The Tenant Of Wildfell Hall [VHS] [1996]: Toby Stephens, Tara Fitzgerald, Rupert Graves, Sarah Badel, Jackson Leach, Sean Gallagher, Jonathan Cake, Joe Absolom, Kenneth Cranham, Pam Ferris, Cathy Murphy, Paloma Baeza: Amazon.co.uk: Video

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Synopsis

It's Victorian England, 1848. Helen Graham becomes the new tenant at Wildfell Hall. Her unconventional life hides a hidden past. A period drama based on the novel by Anne Bronte.

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3.6 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews)

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38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ANOTHER POLISHED BBC PERIOD PIECE..., 24 Nov 2002

By	Lawyeraau (Balmoral Castle) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)

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.

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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great stuff, 3 Oct 2001

By	Haande Laurence "spacecadet" (Norway) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great BBC Drama, 26 Jun 2001

By A Customer

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.