essential. This is a series that is about strong-willed women, whether they are that way from the outset or become that way over time. Pre- and post war periods and how it changed women's roles are addressed here.

It is work checking out although it is, as I said before on the weepy preachy side.