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Product Description
BBC mini-series adapted from Anne Brontë's neglected tale which follows Helen Graham (Tara Fitzgerald), a widow with a hidden past who takes up residence at Wildfell Hall. When young farmer Gilbert Markham (Toby Stephens) encounters Helen he is immediately drawn to her but in their tight-knit community rumours about Helen begin to spread. In time, the truth about her past comes to light but a dark secret threatens their hope of a future together.
Synopsis
Powerful, haunting and disturbing, Anne Bronte's classic story is as unforgettable as those of her more famous sisters. In a remote village on the Yorkshire moors, a beautiful widow and her son move into the near-derelict Wildfell Hall. Befriended by a handsome young farmer, she remains mysteriously silent about her past and why she is afraid - until she becomes the focus of malicious village gossip.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
62 of 63 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
While not wholly faithful to Anne Bronte's novel of the same name, this BBC adaptation has much to commend it. Excellent cinematography, as well as strong performances by the entire cast, makes this a must see production for all lovers of period pieces.
An intriguing widow of mystery, Helen Graham (Tara Fitzgerald), moves into a crumbling residence known as Wildfell Hall. There, she sets up house with her very young son. Plain spoken, independent, and seeming to lack charm, she rebuffs the initial, friendly overtures of the local townsfolk and manages to alienate most of them. Gilbert Markham (Toby Stephens), a young and handsome yeoman farmer, is not put off by her manner, however, and being smitten by her sets off in hot pursuit, hoping to gain her affections. Soon, however, the townsfolk begin gossiping about her supposed assignations with a wealthy, local gentleman, Mr. Lawrence (James Purefoy), the owner of Wildfell Hall. There comes a point where even the steadfast Mr. Markham wavers in his belief in her. It is then that Mrs. Graham tells him the true nature of her relationship with Mr. Lawrence and reveals her dark past.
Rupert Graves steals the show as Arthur Huntingdon, the charming rake who captures and seduces Helen's young, romantic heart. Once married to her, however, he reveals himself to be a brutish, dissolute, and depraved philanderer, who causes her to flee their home with their young son. The role of Huntingdon is, undoubtedly, the juiciest. The film uses the narrative contrivance of flashbacks in order to explain the events that led Helen to take the extraordinary measures that she did. It tells the viewer of the sad story that brought Helen and her son to this sorry pass. Ultimately, Helen takes the high road, when an event occurs that causes her past to collide with her present. In that decision, however, lies the key to her future.
Toby Stephens is wonderful as the yeoman farmer, whose tender heart is captured by the beautiful Helen. Tara Fitsgerald, while indeed beautiful, plays the role of Helen a tad too harshly, which, while serving to alenate the townsfolk, serves also to alienate the viewer somewhat. Even though the flashbacks serve to explain her present manner, and the viewer sees her in happier days, Helen is still not as simpatico a character as she could or should be. Still, this is a handsome, though somewhat dark and somber production that those who love period pieces will appreciate and enjoy.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:VHS Tape
An excellent cast ensures that this adaption of this Bronte novel captures the right tone to tell a rather dark story. It is NOT Austen & you will be disappointed if you have seen Pride & Prejudice & expect more of the same! This story of a woman hiding from her past is tautly told, especially the first third when the audience is kept at bay with only a few mysterious flashbacks to hint at why Helen is so withdrawn and hostile. Once the floodgates are opened though a lush and evocatively shot story is told of love, hope, patience, pity and eventual forgiveness. I loved this mini-series. Rupert Graves particularly impressed me as Helen's husband with his erratic mood swings, and disturbing charm, as did the score - if only it was available on disc!
A beautifully told story particularly suited for dark Winter days.
29 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:VHS Tape
Having fallen under the charm of Toby Stephens during a visit to Stratford where his performance as Coriolanus was breathtaking (I cried for that poor Roman soldier and the injustice of it all!) I was very curious to see this movie when I saw he was in the cast. And I have not been disappointed. The music, the lights, the unbelievable settings, the costumes and the acting were perfect. Huntington was very believable and despicable. As for Toby Stephens, he made a very intense and sexy gentleman farmer. I was NOT disappointed. The only thing I felt a bit sorry about was that somehow I did not really like Tara Fitzgerald (although I liked her deep voice very much and thought it gave strength to her character) and had trouble feeling sorry for her... It is a brilliant adaptation of the work of Anne Bronte and a very entertaining romantic movie. I had prepared myself a nice pot of tea to drink watching it but the whole thing was so gripping, I completely forgot about it! That is a good sign isn't it?:o)
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful
Tara Fitzgerald's portrayal of Helen Graham is unforgettable. The DVD sticks to the original Bronte story line with skill and originality, well worth watching over and over again
Published 19 days ago by D. Frost
5.0 out of 5 stars
DVD Tenant of Wildfell Hall
i have already read the book and seen it so I knew what i was getting anyway. it is one of my favourite stories.
Published 20 days ago by maggie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it.
I'm pleased that this has made it onto DVD. It used to be very hard to get hold of and it's a good Bronte story. Read more
Published 25 days ago by cynthia j
4.0 out of 5 stars
A very good adaptation
A very well made adaptation, full of suspense. I liked the soundtrack, the choice of the casting could have been better, as I found part of the acting very cold and aloof.
Published 1 month ago by Dinah
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great quick service
I bought this DVD some time ago and still have not watched it - but keep meaning to. I am sure it is very good. The service in receiving it was great, however.
Published 2 months ago by adie
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
Great film, thoroughly enjoyed it, well acted and great story. Had never heard of it but took a chance, well worth it
Published 4 months ago by margaret harkness
1.0 out of 5 stars
Disapointed
I was looking forward to watching this. Imagine my disapointment when I started to play it and it had Dutch subtitles with no apparent way to turn them off.
Published 5 months ago by Mr. R. Evans
2.0 out of 5 stars
I think it missed the point
This review is from: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall [DVD] [1996] (DVD)
It is many years since I read Tenant of Wildfell Hall but remember that I loved it. Read more
It is many years since I read Tenant of Wildfell Hall but remember that I loved it. Read more
Published 9 months ago by C. A. Dunn
3.0 out of 5 stars
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
DVD was dated and of less than perfect quality, mainly due to the fact that it was a TV production. With hindsight, I should have bought one the more expensive versions. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Mrs. Ann Oxford Wright
5.0 out of 5 stars
Anne Bronte Understood People
This is a first-rate adaptation of the novel by Anne Bronte. It's well acted by all involved with Tara Fitzgerald giving a bravura performance in the role of Helen Graham. Read more
Published 11 months ago by H. A. Weedon
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