Masterpiece Theatre - Secret Life of Mrs. Beeton (2007)

Just as Nigella Lawson and Martha Stewart have turned Americans and Britons into nations of wannabe domestic goddesses, the Victorians had their own preacher in the shape of Mrs. Isabella Beeton.

Portrait of an unconventional Victorian marriage

Mrs Beeton's 1861 guide to running a household was popular among Victorian housewives, and her legacy lives on till today, though the format of her book has gone through lots of revisions since then. This Masterpiece Theatre offering paints a portrait of Mrs Beeton's life from her early courtship by Mr Samuel Beeton, marriage and business partnership with her husband till her demise. The narration interestingly enough is by Mrs Beeton [Anna Madeley] herself after her death.

Anna Madeley plays her role very convincingly, and though much of the story here is based on speculation, the story does not get far-fetched nor too droll. It is well-done and the casting is excellent.Anna Madeley is also the actress who played the role of Lucy Steele in the 2007 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. There are many familiar actors in this production. JJ Field's who plays the role of Sam Beeton was also cast as Mr Tilney in the 2007 adaptation of Northanger Abbey, and the actress portraying Mrs Beeton's mother also played Caroline Bingley in the 1995 production of Pride and Prejudice.

The story itself centers around a young, ambitious and intelligent woman, Isabella, who follows her heart and marries Samuel Beeton, a publisher of not much means, and after deciding that she is not really made for the role of a housewife [something that was demanded by Victorian mores of the time], scandalises her conservative parents by going to work with her husband in his publishing business. They decide to publish a book on aspects of domesticity and which proves to be a big hit upon publication. Though their business partnership is harmonious and initially profitable, their domestic life is wrought with tragedies - Isabella suffers many miscarriages, and also loses some of her children [she conceives many children throughout her marriage] to sudden, inexplicable death. Only much later do we learn [after Isabella undertakes to research the symptoms and causes of her children's death and her husband's ill health] the real, shocking truth behind her misfortunes.

This is a rather well-made period drama that portrays domestic life in Victorian times as well as a woman's struggles during the time - to achieve some semblance of independence, career satisfaction as well as juggling the demands of motherhood and being a wife. Quite a revolutionary undertaking for a Victorian woman but in Anna Madeley's capable hands, Mrs Beeton is credibly portrayed. I did find the many asides [where the lead character addresses the viewer directly] to be a tad distracting, but it didn't detract too much from my enjoyment of the movie.

I would recommend this movie to fans of period dramas, with a warning. Though it does have some humor, the story itself is quite tragic. The movie has fine acting and wonderful sets and cinematography. All in all, a worthwhile viewing experience.

April 15, 2008

Give thanks for penicillin

The acting is great, the story tragic. Great sets, great costumes. And a real plug for medical advancement. March 12, 2008

Lite Entertainment

Nice period piece but the aside commentary was distracting and not necessary. The movie did not capture the real depth of this amazing woman's life. Perhaps next time. January 9, 2008

period dramas

I bought this particular video because it was a period piece. It was not exactly what I expected but I did enjoy it enough to decide to keep it and watch it again. It does tell an intriguing story in a very gentle way. August 6, 2007

Great Story

This could have been a downer, but because of the wonderful actress and personality of Mrs. Beeton (would be nice if she was really that smart, clever, funny and positive), it was very well enjoyable. All the actors were fantastic. Isabella Beeton was a remarkable woman and her perseverance against so many awful things was quite inspiring. August 6, 2007

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