Reviews (3)

FROM RAGS TO TRUE LOVE...
This is an excellent adaptation of Catherine Cookson's novel of the same name. This is the story takes place in a large and bustling English village in 1854. It tells the tale of Millicent "Millie" Forester, a beautiful young child whose desperate mother, having had a change in fortune, looks to earn their daily bread by reluctantly indulging in the world's oldest profession. When her mother is caught and dragged off to the local jail, rag picker Agnes Winkowski takes Millie under her wing. Her rough demeanor and bluster hides a heart of gold, as she already shelters a handsome hunchbacked teen named Ben, whose values and goodness do Aggie credit.

When Millie's mother is abducted by the local pimp and brothel owner, she hangs herself. This degenerate then sets his sights on Millie, as he has a clientele who will appreciate what she has to offer them. When Aggie becomes aware of the perfidy that is afoot, she sets Millie off to a convent school, where she hopes that she will be kept safe. When she finally returns home, Aggie and Ben both keep an eye out for Millie, knowing that the danger has only intensified, as child prostitution proliferates in Victorian England.

As Millie blossoms into a beautiful teenager, she goes to the country to work as a nursemaid. There, she is happy, until a sordid incident at a servants' party at a neighboring manor forces her to return home to Aggie and Ben. A wealthy suitor soon convinces her that she is in love, but this romance is not all that it seems, as Millie will soon discover.

Moreover, her father, whom she has long thought dead, reappears and is nothing more than a scoundrel of the worst sort. To complicate matters further, the brothel owner still has Millie in his sights and will stop at nothing to get her into his clutches, as he has a ready made roster of willing and depraved men who will pay handsomely for Millie's sexual favors. As an added twist, the saintly and forbearing Ben is in love with Millie and waiting patiently in the wings. What is a girl to do?

This is an interesting and absorbing period piece that holds the viewer's attention. Although at times it may strain belief, it is, nonetheless, a well acted and entertaining film that fans of Catherine Cookson and period piece lovers will enjoy.

Great for something different to watch
This is a very entertaining story set in urban England probably around the turn of the century. Its about Millie, an orphan adopted by a kind lady who deals in junk. Millie's mother was a prostitute and her pimp wants to kidnap Millie. He runs a kind of white slave trade. The little girl who plays Millie in the beginning is adorable. Its a believable story, orphans were really prayed upon and exploited in that time period. The story moves very quickly, never boring or drawn out. The acting is really great, considering this was probably not a "big budget" type production (I beleive it was made for TV). Its not predictable and really draws you in to the character's lives. Its surprisingly good! If you like stories about women beating the odds, you'll like this one. One negative: At times some of the character's accents are unintelligible-but you can still get the drift. Also, you'll recognize one of the actors from the BBC Pride and Prejudice series. I'd give this a PG-13 rating. Try it!

A must for the romantic!
I've seen this film as a mini TV series, and I adored it so much I bought the book, too! The high rating of course is only compared to other stories of the same kind, not to immortal masterpieces! The story is romantic, the actors are great -at least most of them, there is some overacting- the guys are cute, whether you like whitecollars or bluecollars (like I do). What can I say? See it! Read it! Do anything to get hold of this story! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A wonderful tale with a powerful hero!!!
The version I saw of this story was on stage in the late 1980's in London at the Playhouse Theatre (I think) with Owen Teale in the lead role. It is a powerful story well written and acted just as well by the superb cast. I have remembered this show since I saw it on stage 15+ years ago and the mesmerizing performance Owen Teale gave. It highlights what the class system meant in England in the days gone by. I hope this show comes out on DVD as it would become a welcome addition to my collection of good drama. I strongly recommend this story to fans of good drama, stage or film.

working-class epic romance
I feel I can't praise enough this wonderful film based on a novel by Catherine Cookson (which I have not read). The setting in the poor, bleak working-class neighbourhood of Fifteen Streets, in turn-of-the-century Newcastle, is wonderfully good, but especially, the acting is superb (do they all really speak that way?). The conflicts that these characters live through in the story change them forever, and you actually can see this in the expression on their faces, from hopeful to hopeless, and in the inflection of their voices. This is really ACTING at its best. After watching the film we are left with a feeling of respect for these hard workers and their families, who get over misery and bad times thanks to their sense of dignity and (in the case of the main character -who is NOT Sean Bean-) love. Not to miss, even if you are not a romance buff (which I am not).

A POWERFUL STORY
Although the VHS tape I received is slightly poor in picture quality, the story of The Fifteen Streets shines through beautifully. This heart-wrenching love story is a rare gem. The performances are powerful to the point of mesmerizing. I laughed and cried and hoped throughout this movie...and I'm a guy! I can't wait for this Catherine Cookson masterpiece to find its way onto DVD.

An outstanding movie!
I have recently seen "The Fifteen Streets" on the WE channel. I was absalutely enthralled by the movie. The performances of Owen Teale and Annie Tobin are particularly outstanding. Owen Teale became John O'Brien for me, and I could not imagine him as anyone else. (Until I saw him as Will Scarlet in "Robin Hood". Then, of course, he was the best WS I have seen.) The scope of the emotional and psysical presence he conveys in this movie is truly breathtaking! This movie is one that takes you with it. You laugh with them, cry with them and love and despair with them. Not only has this movie brought me a new treasure for my collection, it has brought me a new "favorite actor" to add to my list, which icludes Gregory Peck, Dustin Hoffman, and now, Owen Teale. The man is incredible! The movie is excellent!! ... Read more

Description

Monsignor Renard tells the story of the German occupation of France during World War II through the eyes and experiences of a humble and extraordinary priest--a man of profound faith whose beliefs are tested to the breaking point as he is forced to choose between the peaceful teachings of the Christian doctrine and the violent necessities of the emergent Resistance.

Returning home to family and personal conflicts, Renard (John Thaw--Inspector Morse, Goodnight Mister Tom) is faced with many moral dilemmas. Renard's faith tells him he must minister to friend and foe alike, but, as he finds himself drawn to the side of Free France, the threat to his personal safety increases as the Germans try to unmask the members of the Resistance. The good priest must summon every ounce of courage, strength and faith he possesses to carry everyone through the storm of evil that lies ahead. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Dominic Monaghan's cut scenes - US version
I also bought this miniseries to satisfy a Dom-sweet-tooth, and am absolutely in awe of his stunning performance. Be warned that it is far more intense, of course, than Hetty Wainthropp, and much more disturbing than LOTR. It is also sublimely scripted and full of nuance - a brilliant piece of writing and performance. However, the entire first episode was cut from the US version, and it is really crucial to understand the journey of Dom's character, Etienne. I cannot recommend highly enough going to BrandyHall.net and downloading two pivotal cut scenes there in The Gallery. I promise it'll change your entire understanding of Etienne Pierre Rollinger.

Monaghan
I purchased this set primarily as a fan of the actor Dominic Monaghan...while he does not play a large role in the first two episodes, he gives a powerhouse performance in the last. His confession to Monsignor Renard, prior to his death, is heart- breaking. While the actions of his character are reprehensible, you can understand the reasons for them, while not approving the acts.
The ending of the film was a bit abrupt, and I was hopeful for a more tidy conclusion...I wanted to know more about what happened to Alene, as well as what happened with the mother of the young boy killed in the battle of france.
All in all, I recommend this film highly, particularly to fellow fans of Dominic Monaghan.

Courage vs. Self-pity
John Thaw ("Inspector Morse") does a creditable job of portraying "Msgr. Renard," recently assigned as the parish priest of his tiny home village in the north of France. The Germans have just won the Battle of France, and German occupation troops are everywhere. The conquerors are arrogant and condescending, the defeated are resentful and angry. Adding difficulty to Renard's mission to uphold Christian values and somehow keep the peace between the villagers and the Germans is his own past. It seems he left the village years ago to accept a political posting for the Vatican. Did he abandon his family and neighbors? Is he back now because he failed as a diplomat? Everyone has an opinion, but Renard wisely realizes that the only way he can redeem himself to his parish is to act.

The script is very good, and all of the characters are well drawn. No cartoon Nazis here, no sniveling cowardly sympathizers. Renard's pastoral concerns are realistic, and his relationship with the Germans is tense and frightening.

I was a little put off by the story's abrupt ending, but otherwise I recommend "Monsignor Renard" whole-heartedly.

Monsignor Renard
This production was excellent. I cannot count how many times i have re-watched it! The storyline is excellent and the acting is superb. The memorable John Thaw plays the part excellently and the German actors play the part in a production which could have turned out alot worse, but this was a perfect balance of what i was looking for. I loved this production and am annoyed that they are not going to make another series.

Recent Review...Still find it confusing.
I saw the PBS Masterpiece Theatre version last year and thought it was AWFUL!!! I then bought the Americanized VHS version and still found it confusing as it was nothing different than what
PBS showed us. I thought PBS was just cutting it to death to provide for their time slot. Now I've read the reason why: The whole first episode was eliminated. No wonder I felt like I interrupted a group of people in the middle of a conversation and could not figure out the topic they were discussing. Anyone else feel that way? The same holds true for Thaw's "The Waiting Time." There, in the middle of a spy vs spy thriller, you get whole scenes (minutes at a time) on screen in German or Russian and no translation as to what is going on between the
characters. I wish Thaw would know about these bastardized productions people are putting out under his name. He would not be too happy. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great period piece
This film (a mini-series, I think) is a marvelous period piece, with carefully chosen settings and beautiful period clothes. The irresistible ingredients of this story are good character building, wonderful taste and great accuracy in the setting, good and handsome actors and actresses, war (World War I) and romance. To these ingredients we may add a whiff of Cinderella, and even a pinch of Jane Eyre in the characterization and evolution of Agnes and one of the male characters. We follow the progress of Agnes from dependent -but clear minded- girl to strong, determined woman on whose decisions seem to depend the well-being, and even the life, of those dearest to her, as she proves herself to be a strong, intelligent, no non-sense person. What I most liked about the story (appart from the setting and clothes) is that we see everything from Agnes' point of view, so we know the reasons for her choices and decisions and we see through her eyes her (and other character's) actions and mistakes. The only exception to this are the scenes set in the trenches of World War I, but it is all right, since war is a rupture of the ordinary rythm of life. Highly recomended even if you don't like romance (neither do I).

Superb Writing, Acting, Directing!
Of all the productions of Ms. Cookson's works, I think this is the very best. The cast was brilliant and the direction was sensitive and true to the book. I particularly appreciated the high-spirited nature of the leading character. Milquetoast is not on the menu here!

Bravo to cast and crew. Ms. Cookson had to be most pleased.

I think it is a great film
I really enjoyed this film it was funny and very sad both at the same time it gave a great look at the hardships of the world at the time and at World War 1 the characters were well played and interesting very very good !

Fabulous WWI Dramatics
I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation when it was on Masterpiece Theatre--it was such an interesting, delightful, and compassionate piece. Two beautiful love stories intertwined to encompass one girl. Excellent!

very good
I enjoyed this video very much. The story kept my attention despite the legnth, and I found myself very involved in it. It tells about the life of a highly intelligent, business-minded young girl. In fact I found that even though this movie is classified as Drama, it was quite comedic at times. I suppose that could be because of the girl's frankness with people. The emphasis on the class system is seen in different aspects, and how the viewpoints are either lenient or strict with regard to this. All in all, I really enjoyed this video & will probably watch it again. ... Read more

Description

Based on the powerful novel by England's much-loved, best-selling author, this captivating story translates so well to screen that Dame Catherine Cookson calls it, "the best," screen adaptation yet of one of her famous novels.

On Christmas Eve 1913, a disenchanted Agnes Conway (Claire Skinner) is once again behind the counter of the family sweetshop. Feeling taken for granted by her family and uncertain about her future, she can't help being envious of the happy young couple who comes in to buy Christmas treats. This chance encounter leads to her involvement with the wealthy Farrier family--in particular, brothers Charles (Edward Atterton) and Reg (Julian Wadbam). At the same time, she also finds herself entangled with the notorious Felton family, as she comes to the aid of her sister, who is involved in a forbidden liaison with Robbie Felton.

The Wingless Bird follows the fortunes of these three very different families who are linked by the strong-minded Agnes Conway. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great period piece
This film (a mini-series, I think) is a marvelous period piece, with carefully chosen settings and beautiful period clothes. The irresistible ingredients of this story are good character building, wonderful taste and great accuracy in the setting, good and handsome actors and actresses, war (World War I) and romance. To these ingredients we may add a whiff of Cinderella, and even a pinch of Jane Eyre in the characterization and evolution of Agnes and one of the male characters. We follow the progress of Agnes from dependent -but clear minded- girl to strong, determined woman on whose decisions seem to depend the well-being, and even the life, of those dearest to her, as she proves herself to be a strong, intelligent, no non-sense person. What I most liked about the story (appart from the setting and clothes) is that we see everything from Agnes' point of view, so we know the reasons for her choices and decisions and we see through her eyes her (and other character's) actions and mistakes. The only exception to this are the scenes set in the trenches of World War I, but it is all right, since war is a rupture of the ordinary rythm of life. Highly recomended even if you don't like romance (neither do I).

Superb Writing, Acting, Directing!
Of all the productions of Ms. Cookson's works, I think this is the very best. The cast was brilliant and the direction was sensitive and true to the book. I particularly appreciated the high-spirited nature of the leading character. Milquetoast is not on the menu here!

Bravo to cast and crew. Ms. Cookson had to be most pleased.

I think it is a great film
I really enjoyed this film it was funny and very sad both at the same time it gave a great look at the hardships of the world at the time and at World War 1 the characters were well played and interesting very very good !

Fabulous WWI Dramatics
I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation when it was on Masterpiece Theatre--it was such an interesting, delightful, and compassionate piece. Two beautiful love stories intertwined to encompass one girl. Excellent!

very good
I enjoyed this video very much. The story kept my attention despite the legnth, and I found myself very involved in it. It tells about the life of a highly intelligent, business-minded young girl. In fact I found that even though this movie is classified as Drama, it was quite comedic at times. I suppose that could be because of the girl's frankness with people. The emphasis on the class system is seen in different aspects, and how the viewpoints are either lenient or strict with regard to this. All in all, I really enjoyed this video & will probably watch it again. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Dominic Monaghan's cut scenes - US version
I also bought this miniseries to satisfy a Dom-sweet-tooth, and am absolutely in awe of his stunning performance. Be warned that it is far more intense, of course, than Hetty Wainthropp, and much more disturbing than LOTR. It is also sublimely scripted and full of nuance - a brilliant piece of writing and performance. However, the entire first episode was cut from the US version, and it is really crucial to understand the journey of Dom's character, Etienne. I cannot recommend highly enough going to BrandyHall.net and downloading two pivotal cut scenes there in The Gallery. I promise it'll change your entire understanding of Etienne Pierre Rollinger.

Monaghan
I purchased this set primarily as a fan of the actor Dominic Monaghan...while he does not play a large role in the first two episodes, he gives a powerhouse performance in the last. His confession to Monsignor Renard, prior to his death, is heart- breaking. While the actions of his character are reprehensible, you can understand the reasons for them, while not approving the acts.
The ending of the film was a bit abrupt, and I was hopeful for a more tidy conclusion...I wanted to know more about what happened to Alene, as well as what happened with the mother of the young boy killed in the battle of france.
All in all, I recommend this film highly, particularly to fellow fans of Dominic Monaghan.

Courage vs. Self-pity
John Thaw ("Inspector Morse") does a creditable job of portraying "Msgr. Renard," recently assigned as the parish priest of his tiny home village in the north of France. The Germans have just won the Battle of France, and German occupation troops are everywhere. The conquerors are arrogant and condescending, the defeated are resentful and angry. Adding difficulty to Renard's mission to uphold Christian values and somehow keep the peace between the villagers and the Germans is his own past. It seems he left the village years ago to accept a political posting for the Vatican. Did he abandon his family and neighbors? Is he back now because he failed as a diplomat? Everyone has an opinion, but Renard wisely realizes that the only way he can redeem himself to his parish is to act.

The script is very good, and all of the characters are well drawn. No cartoon Nazis here, no sniveling cowardly sympathizers. Renard's pastoral concerns are realistic, and his relationship with the Germans is tense and frightening.

I was a little put off by the story's abrupt ending, but otherwise I recommend "Monsignor Renard" whole-heartedly.

Monsignor Renard
This production was excellent. I cannot count how many times i have re-watched it! The storyline is excellent and the acting is superb. The memorable John Thaw plays the part excellently and the German actors play the part in a production which could have turned out alot worse, but this was a perfect balance of what i was looking for. I loved this production and am annoyed that they are not going to make another series.

Recent Review...Still find it confusing.
I saw the PBS Masterpiece Theatre version last year and thought it was AWFUL!!! I then bought the Americanized VHS version and still found it confusing as it was nothing different than what
PBS showed us. I thought PBS was just cutting it to death to provide for their time slot. Now I've read the reason why: The whole first episode was eliminated. No wonder I felt like I interrupted a group of people in the middle of a conversation and could not figure out the topic they were discussing. Anyone else feel that way? The same holds true for Thaw's "The Waiting Time." There, in the middle of a spy vs spy thriller, you get whole scenes (minutes at a time) on screen in German or Russian and no translation as to what is going on between the
characters. I wish Thaw would know about these bastardized productions people are putting out under his name. He would not be too happy. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Tide of Life
There is little I can add regarding this movie that hasnt already been said in the excellent review by the lady from Virginia.
All I will say is that I found the cinematography both believable and beautiful in its capture of the 19th century northern English life.
What drew me most to the film is the courageous character of Emily ..played so wonderfully by Gillian Kearney.
Suffice to say I loved the movie so much that I am buying it ... from Amazon because it is not available here in New Zealand.

Tide of Life a Lovely Voyage
This film, an adaptation of the Catherine Cookson novel of the same name, is a three part miniseries detailing the changing fortunes of a young housekeeper, Emily Kennedy, played by Gillian Kearney. The time period is the Victorian era. Emily Kennedy learns about life and love through relationships with three very different men. Forced from the home of her first employer Sep McGilby (John Bowler) after his plans to marry Emily come to a tragic end, Emily finds work as a housekeeper with a farmer, Larry Birch (Ray Stevenson) and his crippled wife Rona (Diana Hardcastle), in Croft Dene House, a place which holds many secrets. Eventually after a strange turn of events, wholesome Emily defies convention to share a life in a rundown cottage with Larry Birch. I did not like this part of the movie, and I knew where the situation was going to end with Birch. As upright and clear minded as Emily was, it was difficult for me to believe that she would be willing to sacrifice her dignity for Birch after all the time she had known him as his housekeeper. Throughout the movie, one is given conflicting evidence about Birch's character. Emily is initially curt when she meets the new owner of Croft Dene House, Nick Stuart, played by the always charismatic James Purefoy, who in this role is just about his most handsome (very becoming Rhett Butleresque wardrobe and thin moustache). Emily is curt, but is eventually won over by the charming and compassionate Nick Stuart. The tide shifts again, and Nick gives Emily a way to take control of her future. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

ADULTRY, LIES, PROFANITY and THEFT
This movie is shameful to say the lest! If you like Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensiblity, Mansfield Park, The Girl is not a romantic story at all. Movie will be a waste of time and money.
Hannah is a thief from the very beginning as a child, she commits adultry, profanity is used throughout the movie every now and then. Not worth seeing, but you judge for yourself
Be warned!

Totally amazing!
Wow - this movie is just fantastic. Siobhan Flynn is amazing as Hannah. She is beautiful, passionate and wonderful and you find yourself hoping she will find happiness in this epic story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Siobhan Flynn just tears up the screen and makes it look easy the whole time as the young girl in love. Miss Flynn is obviously destined to be a great star.

The Girl
A must see film! A few changes from the book but the characters and plot are wonderful! Hannah(Siobhan Flynn)you just root for from the begining to end. Hannah grows from a meek young girl to a splendidly beautiful woman. She overcomes many hardships and challanges in her quest for happiness. Ned Ridley(Jonathan Cake) is the very handsome and proud "bad boy" you just can't help but fall in love with. Who, unknown to Hannah, is her "knight in shining armor". The settings, costumes and scenery are beautiful as are Ned and Hannah! The English countryside is just breath taking in the film. All the cast is very convincing in their roles in the film. But, in the end, it's the casting of Hannah and Ned that makes you want to meet Siobhan Flynn and Jonathan Cake. I loved their preformance.

high school wana be gets popular rock guy
this movie is one of a kind it was very deep and moving high school girl falles hoplessly in love with town rock star who has had every willing girl in town but she changes him then says good bye .

the girl
This movie was one of the best that I have seen lately. Hannah was just a character that you loved. She was wonderful when she realized that she loved Ned. Ned was just so tormented in the beginning and transformed by his love for Hannah. I just wich I could find the book to read. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A wonderful tale with a powerful hero!!!
The version I saw of this story was on stage in the late 1980's in London at the Playhouse Theatre (I think) with Owen Teale in the lead role. It is a powerful story well written and acted just as well by the superb cast. I have remembered this show since I saw it on stage 15+ years ago and the mesmerizing performance Owen Teale gave. It highlights what the class system meant in England in the days gone by. I hope this show comes out on DVD as it would become a welcome addition to my collection of good drama. I strongly recommend this story to fans of good drama, stage or film.

working-class epic romance
I feel I can't praise enough this wonderful film based on a novel by Catherine Cookson (which I have not read). The setting in the poor, bleak working-class neighbourhood of Fifteen Streets, in turn-of-the-century Newcastle, is wonderfully good, but especially, the acting is superb (do they all really speak that way?). The conflicts that these characters live through in the story change them forever, and you actually can see this in the expression on their faces, from hopeful to hopeless, and in the inflection of their voices. This is really ACTING at its best. After watching the film we are left with a feeling of respect for these hard workers and their families, who get over misery and bad times thanks to their sense of dignity and (in the case of the main character -who is NOT Sean Bean-) love. Not to miss, even if you are not a romance buff (which I am not).

A POWERFUL STORY
Although the VHS tape I received is slightly poor in picture quality, the story of The Fifteen Streets shines through beautifully. This heart-wrenching love story is a rare gem. The performances are powerful to the point of mesmerizing. I laughed and cried and hoped throughout this movie...and I'm a guy! I can't wait for this Catherine Cookson masterpiece to find its way onto DVD.

An outstanding movie!
I have recently seen "The Fifteen Streets" on the WE channel. I was absalutely enthralled by the movie. The performances of Owen Teale and Annie Tobin are particularly outstanding. Owen Teale became John O'Brien for me, and I could not imagine him as anyone else. (Until I saw him as Will Scarlet in "Robin Hood". Then, of course, he was the best WS I have seen.) The scope of the emotional and psysical presence he conveys in this movie is truly breathtaking! This movie is one that takes you with it. You laugh with them, cry with them and love and despair with them. Not only has this movie brought me a new treasure for my collection, it has brought me a new "favorite actor" to add to my list, which icludes Gregory Peck, Dustin Hoffman, and now, Owen Teale. The man is incredible! The movie is excellent!! ... Read more