A Woman of Independent Means (1995– )

Bess Steed marries her childhood sweetheart in the early part of the 20th century and begins a life in the high society of Dallas, Texas. As time goes by, things do not work out as she ... See full summary »

Stars:

Jose Guillermo Figueroa, David Perkins, Roxy Rebel

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 5 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Jose Guillermo Figueroa	...	Assistant Gardener (1 episode, 1995)
David Perkins	...	Mover (1 episode, 1995)
Roxy Rebel	...	Pregnant women (1 episode, 1995)

Storyline

Bess Steed marries her childhood sweetheart in the early part of the 20th century and begins a life in the high society of Dallas, Texas. As time goes by, things do not work out as she expects. Her husband dies of influenza, and she finds that she must pick up and carry along with her life. She proves to be a strong, commited, and loving individual who attracts new loves into her life and finds that she can take good care of the old ones. Despite further tragedy in losing her oldest son, and a second marriage that is not all that she expects it to be she continues to survive as independently as she has discovered the courage to do so.

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Plot Keywords:

tv mini series | based on book

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for mild language and thematic elements

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 February 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bess

Filming Locations:

Galveston, Texas, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fogwood Films, Incorporated Television Company (ITC), Robert Greenwald Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

316 min 316 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

The main character has three children: two boys, Robin and Drew, and then a daughter, Eleanor. As the children grow older the daughter seems to become the middle child and Drew the youngest.

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Connections

Featured in The 47th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1995)

User Reviews

Not to be Taken Lightly

When I first started watching this mini I was afraid that it might be about something along the lines of Danielle Steele or Barbara Taylor Bradford soap. However, I was pleasantly surprised that this was not at all like that. Bradford had a book (and another mini) titled a "A Woman of Substance". That would have been a good alternate title for this production.

The character of Bess is strong, determined individual that does makes a difference in the lives of so many and is loved by so many. There is also more to this story than just her love affairs and her business interests. It is a look at the nature of women and the strength that they possess and how in the 20th century they learned to use it.

Sally Field does a wonderful job in the mini and deserves praise for the depth of emotion that she portrays. When I watch her performance I forget about her years as the Flying Nun and Gidget and even forget any preconceived notions that I might have of her. She is Bess Steed.

The script has its moments of being a little cheesy, but the actors make the most of it. I was impressed with the performance of Brenda Fricker as Mother Steed and enjoyed the performances of Jack Thompson and Anne Heard. I this is a wonderful production that deserves a look.