When it comes to period dramas, it might have been Jane Austen that captured my attention
but it has been Elizabeth Gaskell that has captured my heart.
Elizabeth Gaskell was born on September 29, 1810So to mark the 200th anniversary of her birth,
how about watching one of the wonderful period dramas based on her novels?
Wives and Daughters was the first Gaskell film adaptation that I saw and I was so drawn in to the story and its characters. Molly Gibson was a true heroine in my eyes. Her sweet nature and her tender relationship with her father was so touching to watch. (Played by Justine Waddell and Bill Paterson)I loved seeing her close friendship with the Hamley family and to see:
- gruff Squire Hamley (Sir Michael Gambon) soften when it came to Molly
- Mrs. Hamley's (Penelope Wilton) affection for Molly as if she were her own daughter
- and the complex relationship with the two brothers Roger and Osborne (Anthony Howell and Tom Hollander)
Add to that priceless performances by:
- Francesca Annis (as Molly's stepmother) - memorable!
- Keeley Hawes (Molly's stepsister) - captivating as always!
- Barbara Flynn & Deborah Findlay (loved the Browning sisters!)
- Barbara Leigh Hunt and Rosamund Pike (as Lady Cumnor and her daughter Harriet)
With such a talented cast, it's no wonder that this is my favourite period drama!
Trailer for Wives and Daughters thanks to Skipmaus!
The next Gaskell adaptation that I saw was North & SouthIf you haven't seen this one yet, what are you waiting for?
Some people have been put off I think by the grey and sombre landscape depicted in the industrial town of Milton set in the north of England. However, if you let that dissuade you, you'll be missing out on one of the greatest love stories of period drama as evidenced by an Army of fans worldwide! I confess to being one among this band of devoted admirers and created a motivational poster retelling of this "Foolish Passion".
wallpaper by dreamvision
North & South trailer thanks to lycisca!
And then there's Cranford
An unforgettable saga with a cast that includes:Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, Imelda Staunton, Greg Wise, Michael Gambon, Francesca Annis, Deborah Findley, Barbara Flynn, Simon Woods, Julia Sawalha, Claudie Blakley , Lesley Manville, Alex Etel, Jim Carter, Kimberley Nixon, Lisa Dillon and Philip Glenister
Cranford trailer thanks to Luthi3n84!
Another adaptation to watch is the sequel Return to Cranford
where the ladies are still up to their antics!
where the ladies are still up to their antics!
And the wonderful thing is that all of the above are miniseriesso there's plenty of Gaskell to inspire and delight!
If you'd like to read even more about Elizabeth Gaskell and her works,
be sure to join in the Bicentenary Blog Tour hosted by Austenprose
be sure to join in the Bicentenary Blog Tour hosted by Austenprose
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