The Catherine Cookson Anthology (1995)

Champion of the less privileged

The movies that are created from the stories by Catherine Cookson are always wonderful to watch. The only thing better than reading one of her books is watching the movie adaption of one.
April 6, 2008

First Rate

Have loved all of Ms. Cookson's movies so far, and really enjoyed this one. Good story - love and war and infidelity and revenge. Catherine Zeta Jones played the role of an unfaithful, unloving wife, but did a good job. The lead role was well played and the best part was that it all ended happily. March 28, 2008

"Seven Film Anthology ... Catherine Cookson ... Koch Vision (2008)"

Koch Vision and BBC presents "THE CATHERINE COOKSON ANTHOLOGY" (1995) (1259 mins/Color) (Dolby Digital) --- Dame Catherine Ann Cookson was an English author --- Cookson became Britain's most widely read novelist, while remaining a relatively low-profile figure in the world of celebrity writers --- Her books were inspired by her deprived youth in North East England, the setting for her novels.

Cookson took up writing as a form of therapy to tackle her depression, and joined Hastings Writers' Group --- Her first novel, Kate Hannigan, was published in 1950 --- Though it was labelled a romance, she expressed discontent with the stereotype --- Her books were, she said, historical novels about people and conditions she knew --- Cookson had little to do with the London literary circus --- She was always more interested in practicing the art of writing --- Her research could be uncomfortable - going down a mine, for instance, because her heroine came from a mining area --- Having in her youth wanted to write about "above stairs" in grand houses, she later and successfully concentrated on people ground down by circumstances, taking care to know them well.

Cookson went on to write almost 100 books, selling more than 123 million copies of her books, her works being translated into at least 20 languages --- She also authored books under the pseudonyms Catherine Marchant and a name derived from her childhood name, Katie McMullen --- She remained the most borrowed author from public libraries in the UK for more than 20 years, only losing the title in 2004, which is testament to the ongoing popularity of her novels.(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Here are the seven films featured in the eight-disc The Catherine Cookson Anthology, a few are as described on the box set's gatefold:

1. The Cinder Path - (12 February 1995)
The downtrodden son of a farmer, married to one woman but in love with her sister, ships off to World War I in search of glory and redemption. On the front lines, he must battle not only the enemy but also the demons of self-doubt which have plagued him throughout his life.

2. Colour Blind - (16 December 1998)
Bridget seriously offends her conservative family for marrying an African sailor. After being accused of murder, her husband is forced to leave town. As their daughter grows up, she must learn to cope with the racism surrounding her.

3. A Dinner of Herbs - (24 November 2000)
Hal was just a boy when his father was murdered by the ruthless Dan Bannerman. Now, with a family of his own, Hal discovers that the man his daughter hopes to marry is none other than Bannerman's grandson --- Filmed on location in the north of England, "A Dinner of Herbs" is an unforgettable mix of murder, passion and revenge!

4. The Girl - (16 February 1996)
"The Girl" focuses on a young woman who must overcome emotional and physical obstacles to finally come into the life she deserves. This tale is no different. The performances are excellent, and the costuming and locations equally well done.The acting is top notch, and the scenery and production are beautiful.

5. The Secret - (21 January 2000)
Freddie Musgrave's life is in a state of turmoil when a letter implicates him in murder. Further complications arise when he discovers he has feelings for Belle, a woman married to a madman. In the late 1880's reformed smuggler Freddie Musgrave has worked hard to turn a legitimate trade, but then a face from his past turns up threatening to ruin things for him.

6. The Tide of Life - (1996)
The story line and plot, follows the fortunes of young housekeeper, Emily Kennedy, (Gillian Kearney) as she learns about relationships with three very different men. Forced from home of her first employer, Sep McGilby (John Bowler) after his plans to marry her come to tragic end, Emily finds work as housekeeper for farmer, Larry Birch (Ray Stevenson). Another tragedy occurs, and when Nick Stuart (James Purefoy) inherits the farm owned by Birch's wife, Nick gives Emily a new future.

7. Tilly Trotter - (8 January 1999)
Set in rural England during the 1930s, Tilly Trotter is the compelling story of a courageous young girl, envied by women and lusted after by men, who is accused of witchcraft, and forced to rise above the prejudice of her community.

BIOS:
Catherine Cookson (aka: Catherine Ann Davies)
Date of Birth: 27 June 1906 - Tyne Dock, South Shields, England, UK
Date of Death: 11 June 1998 - London, England, UK (blood disorder; heart ailment)

Great job by Koch Vision --- looking forward to more high quality titles from the BBC Collection film market --- order your copy now from Amazon or Koch Vision where there are plenty of copies available on DVD, stay tuned once again for top notch releases --- where they are experts in releasing long forgotten films and treasures to the collector.

Total Time: 1259 mins on DVD ~ Koch Vision KOCV-6511 ~ (1/22/2008) March 11, 2008

Catherine Cookson DVD's

I was extrememly pleased with my latest purchase of DVD's on Catherine Cookson. It was better then I even imagined. March 10, 2008

Stirring Drama --- Maria Miles delivers an exceptional performance.

Set in the rural areas around Newcastle during the years 1913-1918, this impressive dramatization of Cookson's work centers on the personal struggles of a wealthy young land owner (Charlie) who is seen by many around him as a weakling and utter failure until he is thrown into the cauldron of military service on the Western Front and is forced by circumstances to fight and lead or perish. Much of his inspiration and will to survive comes from the love and devotion of Nellie, the troubled younger sister of his unfaithful, stunningly beautiful wife Victoria.

Although the starring roles are played ably by Lloyd Owen and Catherine Zeta-Jones, the most memorable and arresting performance was delivered by Maria Miles as Nellie. Maria Miles brought her character to life and graced her with a beauty that surpassed even that of Catherine Zeta-Jones. In fact, the character of Nellie emerges from personal depression to become one of the genuinely strong and likeable figures in of the Cookson series (and I have seen them all).

February 28, 2008

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