From the team that brought you "Pride and Prejudice." Set in a richly portrayed society well-stocked with eccentric nobles and gossipy villagers, the story centers around 17-year-old Molly Gibson, the only daughter of a respected country Doctor.
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
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
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.
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.
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!
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... more info
