"Wives and Daughters" (1999) TV mini-series

User Rating:

8.6/10   

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

15 December 2002 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot Keywords:

Darwinism | Aristocrat | Brother Brother Relationship | Estate | Loss Of Mother

Awards:

8 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Justine Waddell	...	Molly Gibson (4 episodes, 1999)
Bill Paterson	...	Mr. Gibson (4 episodes, 1999)
Francesca Annis	...	Hyacinth Gibson (4 episodes, 1999)
Keeley Hawes	...	Cynthia Kirkpatrick (4 episodes, 1999)
Tom Hollander	...	Osborne Hamley (4 episodes, 1999)
Anthony Howell	...	Roger Hamley (4 episodes, 1999)
Michael Gambon	...	Squire Hamley (4 episodes, 1999)
Barbara Flynn	...	Miss Browning (4 episodes, 1999)
Deborah Findlay	...	Miss Phoebe (4 episodes, 1999)
Iain Glen	...	Mr. Preston (4 episodes, 1999)
Peter Copley	...	Robinson (4 episodes, 1999)
Emily McKenzie	...	Maria (4 episodes, 1999)
Barbara Leigh-Hunt	...	Lady Cumnor (3 episodes, 1999)
Ian Carmichael	...	Lord Cumnor (3 episodes, 1999)
Rosamund Pike	...	Lady Harriet Cumnor (3 episodes, 1999)
Elizabeth Spriggs	...	Mrs. Goodenough (3 episodes, 1999)
Tonia Chauvet	...	Aimée (3 episodes, 1999)
Richard Coyle	...	Mr. Coxe (2 episodes, 1999)
Shaughan Seymour	...	Lord Hollingford (2 episodes, 1999)
Penelope Wilton	...	Mrs. Hamley (2 episodes, 1999)
Georgie Glen	...	Miss Hornblower (2 episodes, 1999)
Ben Illis	...	Mr Wynne (2 episodes, 1999)
Fred Pearson	...	Mr Sheepshanks (2 episodes, 1999)
Dariel Pertwee	...	Lady Cuxhaven (2 episodes, 1999)
Jacqueline Pilton	...	Mrs. Dawes (2 episodes, 1999)
Jemima Rooper	...	Lizzie Goodenough (2 episodes, 1999)
Tim Wallers	...	Mr. Henderson (2 episodes, 1999)

Runtime:

301 min (4 parts)

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

UK:U | USA:TV-PG | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Charlestown, Cornwall, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

The lavish production required more than 1,000 costumes and up to 40 hairstyles for each of the leading ladies.

Quotes:

Mr. Gibson: Content yourself my dear. Roger Hamley is as fine as young man as ever breathed, with money or without. I only wish my Molly could meet with such another.
Claire Gibson: I will try for Molly.
Mr. Gibson: No, no, no, no, no. That is one thing I forbid. I will have no *trying* for Molly.

Soundtrack:

Tu t'en repentiras, Colin

A Rare Gem

After some deliberation, I have decided that this miniseries is one of my favorite movies of all time. Why? Because I can make no complaints whatsoever about this film. First, the screenplay, written by the wonderfully talented Andrew Davies of "Pride and Prejudice" (my favorite film of all time) and "Middlemarch" fame (the latter is on my list of must-sees). "Wives and Daughters" is based on the novel of the same name written by Elizabeth Gaskell. It tells the story of young Molly Gibson (Waddell), who lost her mother at a young age, but is raised by her loving father, the town doctor. When Mr. Gibson remarries, Molly's world is turned upside down. Now she has to contend with her daft and, at times, conniving stepmother, Hyacinth (Annis), and her worldly stepsister, Cynthia (Hawes). Despite their vast differences in temper, Molly and Cynthia become fast friends, but a secret from Cynthia's past stands to stain Molly's impeccable reputation. Meanwhile, Mr. Gibson's old friend, Squire Hamley, has two sons, studious Roger, and tortured Osbourne. Osbourne, the family favorite, has a few secrets of his own, but it is the younger Roger who not only proves himself the most responsible of the two, but also wins the heart of Molly and also a piece of Cynthia's as well. Will Molly finally have some happiness of her own? Well, after 3 1/2 hours, you'll find out.

Now, the actors. Superb! Justine Waddell (Tess of the D'Urbervilles, Great Expectations) is excellent and totally convincing as the strongwilled yet innocent Molly. Keeley Hawes (Cater Street Hangman, Our Mutual Friend) is wonderful as always. Bill Paterson (Mr. Gibson) is perfect as Molly's doting and protective father. And how can I forget Roger, played by Anthony Howell in his first television role? Wow, not only is he amazingly easy on the eyes, but he is a superb actor, who hails from various theatre troupes in England. The supporting actors and actresses are splendid, as well. As for the scenery and costumes, perfection. Nothing more to add on that account. One of the most memorable scenes to look out for is when Molly catches Roger's eye at a party given in his honor. I don't want to get into a lot of detail, but let me say that fortunately I recorded W&Ds, and I rewound that scene and also the last half hour at least 10 times. The ending is perfect! Definitely no disappointments. Please see "Wives and Daughters" if you already haven't. Even if you don't like period dramas, make an exception in this case!