The Tale of Beatrix Potter

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!

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 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'.

I have been trying to locate this movie for almost 20 years and no one including Warne Publishing or PBS new of it when I inquired. I was beginning to think I had imagined seeing it! I also feel it should be brought out for consumer purchase. As an artist, I found it very inspirational. Beatrix Potters life and work are shown through actors but the film also had actual film footage of Miss Potters later years and the land she owned and left preserved for us all. I highly recommend it for artists interested in children's books, for families to watch together, for people trying to live their dreams, and just plain enjoyment! If anyone knows of WHO we can all send our plea to, please let us know! PC