Wives and Daughters

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Average Rating: (See all 4 reviews) Format: DVD (PG) Ships within 2-5 days 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. Synopsis After years as a widower, village doctor Mr Gibson has decided to remarry - something for which his naave daughter, Molly, is wholly unprepared.Soon Molly's world is overturned by the arrival of an unwanted stepmother and a bewitching and beautiful stepsister, Cynthia. In spite of their differences, the two girls quickly form a close relationship. The strength of this friendship is soon tested however, when the girls become rivals in love...and matters are further complicated when a dangerous secret emerges from Cynthia's past...with serious consequences for them both. Director: Nicholas Renton Cast: Iain Glen, Tom Hollander, Ian Carmichael, Keeley Hawes, Barbara Flynn, Michael Gambon, Francesca Annis, Penelope Wilton, Deborah Findlay, Justine Waddell, Barbara Leigh-Hunt, Bill Paterson, Anthony Howell Subtitles: English for the Hearing Impaired, Dutch Publisher: Roadshow UPC: 9397810040298

Gripping storyline, despite the excellence of costumes and sets, the characters are so strong you forget the setting and think only of their journeys. The acting is excellent, not only the main characters, but every one rings true. I enjoyed this more than BBC Pride and Prejudice, and that is high praise indeed.

This is a beautiful miniseries from Andrew Davies and co., featuring excellent acting and stunning costumes and settings. I have to admit I'm not always a big fan of Davies (especially when I think of what he's done to Sense and Sensibility!) but he really has done a fine job here, as he did with Pride and Prejudice and Emma.

This isn't as good as North and South, but it is perhaps more family-friendly than N&S, with very little violence, language, etc.

It's just great drama - ignore the sudsy title, this is much more than just 19th century soap!

This rates up there with Pride and Predjudice as an honest adaption of a wonderful book by Elizabeth Gaskell. Francesca Annis portrays step-mama Claire with honesty and genuine emotion. Costumes and sets are true to the book and the time it is set in. Well worth a couple of days to take the time watching and delighting in it.

This is one of my top favorites. I never thought I'd see something that could compete with Andrew Davies' Pride and Prejudice but this mini-series does. The actors are all perfect in their roles and many of them are well-known.

The movie is beautiful, the costumes are amazing, and Molly is a very human girl that makes mistakes yet honestly strives to do her absolute best for the people she loves. I wish I was more like her!

Watch this movie!