The Tale of Beatrix Potter

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.

Is this version the same as the one which was aired on Masterpiece Theatre in 1989? This version says "1982" and only runs 60 minutes. The 1989 version was a miniseries and was not animated. The actors were the same--Holly Aird and Penelope Wilton, but there seems to be a difference. Can anyone explain the discrepancy? I thought I heard that the BBC did put out an earlier version. I have been searching for the miniseries practically since it first aired--nearly twenty years ago. Is that version on DVD or even VHS? It showed more of Beatrix's life than the Zelwegger version. I especially enjoyed them showing her interest in botany and the "Powere that be" not taking her seriously because she was a woman.

This is a beautiful and thorough biography of Beatrix Potter. Penelope Wilton deserved an Oscar for her performance. She hit every emotion on the mark. The scenery and the sets are perfect. It complements what ultimately happened in Beatrix's life to engage the audience with so much filming in the Lake District. All who grew up and enjoyed the "little books" will enjoy this truly amazing story of a woman coming into her own. The gifts she bestowed on the world were priceless - from wonderful and beautiful books for children to the acres and acres of land she saved from development. There is a story for everyone in this rendition of Beatrix Potter's life. I agree with the other reviews, that this is by far a more complete biography than the recent "Miss Potter". I enjoyed this latest movie, but knowing how wonderful this production was left this one lacking. I wish this was available on DVD. PLEASE WON'T SOMEONE HELP GET THIS DVD AVAILABLE?

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 was a terrific BBC production about the life of Beatrix Potter. It should be made available on video or DVD. Do not be deceived by the links on this page -- they are links to DVDs and videos of animated versions of Potter's works, not to this production. With the new Renee Zellweger movie about Potter coming out this year, I believe many would be interested in seeing this version of her life as well. This one doesn't have the animated bells and whistles, but is a very interesting an moving portrayal of how she came to write and illustrate some of the most beloved books of all times. The acting is superb. BBC, please go into your archives, and bring back this gem!