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Wives and Daughters

  • TV Mini Series
  • 1999
  • TV-PG
  • 1h 15m
IMDb RATING
8.1/10
7.6K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
3,770
280
Michael Gambon, Tom Hollander, Anthony Howell, and Penelope Wilton in Wives and Daughters (1999)
Wives And Daughters (German Trailer)
Play trailer1:20
1 Video
15 Photos
Period DramaDrama

The daughter of a country doctor copes with an unwanted stepmother, an impetuous stepsister, burdensome secrets, the town gossips, and the tug on her own heartstrings for a man who thinks of... Read allThe daughter of a country doctor copes with an unwanted stepmother, an impetuous stepsister, burdensome secrets, the town gossips, and the tug on her own heartstrings for a man who thinks of her only as a friend.The daughter of a country doctor copes with an unwanted stepmother, an impetuous stepsister, burdensome secrets, the town gossips, and the tug on her own heartstrings for a man who thinks of her only as a friend.

  • Stars
    • Francesca Annis
    • Justine Waddell
    • Bill Paterson
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.1/10
    7.6K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    3,770
    280
    • Stars
      • Francesca Annis
      • Justine Waddell
      • Bill Paterson
    • 30User reviews
    • 5Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Won 4 BAFTA Awards
      • 9 wins & 3 nominations total

    Episodes4

    Browse episodes
    TopTop-rated1 season1999

    Videos1

    Wives And Daughters (German Trailer)
    Trailer 1:20
    Wives And Daughters (German Trailer)

    Photos15

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    Top cast44

    Edit
    Francesca Annis
    Francesca Annis
    • Mrs. Gibson
    • 1999
    Justine Waddell
    Justine Waddell
    • Molly
    • 1999
    Bill Paterson
    Bill Paterson
    • Mr. Gibson
    • 1999
    Keeley Hawes
    Keeley Hawes
    • Cynthia
    • 1999
    Deborah Findlay
    Deborah Findlay
    • Miss Phoebe
    • 1999
    Barbara Flynn
    Barbara Flynn
    • Miss Browning
    • 1999
    Emily McKenzie
    • Maria…
    • 1999
    Iain Glen
    Iain Glen
    • Mr. Preston
    • 1999
    Tom Hollander
    Tom Hollander
    • Osborne Hamley
    • 1999
    Anthony Howell
    Anthony Howell
    • Roger Hamley
    • 1999
    Michael Gambon
    Michael Gambon
    • Squire Hamley
    • 1999
    Ian Carmichael
    Ian Carmichael
    • Lord Cumnor
    • 1999
    Tonia Chauvet
    • Aimee
    • 1999
    Elizabeth Spriggs
    Elizabeth Spriggs
    • Mrs. Goodenough
    • 1999
    Barbara Leigh-Hunt
    Barbara Leigh-Hunt
    • Lady Cumnor
    • 1999
    Peter Copley
    Peter Copley
    • Robinson
    • 1999
    Rosamund Pike
    Rosamund Pike
    • Lady Harriet
    • 1999
    Shaughan Seymour
    • Lord Hollingford
    • 1999
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews30

    8.17.5K
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    Featured reviews

    10gisele22

    A Rare Gem

    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!
    sdfitch2

    Extremely entertaining with some terrific performances

    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.
    10TheLittleSongbird

    Really brilliant, among the best that the BBC has ever done

    Anybody who loves a good adaptation of a book, lovely period detail, compelling storytelling and great writing and acting should find no real reason to not enjoy Wives and Daughters. As an adaptation, Wives and Daughters is hardly disappointing, some might be underwhelmed by the ending but the book's incompleteness does deserve some of the blame here but the adaptation does show loyalty to the book while telling it intricately and freshly. I however have always found it fairer to judge an adaptation on its own, and on its own Wives and Daughters is brilliant and you don't even have to have read the book to enjoy what is personally considered one of the best series the BBC has ever done. The scenery and locations are stunning and the costumes, hair(didn't have much of a problem with Rosamund Pike's in Episode 4) and make-up are true to period and a feast on the eye, which is always a great starting point for a period drama adaptation. The music is quirky yet at other times understated and is never obtrusive, letting the story speak for itself when needed. The dialogue is incredibly thought-provoking with splashes of humour, ranging from subtle and hilarious, and emotional impact, and the story has every nuance and detail of society at the time down-pat and spot on and the telling of it is done loyally while fresh and relevant and intricate while never dragging or being too staid or faithful. The characters are immensely engaging and are developed just fine, Gaskell's characters like George Eliot's and Charles Dickens's were quite flesh-and-blood-like and there is a sense of that here. You'd think that you'd be annoyed by characters like Lady Harriet, but actually you might find that she later becomes one of your favourites when she stands up for Molly. The acting is superb from all, especially from Michael Gambon who is gruff yet poignant and Francesca Annis who makes a formidable character genuinely beastly. Justine Waddell is excellent never comes across as too perfect considering her type of character and Keeley Hawes is incredibly charming and naturally. Bill Paterson is likable and admirably restrained and Tom Hollander, who plays a conflicted character most touchingly, and Anthony Howell, who is effortlessly dashing, provide the heart of the drama without problem. The beautiful Rosamund Pike is wonderfully feisty and forceful(the scene on the carriage is very funny) and also elegant and dignified, it's a fairly small role but Pike makes a lot out of it. All in all, a brilliant series and adaptations. 10/10 Bethany Cox
    hesketh27

    Superb! - Buy the DVD and wallow in this marvellous production!

    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!
    9henry-girling

    Excellent

    'Wives and Daughters' is not usually as regarded as highly as the BBC's celebrated 'Pride and Prejudice' mini-series but it is just as good in its own way. The original author Elizabeth Gaskell was a major writer of her day and can stand comparison with most novelists except perhaps for Austen and Dickens. Her work is definitely still worth reading. This particular book was unfinished but one can't fault the way Andrew Davies has rounded off the story.

    The story covers Austen territory, two or three families, idiosyncratic supporting characters, love and marriage, hearth and society. All seen through the eyes of Molly Gibson. She is played splendidly by Justine Waddell who stays the centre of the film, even though surrounded by great actors like Michael Gambon, Bill Paterson, Penelope Wilton and Francesca Annis who are all perfect in their roles. The acting through out is excellent.

    The characters are real people, flawed and petty and proud and anxious, but you can't help loving them. Andrew Davies wanted to put across the feeling of what it means to be alive and he does that by showing what it is like to be human. Even small scenes like the card party for the young people are rich in character and emotion. The length of the mini-series allows character development, enables one to get to know the characters. It shows ordinary life but also how rich that ordinary life is. Molly learns about people, about herself and also about the world around her, even about the little creatures who live at the bottom of ponds.

    It repays watching time and again.

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    Related interests

    Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen in Les Filles du docteur March (2019)
    Period Drama
    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama

    Storyline

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    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The lavish production required more than one thousand costumes and up to forty hairstyles for each of the leading ladies.
    • Quotes

      Lord Cumnor: I'm sorry I said anything about it now. I'll try to find a more agreeable piece of news.

      [pause]

      Lord Cumnor: Old Marjorie at the lodge is dead.

    • Connections
      Featured in The Best of Masterpiece Theatre (2007)
    • Soundtracks
      Over the Hills and Far Away
      Traditional

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    FAQ17

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 28, 1999 (United Kingdom)
    • Countries of origin
      • United Kingdom
      • United States
    • Official site
      • PBS (United States)
    • Languages
      • English
      • French
      • Amharic
    • Also known as
      • 錦繡佳人
    • Filming locations
      • Levens Hall, Levens, Cumbria, England, UK(Hamley Hall, interiors)
    • Production companies
      • British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
      • Dune Films
      • WGBH
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 15m(75 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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