Wives and Daughters (2002)

Misguided stepmothers, romantic betrayals, secret marriages--these are not just the makings of modern soap operas; this is what makes the BBC's delightful four-episode miniseries Wives and Daughters come to life. Sweet Molly Gibson (played artfully by Justine Waddell, who communicates more with a squint of her eyes than most actresses can with pages of dialogue) was living life pleasantly when her widowed father (Bill Paterson) decides that, for the good of his daughter, he must remarry. In comes Claire, played to screeching perfection by Francesca Annis. Molly's life is turned upside down by the usually well meaning but off-the-mark Claire, who insists on things being done the proper way. Added to the stew is Claire's beautiful, educated daughter, Cynthia (Keeley Hawes), and the Hamleys, a well-to-do family headed by a squire (Michael Gambon) who is not happy about the romantic interests of his sons.

As is typical with BBC miniseries, the quality writing and lush sets add to the overall appeal. Andrew Davies, who adapted Pride and Prejudice and Bridget Jones's Diary, penned the marvelous screenplay (based on Elizabeth Gaskell's unfinished novel). It's impossible not to compare this to the ever-popular Pride, and Wives and Daughters measures up. --Jenny Brown Amazon.com

A Real Gem

This movie is a real gem. I wasn't sure how things would turn out for the main heroine but it was very satisfying. Great cast. For me, it doesn't top my all time favorite Elizabeth Gaskill based mini, North and South, but it is still a wonderful treat. December 12, 2008

Wives & Daughters

This dvd was purchased as a Christmas gift so I haven't opened the package and watched it yet. Though, I did see the movie at another time and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was purchased for my daughter. December 12, 2008

Wonderful!

This is a delightful story, well acted and produced by the BBC. It is much better than anything you will see on TV or in the movies. Treat yourself to this high class soap opera! September 29, 2008

Davies

Andrew Davies is fantastic at doing screenplay adaptations. In fact when I see his name in the credits I can be certain that the story will be spot on to the book and done in an entertaining fashion. He really is brilliant.

With that being said the BBC was not releasing miniseries on the heels of the success of Pride and Prejudice, they have been doing miniseries of great books for quite awhile.

Also Elizabeth Gaskell is a very fine writer who understood perhaps better than others the real plight of the lower classes. She had the rare experience of moving about the city where others did not go because she was the minister's wife.

As for Wives and daughters Molly Gibsons happy little life is turned topsy turvey when her father the local doctor marries a woman who is ridiculous and vain and brings to the marriage her own daughter who is unabashedly vain. The stepsisters become fast friends despite their very obvious differences in character. Molly is all politeness, good manners and more awkward than Cynthia who is worldly and outspoken.

Prior to the arrival of Molly's step mother and step sister, Molly has befriended the Hamley's who have two sons the much beloved Osbourne and the lesser discussed Roger Hamley. Mrs. Gibson desires her daughter to marry Osbourne for he should be worth a good fortune.

The story progresses with Molly being told secrets from every angle that she must conceal. Including her own secret about a certain Mr. Hamley.

It really is a treasure and a lot of fun to watch. The performances are outstanding. September 19, 2008

Very nice

I bought this movie because it was categorized with a few Jane Austen movies on a website. It was a very good movie, set in about the same time period as Jane's books. It is long, as all really good movies are; it's about 4-5 hours long. It was a good movie, with a good storyline, but not as romantic as a Jane Austen movie. The main couple never even kiss, which was a little disappointing. But even with that, it is still a cute movie. I also bought North and South at the same time, which was written by the same author and I prefer that movie to this one. It's more romantic and similar to Pride and Prejudice. I would recommend both movies, but I would recommend North and South more highly. September 9, 2008

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