The Woman In White (1997)

The Woman In White (1997) is an adaptation of a Wilkie Collins Victorian mystery I have watched a couple times and enjoyed each time. But I have debated doing a review of this film because it is/has been a fairly popular period drama that many people have already seen. So in this review I want to particularly address why I've put an asterick next to it on the "Old-Fashioned Films" page marking it has having an objectionable themes or scenes. I want to point out the good points, bad points and whether to see or not see.




Synopsis: The story of two sisters so unalike but so completely devoted to each other. Marian Fairlie, the older sister, is a bold modern woman, with a skeptical view of life. She is protective of her younger sister Laura who is sweet, naive and trusting. Their story begins when their uncle highers young Mr. Hartright to teach them art. Mr. Hartright is enchanted by Laura and befriends both girls until the startling testimony of a servant girl casts a shadow on his character and he is dismissed. Thus begins a series of strange events which continues with the strange babblings of "the woman in white", the half-crazed forest wanderer Anne Catherick. Laura soon marries young Sir Percival Glide, a man Marian worries is only after her money. Marian spends a long visit her sister and brother-in-law where she also meets Count Fosco. There she begins to see the depths of evil she has feared, danger not primarily of body but of the mind. Can she keep her sister and her fortune safe and find out the mystery behind Anne Catherick's past? She'll have to stoop to underhanded inquiries and accept help from an old friend before the wrong is righted. - Laurie M.



The Good: In this film the lines of good and evil are clearly drawn, especially in the end. The bad are punished and the good are rewarded. Though evil threatens to prevail many times, good will ultimately win the day.
The sisterly devotion between Marian and Laura is very touching. Laura herself is the sweetest girl you'd every want to meet and it's hard to see bad things come her way. Marian turns out to be the heroine of sorts, and her devotion to her sister and to finding out the truth is commendable. A sweet love story also develops during the film which adds a lovely ending, but the couple must go through many hardships before they're allowed to be happy at last.

The Bad: Anne Catherick is the "woman in white" and her story is a very sad one. Laura's life is also full of misery after she marries, and though none of the abuse and manipulation is shown it is mentioned and bruises are shown. No violence is ever shown on screen and threats are not physical but more of a mental vein. The suspense in the film reminds me of an Alfred Hitchcock film - you don't need blood and gore to make a film suspenseful and scary! There is a scene toward the end of the film that is very scary, but it turns out that the bad guy gets what he deserves. Marian does quite a bit of hiding and creeping about, and she also has to do some underhanded things (such as threatening a doctor with scandal) to find out the truth. I wouldn't recommend this film for viewers under 16 years of age, simply for the themes of abuse and suspense that run through the film.



Sets and costumes are all lovely! Music is very fitting for the story and ambiance. Acting is exceptional, just what one would expect from a BBC period drama. There are many recognizable faces. Here are just a few and a bit about the characters they portray:

• Tara Fitzgerald as Marian Fairlie - Marian is a strong personality and a loving older sister. Actress Tara Fitzgerald seems to have spent much time in period dramas many of which I haven't seen. Films I have seen her in and enjoyed: The Tennant of Wildfell Hall, Mrs. Reed in Jane Eyre (2006), and Marple: The Body In The Library, and The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain. Her performance in The Woman in White is similar to the character she plays in The Tennant of Wildfell Hall but she does a marvelous job as always.
• Justine Waddell as Laura Fairlie - A timid and shy young lady who is all sweetness and quick to form affections. Ms Waddell's performance is excellent as always and she totally makes this film for me. The beauty and sweetness she portrays throughout the film really balances the evil. This is though a completely different role from my favorite role of her's Molly Gibson in Wives and Daughters. Her other period roles include: Tess in Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1998), Estella in Great Expectations (1999), Julia Bertram in Mansfield Park (1999), Millie in The Moth (which is a similar character to Anne Catherick, this film is adapted from a Catherine Cookson novel and I do NOT recommend any of them, cheep romance novels the lot!)
• Andrew Lincoln as Mr. Harding - The sister's art tutor who falls in love with Laura. He's an all-around nice guy and I wish he had even more screen time then he does. Sadly actor Lincoln has been in only one other period role that I recognize Edgar Linton in Wuthering Heights (2009), a film which I just couldn't watch all the way through. (Have I ever told you how much I dislike that story?)
• James Wilby as Sir Percival Glyde - A throughly rotten character from beginning to end, Sir Percival is Laura's husband. After viewing actor James Wilby in this role I was a bit surprised to find out that I had seen him as Bertie (King George VI) in Bertie and Elizabeth because he was completely delightful in that film! His other period films include: Gosford Park (not for children), Sherlock Holmes: The Crooked Man, Marple: The Sittaford Mystery, Poirot: Third Girl, George Eliot: A Scandalous Life (documentary). Very interesting!
• Simon Callow as Count Fosco - A seemingly pleasant foreigner on the surface, Count Fosco is actually a very dangerous man. I remember reading on Wikipedia about the book and how he was quite like a Moriarty (Sherlock Holmes's nemesis) character, one of the most evil villains ever created. Actor Simon Callow is a veteran actor and does a spectacular job at making this character believable. The actor's other period films I've seen him in include: The Phantom of the Opera (2004), Marple: The Body In The Library, Hans Christian Andersen: My Life As A Fairytale as Charles Dickens. And he reprised his role of Charles Dickens in The Mystery of Charles Dickens (TV documentary) and An Audience With Charles Dickens (which I saw as an extra on The Pickwick Papers DVD, it's a half hour film of the great author reading a famous scene from the book).
• As a side note of great interest to this Hercule Poirot fan I found that Kika Markham the actress who portrayed the short role of Madame Fosco in this film also played "the woman" Countess Vera Russakoff in Poirot: The Double Clue. The countess is to Poirot what Irene Adler is to Sherlock Holmes - the woman criminal who almost outwits the brilliant detective. This actress also has a short role in The Forsyte Saga.

I recently made this YouTube video with music and photos from The Woman In White. The music is lovely in a bittersweet sort of way!

My Recommendation: I greatly enjoyed Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone and expected something similar to that story when I was first watching The Woman In White. While this is a very well done story and I do highly recommend it, I would say watch with caution. As stated above, because of themes of abuse and the great suspense in the film, I would recommend this to only viewers aged 16 and up. My sister is 14 and I would not recommend this for her even though she has seen murder mystery. While violence and physical abuse are never shown on scene those themes strongly underlie the mystery surrounding Anne Catherick and the treatment of Laura by her husband.

All in all it is a lovely film and not to be missed! There are many things in it's favor, even just good old-fashioned story telling. Lots of old-fashioned charm!

If you've seen The Woman In White or read the book I'd love to hear your opinions! Comments and questions are always welcome!

Very Truly Your's,

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If you follow us on blogger why not "like" us on Facebook? Today I created an official fan page for Old-Fashioned Charm on Facebook. Why a fan page? I'm not really sure but so far I've just been having fun posting lots of different things from pictures to updates and discussion topics. I'm hoping to update at least every time I blog a new post and will hopefully also be able to give quick updates as well.

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Hope you're having a good week!

Why This Post?

Because I adore Autumn colors!




Because I so enjoy an Autumn walk crunching through fallen leaves!




Because I am always thrilled with the touch of brisk Autumn air against my face and hair!




Because the northern landscape of water, rocks and trees spreading gracefully toward the sky, fill my heart with awe and wonder of the amazing Creator who designed the amazing landscape!




Because this great Creator is also an artist who paints each tree and details each Autumn leaf!



Because sometimes it seems that God designs nature just for us to enjoy, and then I think that He also designed me to enjoy his creation and praise Him for it!




Because I fond a lovely quote today about Autumn which I think is so true:

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." - Albert Camus

Because I am getting very excited about Thanksgiving...and then Christmas!




Because I am so blessed with family and friends, and blessed by my Savior and Lord who loves me and continues to unfold His plan for my life!




Because I am praying that you are blessed by these few thoughts.


God Bless,

Mayor of Casterbridge (1978)

I greatly enjoyed this bittersweet tale written by Thomas Hardy when I first saw the 2003 adaptation (starring Ciaran Hinds, Johdi May, and James Purefroy) when it first aired in the USA on the A&E Network (those were the days - mysteries and period dramas!). So when I found this older adaptation on YouTube I was interested in see how it differs from the newer version. In point of fact they are not unalike, except in being older with less brilliant music and running a little longer than the newer version.

Synopsis: In a drunken and disheartened state, Michael Henchard sells his wife at a fair. When he becomes sober again he realises what he has done, and though unable to find his wife and child, changes his ways. He becomes the Mayor of the town and a wealthy business owner, his business grown so well he has to hire a partner accountant. Nearly twenty years later his past comes back to haunt him when his former wife and grown daughter come to him in their need. He takes them in and life seems to be pretty well perfect, but will secrets and Michael Henchard's own passionate nature let them stay at peace?

Actor Alan Bates portrays the character of Michael Henchard and does a fine job at capturing the passionate nature of this original character. From bold businessman to loving father. But...he's definitely not Ciaran Hinds (who's very convincing in the same role in the 2003 version)!

Alan Bates's other period drama appearances include: Hamlet (1990), Hard Times (1994) (which I have yet to see), Gosford Park (not the cleanest film but a good story full of amazing actors), Bertie and Elizabeth.

Acting over all way very good! There is a whole array of characters portrayed by many seasoned actors of the time. Here's just a few that I recognized:

• Janet Maw as Elizabeth-Jane Henchard - as the daughter of Michael Henchard's estranged wife Elizabeth-Jane grew up never knowing her father but her sweetness and gentleness easily lend themselves to being loved. Her character is perhaps the strongest and purest of any in the story. She herself is to be greatly respected. I actually enjoyed Janet Maw's portrayal much more than Johdi May's later performance of the same character. I immediately recognized Ms. Maw having greatly enjoyed her in The Barchester Chronicles as another lovely daughter. Her other roles have included The Carter Street Hangman (an excellent murder mystery).
• Jack Galloway as Donald Farfrae - in his role as Michael Henchard's business-smart Scottish partner Jack Galloway is brilliant. I actually prefer his Scottish brogue, ballad singing, straight-forward but gentle manner to actor James Purefroy's brooding manners in the same role. Unfortunately the only other period thing I've seen him in is Miss Marple: The Murder at the Vicarage.
• Richard Owens as Newson - Elizabeth-Jane's stepfather who is a naval man. This actor made a few brief appearances and I didn't recognize him at all. After viewing other things he's been in and chuckling over his role as "Pompus Bore" in The Abduction Club, I actually found something interesting! Richard Owens played a very charming version of Colonel Brandon in BBC's 1971 adaptation of Sense & Sensibility. What a find!
• Anna Massey as Lucetta Templeman - I've enjoyed Anna Massey's performance in mostly older character roles and her voice work on audio books but I quite looked forward to seeing her in this much younger role. She was in a word magnificent! Lucetta is a coquettish woman who has nearly past the bloom of life. Although not always a "good" woman, Lucetta does help Elizabeth-Jane find some freedom from her tyrannical father and she does fall for a man worthy of love. Anna Massey is brilliant, perhaps the performance of a lifetime! This series is worth watching for her alone! Ms. Massey's long list of other fantastic period drama roles include: Mrs. Norris in Mansfield Park (1983), Miss Prism in The Importance of Being Earnest (2002), Aunt Stanbury in He Knew He Was Right, Oliver Twist (2007) and Tess of The D'Urbervilles (2008). And I look forward to seeing her in many other films in future!

Costumes are all correct for the period and have a great effect. Some of Lucetta and Elizabeth-Jane's are particularly lovely examples of Victorian style! Music is not extraordinary but there are a few lovely ballads and dance songs. Sets are nice but mostly sound stages. Outdoor scenes are greatly effected by the sound of wind gusts but most are fine. Simply and older film done on a small budget with fine acting.

Highly recommend if you love older period dramas and especially Anna Massey. Below is a YouTube video with theme music and photos I created yesterday.

Very truly your's,

Silas Marner (1985)

I watched Silas Marner: The Weaver of Raveloe (1985) just a few days ago on YouTube. I must confess that I knew very little about the George Eliot story before I watch this film. But I did my research and found that it was a clean film that sticks fairly close to the original novel. I also remembered my brother had read the book in high school (home school) and that he had enjoyed it for the most part. I was also interested in this particular film because it starred actor Ben Kingsley who I have enjoyed in other period dramas.



Synopsis: Silas Marner was a man who had everything - until he lost it all. Falsely accused of theft and driven out of his town, Silas starts life anew. His weaving is well received in the northern village and Silas gains a wealth of gold while remaining a mysterious recluse to his neighbors. One night his gold is stolen and he distrusts everyone until one day, upon arriving home, he discovers a foundling child asleep on the hearth. Could this young girl with the golden hair be the redemption to love and happiness that Silas has been looking for?

I was not at all disappointed by actor Ben Kingsley. I was surprised and delighted every time he opened his mouth. As Silas Marner he put his all into becoming the character, a gentle soul torn by a troubled life. The tenderness and extreme gentleness with which Silas raises little Eppie is such a lovely example of fatherhood. Mr. Kingsley's accent, manner and expressions are very well done and I wish the film was just a little bit longer if only to see more of his grand performance!

Actor Ben Kingsley's other period dramas include: Twelfth Night (1996) (as Feste, I adore him in this!), Tuck Everlasting (2002), Alice In Wonderland (1999), Oliver Twist (2005) (as Fagin, I'd love to see this!).

Other actor's performances were fairly good, there aren't a lot of other characters in the film/story. Here are some of the actors, their roles and other period films:

• Jenny Agutter as Nancy Lammeter - a young socialite who is engaged to marry Eppie's father. A sweet young lady who is devoted to her man! I've only seen Jenny is a few things but she is a delight to watch! Her other period dramas include: The Railway Children (1970), Marple: What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw, Poirot: Take At The Flood, Glorious 39.
• Jonathan Coy as Dunstan Cass - a cunning fellow, son of the local squire, who is usually in debt. He is the thief who steals Silas Marner's gold and comes to a tragic end. Knowing Mr. Coy from his role as John Thorpe in Northanger Abbey (1987) I am always surprised to see him turn up in other period dramas. The abundance of his other films include: Middlemarch (1994), The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (2001), The Lost Prince, The Old Curiosity Shop (2007), Poirot: King of Clubs, Sherlock Holmes: Silver Blaze, Rumpole of the Bailey (TV series), as well as 1, 2, 3, 4 Horatio Hornblower films!
• Angela Pleasence as Molly - Eppie's unfortunate mother who is an opiate addict and a poor beggar woman. Although her character is short-lived she does a fine job at handling such a tragic role. I've seen Ms. Pleasence in several roles, my favorite being Lady Bertram in Mansfield Park (1983). Her other period films include: The Barchester Chronicles, A Christmas Carol (1984), Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna, Poirot: Appointment With Death, and Marple: Murder At The Vicarage.
• Jim Broadbent as Jem Rodney - a simple village man, one who is almost afraid of Silas Marner and helps fuel the rumor that he might be a possessed person. I was surprised and had to chuckle when I saw Mr. Broadbent. I've enjoyed his performance in many other period films including: The Young Visiters (my favorite!), The Young Victoria, Vanity Fair (2004), Widows' Peak, Nicholas Nickleby (2002), and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (2005).

Sets are simple and lighting is fairly poor because it is an older piece. Music, composed by Carl Davis (of Pride & Prejudice 1995 and Cranford fame), is very simple though there are a few lovely dances and folk tunes. Costumes are in simple earth tones but in keeping with the rural country life. The film runs only 92 minutes and and moves fairly quickly and definitely kept my interest. The first scene, where Silas Marner is falsely accused of theft, runs a bit oddly but make it past that and the film is full of interest.

The bond that forms between Silas and Eppie is truly beautiful and tender. Silas spoils his adopted daughter but far from being a brat Eppie grows up to be a young woman as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.

I do recommend this film, especially for those who love period drama and films such as films like Under The Greenwood Tree, Nicholas Nickleby and David Copperfield.

I've made a video with photos and theme music from the film. Enjoy!

Very truly yours,