The Tale of Beatrix Potter

This lovely film, about the life of Beatrix Potter, portrayed England at the time of her life. No frills or fancy bits. It showed how hard it was for her as a youngster, growing up in a strict Victorian household, with only a Nannie as a companion. It was she who helped Beatrix smuggle into the house the animals she subsequently drew. She was also a fine botanical artist but her parents would not all her to follow this career. I originally had this recorded on an old VHS tape, but as this wouldn't work on today's machines I discarded it. I have been looking for another tape or DVD ever since. I would love to know where I could obtain one. The modern version was good, to a point, but not a patch on the original. Penelope Wilton is such an under-rated actress.

I heartily concur. I remember the 1982 production well and wish it were available to show to my grand children and to recommend to the many people who love Potter's little books and charming characters. "The Tale of Beatrix Potter" is a welcome addition to the books about her life. After seeing the 2006 film which I did enjoy, I was reminded of the 1982 TV film, and I called a friend who has a long-standing habit of recording everything on PBS, but he had missed the BBC Tale of B. P. I was so disappointed. This current film in theaters is well-done and I recommend it, but the 1982 film spent a bit of time on the tragedy of Potter's scientific papers and drawings being rejected because they were done by a WOMAN. I wonder why that was skipped over in the Zelweiger film. Please, whoever is in charge, please release a DVD. JM

This program that as shown on Masterpiece Theater back in 1982 is so much more accurate the the mediocre Miss Potter. They really need to release it on DVD!

In the meantime a fuzzy version is available on YouTube. Better than nothing but very hard to appreciate the amazing artwork.

First let me say that the IMDb page for this title is a mess. It is not animated, and the profile image is of some animated version of the Tales of Beatrix Potter. Then Amazon link takes to to a list of animated videos of Beatrix Potter stories. Nope - Not it!

The BBC miniseries that ran on Masterpiece Theater is a well made and acted biography of Beatrix Potter. Like so many of these BBC productions it is simple, well made, well written, well acted, and an enjoyable way to spend an evening or two relaxing and watching a wonderful story unfold.

The BBC has been pretty good about releasing there television series but there are a few they have totally LOST! "The Tale of Beatrix Potter" and "The Voyage of Charles Darwin" are two that come to mind. So if you are a fan of sophisticated dramatic television with a sense of history, write to the BBC and help get these titles released.

Sorry about there not being a lot of detail in this review, but what's the point if you can't have the joyous experience of watching this show.

This 1982 film generated a lot of interest in Beatrix Potter, the person, for me. While I enjoyed the latest film with no cash spared and beautiful cinematography, it still didn't measure up to this version. Penelope Wilton was magnificent and it covered a wider area of her life on a limited budget. When I visited England some years ago, I made a point of going to her cousin's place in Long Melford, Suffolk, not mentioned in 'Miss Potter'. Also, that film neglected her naturalist work and her later life. I am glad to have found that I am not going crazy and that the film did exist. Of course I knew that but now know that the BBC has done nothing about it since. Like others, I am hoping that one day it will be released on DVD. Let us pray that the BBC has preserved it! I should add that I am not the only one in my family who would love to see it again. My daughter still quotes from it, such as - 'little books for little hands'.