Wives and Daughters

I found this mini-series extremely entertaining. The acting was excellent. Michael Gambon was particularly outstanding. Justine Waddell did a wonderful job with Molly. She could have been an insufferable prig, but Justine brought such sincerity and vulnerability to her that you took her to your heart. Francesca Annis touched all the right buttons with her characterisation of the social climbing wife and Bill Paterson's wry humour and warmth made his relationship with Molly all the more realistic. Every role was well performed and no-one struck an artificial note. The settings, of course, were superb. How can you fail with the wonderful wealth of historic houses and the countryside available in England. The costumes,too, were excellent. No detail was missed. This series is one you can watch several times and still find new facets in the characterisations. PLEASE let us have more of this quality. Highly recommended.

The BBC is well known for its high quality costume dramas and this is one of the best in recent years. Elizabeth Gaskell is not an author that I was familiar with except for her usually being known as 'Mrs. Gaskell', which immediately makes her work offer the prospect of being a bit staid. Well not a bit of it! This production is intelligent, witty and thoroughly charming throughout. When it was shown as a serial, I couldn't wait for the next episode! Every member of the cast is exceptional, but special praise for Justine Waddell and Francesca Annis. I defy anybody not to become thoroughly involved in the story of Molly and her family/friends. Elizabeth Gaskell never finished the novel, sadly dying before its completion, but I feel certain that she would have wholeheartedly approved of the BBC's ending which is absolutely heartwarming! Even if you dislike period drama, I urge you to give this one a try, I know that my DVD copy will be getting a lot of use in the coming years - many thanks BBC!

After some deliberation, I have decided that this miniseries is one of my favorite movies of all time. Why? Because I can make no complaints whatsoever about this film. First, the screenplay, written by the wonderfully talented Andrew Davies of "Pride and Prejudice" (my favorite film of all time) and "Middlemarch" fame (the latter is on my list of must-sees). "Wives and Daughters" is based on the novel of the same name written by Elizabeth Gaskell. It tells the story of young Molly Gibson (Waddell), who lost her mother at a young age, but is raised by her loving father, the town doctor. When Mr. Gibson remarries, Molly's world is turned upside down. Now she has to contend with her daft and, at times, conniving stepmother, Hyacinth (Annis), and her worldly stepsister, Cynthia (Hawes). Despite their vast differences in temper, Molly and Cynthia become fast friends, but a secret from Cynthia's past stands to stain Molly's impeccable reputation. Meanwhile, Mr. Gibson's old friend, Squire Hamley, has two sons, studious Roger, and tortured Osbourne. Osbourne, the family favorite, has a few secrets of his own, but it is the younger Roger who not only proves himself the most responsible of the two, but also wins the heart of Molly and also a piece of Cynthia's as well. Will Molly finally have some happiness of her own? Well, after 3 1/2 hours, you'll find out.

Now, the actors. Superb! Justine Waddell (Tess of the D'Urbervilles, Great Expectations) is excellent and totally convincing as the strongwilled yet innocent Molly. Keeley Hawes (Cater Street Hangman, Our Mutual Friend) is wonderful as always. Bill Paterson (Mr. Gibson) is perfect as Molly's doting and protective father. And how can I forget Roger, played by Anthony Howell in his first television role? Wow, not only is he amazingly easy on the eyes, but he is a superb actor, who hails from various theatre troupes in England. The supporting actors and actresses are splendid, as well. As for the scenery and costumes, perfection. Nothing more to add on that account. One of the most memorable scenes to look out for is when Molly catches Roger's eye at a party given in his honor. I don't want to get into a lot of detail, but let me say that fortunately I recorded W&Ds, and I rewound that scene and also the last half hour at least 10 times. The ending is perfect! Definitely no disappointments. Please see "Wives and Daughters" if you already haven't. Even if you don't like period dramas, make an exception in this case!

"Wives and Daughters" is adapted from the unfinished Victorian novel of Mrs. Elizabeth Gaskell and is produced by the same creative geniuses that gave us A&E/BBC's 1995 "Pride and Prejudice."

"Wives and Daughters" is adapted from the unfinished Victorian novel of Mrs. Elizabeth Gaskell and is produced by the same creative geniuses that gave us A&E/BBC's 1995 "Pride and Prejudice."

This story centers around girl-next-door Molly Gibson (Justine Waddell of "Mansfield Park," "Tess" and "Great Expectations") and her father, the town doctor (Bill Patterson). Their idyllic lives are turned upside down when Mr. Gibson remarries the selfish, self-absorbed Claire Fitzpatrick (Francesca Annis) and her beautiful daughter Cynthia (Keeley Hawes of "Our Mutual Friend") join the household. The brothers Osborne (Tom Hollander) and Roger (handsome newcomer Anthony Howell who reminds me of a young Mel Gibson) Hamley add romantic interest to the tale. However, the Hamleys come from old English stock and the squire Hamley (veteran actor Michael Gambon) desires his sons to marry into "wealthy old English families." Before long, Molly falls for Roger and Roger falls for Cynthia and we, the viewers, find some surprising discoveries along the way!!

Memorable supporting characters include the goodhearted Browning sisters, town gossip Mrs. Goodenough, mysterious Mr. Preston (Iain Glen) and the aristocratic Cumnor family. Justine Waddell is luminous as Molly and Michael Gambon and Francesca Annis turn in memorable performances. The scenery, costumes and production values are all excellent. Screenwriter Andrew Davies - who also penned P&P - gives us a satisfying, romantic new ending that would make Mrs. Gaskell proud. I loved every moment of this adaptation! If you are an Anglophile, enjoy a great love story or are a fan of Mrs. Gaskell, this is the film for you!!

This is quite simply an exceptional piece of television theater which the BBC has justifiably gained a world wide reputation for. An outstanding cast bring to life a riveting story of ,intrigue, loyalty, and romance which will delight and enthral all devotee's of the costume drama.