All Passion Spent (1986) User Reviews

British miniseries starring Wendy Hiller

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 11 February 2013]

Wendy Hiller turns in a lovely performance in All Passion Spent, a 1986 miniseries from Britain.

Hiller plays Lady Slane, who, when we first see her, has just lost her husband and is sitting near his deathbed. Her family is present, downstairs in the house discussing her future and the fact that she will have enough to live on but will be unable to stay in the large home she shared with her husband. He had been a prominent man and she had devoted her life to him and to her children.

Her children have her life worked out for her. She will live with each one of them for a time each year. But Lady Slane has her own ideas. She wants to live in Hampstead Heath, in a cottage she saw some years ago, and she's learned it's available. No one is happy about this, but promise to visit so that she will have visitors each day. She makes short work of that. She's not interested in having visitors every day.

The house is ramshackle, but it is redone with the help of a land agent, Gervase Buckrout (Maurice Denham), and Lady Slane happily moves in with her maid Genoux (Eileen Way) who has been with her forever. She tends to the garden, goes for walks, and revels in the peace and contemplation that she has longed for.

Gradually she builds a new circle of friends. An old acquaintance comes in her life, Mr. Fitzgeorge (Harry Andrews) who obviously has always been in love with her since he met her as a young woman. Together, they reminisce. Her great-granddaughter Deborah (Jane Snowden), who is unhappily engaged, visits her for advice. It's a joyous time for Lady Slane, as she and her friends laugh together and discuss their philosophies of life.

Scripts aren't this talky anymore - and this one is constant talk. It takes some getting used to. There's no action to speak of - it's more a piece about a woman finally coming into her own after many years of being a devoted wife and mother and not being able to be who she is. It's such a wonderful, enviable way that she's chosen to live, though her family doesn't get it - at all.

Wendy Hiller is a much more attractive elderly woman than she ever was as a young one with her beautiful skin, high cheekbones, and a twinkle in her eye. She looks marvelous and her acting is perfection. She is such a generous actress, not hogging scenes but rather making the film a true ensemble.

While nothing much seems to happen on the outside, everything happens to Lady Slane on the inside as she makes peace with her life and enjoys the solitude and the country, as well as the friendship of those around her. Truly a beautiful film that will leave a lasting impression.

Beautifully Done with the Great Wendy Hiller

[[e-mail] · 8/10 · 24 June 2008]

Seventy years after the young Wendy Hiller starred as Eliza Doolittle in "Pygmalion," it is stunning to see her act the part of an old woman in "All Passion Spent," a three-episode version of a Vita Sackville-West novel. She was still beautiful, still a splendid actress. I won't attempt to summarize the story but the TV program is filled with English actors whose faces you will recognize even if you don't know their names. Particularly effective is Harry Andrews, as a wealthy elderly eccentric who fell in love with Dame Wendy's character decades earlier, though they met only fleetingly. Also noteworthy is Jane Snowden as the great-granddaughter who is inspired to follow her own path in life by her great-grandmother's example. Although she lived to be 91, Dame Wendy was only in her mid-70's when this series was made; her character is in her mid-80's.

Loved this series...

[cluciano63 · 9/10 · 14 April 2013]

I was so invested in the old lady's happiness in her new home and so hoped some of her horrible children would not ruin it for her. They sure tried hard enough. Some of them acted as though she was not even a person. How horrid they were and how greedy. Only the single daughter Edith and Kane(?) were not greedy.

I was relieved that she had some happiness in her new house and made the friends she did.

Bless her heart. I loved seeing Edith's little smile when the family learned she was giving the money away. Oh how greedy those others were.

I found the series on Youtube and throughly enjoyed it.

The best TV series ever

[lyon5 · 10/10 · 13 July 2001]

This 3-part production is the most perfect thing I've ever seen on television - the writing, acting, direction, locations, costumes, etc are faultless. Episode two, where Lady Slane learns that Mr Fitzgeorge fell in love with her when they were young, but never revealed his love, is a triumph, and reduces me to tears every time I watch it. Why this series isn't available on commercial release is a mystery, because they just don't get any better than this.

Outstanding

[bruji · 27 April 2000]

Everything about this production is first-class. Interesting story, fine actors, realistic sets - all combine to make this a believable story. We have watched our own tape annually for 15 years and enjoy it more each time - the true test of any film. It is the finest thing we've ever seen on TV. Why has it never been released?

Superb

[keiko-8 · 10/10 · 27 June 2003]

"All Passion Spent" is one of the finest dramas ever produced for television. The casting was a triumph with some of Britain's best character actors. Dame Wendy Hiller was perfect in her quiet, dignified, yet resolute portrayal of Lady Sloan. Maurice Denham's eccentric Mr. Bucktrout will always be one of my favorite supporting roles. This film was one of my all time favorites and never failed to give my spirit a lift and help me "consider the lilies of the field". We lost our copy in an accident a few years ago and I fear I will never have the opportunity to view this magnificent film again.

Please, someone ! let us have a DVD!

[MStibitz2 · 10/10 · 19 March 2005]

I saw it when it came out in the eighties and I have it in vivid memory as an extraordinary experience. The quiet telling of an intriguing life, and the very way the story unfolds. Wendy Hiller does excellent work here and the gallery around her is the true British tradition of character description. It is one of the very few cases, where I went out and bought the book, and the book disappointed me. It is one of my highest priorities as a DVD and it is crying shame, if this mini series is forgotten. The story begins at the funeral of her husband and her consequent decision to live out the rest of her days according to her own wishes after a long life as the wife of a very successful politician. Prime minister and viceroy of India among his accomplishments. We get retrospective insights in her perception of this life, but the very amusing part is the description of her family's reaction to her buying a house on Hampstead Heath and not wishing visits from anybody below 40! With on exception, a granddaughter, whom the family subsequently tries to bully unto spying! This story is sheer delight, and i sincerely hope to see it on DVD soon

One of televisions best

[spinnercricket · 10/10 · 15 September 2005]

The first time I viewed this version of the Vita Sackville West story I came away moved by the powerful performances, the careful, effective use of language, and the ever present sense of class and propriety that can both stifle a life, and open it to many things. Dame Wendy Hiller lives in her role. Her interactions with Deborah, her only grandchild welcome to visit her, are so genuine as to make the viewer feel as if they have stumbled into a private moment. The grandmotherly understanding Lady Slane shows for Deborah tell us intuitively much about herself. Fine turns by both Maurice Denham as Mr. Bucktrout and David Waller as the bowler covered Mr. Gosheron maintain credibility. Their characters allow Lady Slane the kind of social interaction she has searched for her whole life. Martyn Friend allows the characters to completely dictate the action in this film. Never did I feel the camera was conducting a scene, but quietly recording the event with intimate understanding. Notable performances that enhanced the truthfulness of Peter Buckman's adaption were turned in by Harry Andrews as the irascible, wholly independent Fitzgeorge and John Franklyn-Robbins uncomfortable in his own skin as Kay. Finally, Eileen Way's faithful portrayal of Lady Slane's caring maid/caregiver quite naturally brought the tears to my eyes moments before the end of this three part series. My feelings of empathy for her character, Genoux, in that moment of realization left me without any sense I was viewing a film. The editing is tight. Not a wasted scene, yet, there is no sense any more were needed. I would think that the epitome of what editing should be about. In testimony to this films lasting effect, it has been over 5 years since I last saw this on tape and I remember it this well. In short, All Passion Spent is an clear example of what television can be when those involved care enough to bring all their best, unselfishly, to a project. Dame Wendy Hiller is not prized for this film because she is found selfishly hogging the screen, but because she and her fellow storytellers, bring their whole beings to the roles they present. signed, Spinner

An unforgettable viewing experience.

[wytcottage · 10/10 · 26 February 2006]

I agree with the others who say that All Passion Spent should be made available commercially, I vote for a DVD. It has stayed with me since I saw it on Masterpiece Theatre in the '80s. It is a perfect piece. The performances, the cinematography, the music, and the sometimes poetic script combine to provide a very affecting experience. I have an old tape that I made from TV, it isn't very good quality and each time I watch it I worry that it is going to disintegrate. While on a tour of Hampstead, I came across the house that was used in the film as the house that Lady Slane bought, it was quite exciting. I pray that somehow this moving, gentle, inspiring work of art will be re-issued, so that it can be enjoyed again by the many who love it and enrich the lives of those who have yet to see it.

An Absolute Gem of a Mini-Series

[godfreye-1 · 10/10 · 25 September 2007]

My wife and I simply echo the earlier comments - this is so superbly acted and filmed that we immediately wanted to watch it all again. Dame Wendy Hiller shows acting craft at its finest, commanding the camera by her force of personality and subtleness of every facial expression and movement. All the supporting roles are also outstanding. Somehow the film seems to enfold you in the life of the woman who is given so little time to grasp at a life she wished she might have had.

Good news for all admirers: this film is now indeed out on DVD (2006 release), with an interesting lengthy text biography of the novel's author (Vita Sackville-West) among the special features.

A class act!

[khunkrumark · 10/10 · 3 February 2017]

All Passion Spent... A class act!

This 30-year-old masterpiece wears well even (especially?) today (2017) and as another reviewer writes "is the most perfect thing I've ever seen on television"! The haggling over the rent at the end of episode one is a sublime piece of theatre!

WARNING! The action moves at a steady canter but the horses are old... VERY old! However, the pedigree of this harras is drawn from the very highest stock that British acting can offer. Actually, the youthful and beautiful Jane Snowden does a turn as the granddaughter (She reminds me of Koo Stark) but everyone else is a well-worn valuable antique of English social class, manners and propriety!

Set in the London area, between the two world wars, recently widowed Lady Slane frustrates her family by moving to a home on Hampstead Heath to enjoy her remaining years, to reflect on her past and finally learn to 'be herself', after a long life as a devoted and socially correct wife.

Her kids disappoint her but Lady Slane patiently wades through their dreadful behaviour as she seeks to take control of her own life. In the third act, events take over and as in all good telly, the baddies get what's coming to them and the goodies end up rewarded.

There is lots of humour here but it is all to be found in studying the reactions of players as events unfold or dialogue is spoken to them. These subtle, unspoken performance gems elevate this production beyond mere 'drama'. And Genoux (tireless working actress - Eileen Way) is a treat as Lady Slane's French maid and companion, who has served Lady Slane her entire adult life.

This BBC offering is a genuinely 'class act' in every sense of the word!

Brilliant

[mabuffie · 10/10 · 17 February 2012]

This DVD IS available on Amazon for those saying they cannot find it. I have had it for almost two years now. We watch it often. This short series is a real gem. The chosen settings are perfect. Dame Wendy is über perfection in this role, as are Maurice Denham (Bucktrout)and Harry Andrews (Fitzgeorge). I particularly liked Maurice as Mr. Bucktrout and his friend Mr. Gosheron, so wonderfully played by David Waller. In fact, what a cast! Every now and again a cast meshes amazingly well and this is one of those times. Not a flaw anywhere. The wisdom and depth of Sackville-West's wonderful book shines through in this adaptation. It is pure joy to watch.

I, too, wonder why this film/TV series is not in commercial release. It is memorable, and deserves to be remembered.

[jpqe · 12 April 2004]

This film/TV series should be in commercial release and I, too, as do the other viewers commenting online, wonder why it has not been made available. I have looked for it now for about five years. The production is memorable, and should be remembered. This plot is a perfect one for Steven Spielberg for a large screen movie production. I can just imagine what he would do with the plot involving the lives of "senior" just as he has done with other specified groups. It would be a blockbuster. I recently have re-read the book which, on the jacket, mentions the TV series. The author is Vita Sackville-West, and given the popularity of the genre at this time, I would encourage an issuing of this tape as there would be good market viability.

All Passions Revealed...

[peterkettle-904-444717 · 10/10 · 2 February 2018]

Colin Rogers had the direction skills needed to allow some of the greatest actors in the country to do their subtle best. Harry Andrews and Wendy Hillier - and everyone else - exemplify how crucial superb actors and great script writing can work. For instance, when Lady Slane shares a Hampstead bench with Fitzgeorge (Hiller and Andrews) they gently discover their past; it is magical and moving. And when Wendy Hiller watches Maurice Denham - who is unaware of her being there - do his little dance in the hallway of the Hampstead house it is thrilling. The entire team - costumes, props, photography, lighting - demonstrates the richness of insight and the interpretation of what must have been a superb shooting script. Words are not always the only thing, but they are the important start to drama, and Peter Buckman adapted Vita Sackville West's novel with grace and charm and insight. This magnificent and moving three part drama has all the ingredients in place; I cannot imagine it being better done.

Any news of a Region 2 DVD of this ?

[winles · 10/10 · 22 June 2011]

I can get a Region 1 DVD of "All Passion Spent",but as I am in Region 2 that is not much use to me.I don't want to "hack" my DVD player in case it all goes pear shaped,and I don't want to pay out for a multi region player either. Has anyone heard any rumours if it might come out on a Region 2 disc? It really is annoying that a BBC production like this is only available in Region 1. BTW nobody has been able to explain(logically) to me WHY we NEED so many regions for DVD's. All this is doing is preventing me from seeing a production(and a British one at that). I did ring Acorn Media UK,but they could only tell me what I knew already,namely that it was Region 1 only.They couldn't say WHY it was not available in Region2!

I share the enthusiasm found here.

[phlbrq58 · 8/10 · 31 March 2021]

Wendy Hiller is a favorite, wonderfully showcased here. TV is regarded a writers medium but take note of director Martin Friend's filmography. He has a large number of successful projects, many now found on YT, as I found this in 2019. Remarkable career!

We give up is some weird Ollie.

[Bernie4444 · 10/10 · 5 October 2023]

Lady Slane (Wendy Hiller) spent all her life being an et ux. She enjoyed being the wife of the viceroy, a mother, and a leader of charities. However, when her husband died, she finally, against her children's wishes, had time to contemplate her life, what it could have been, and what it will be.

She moves into a smaller house that she had seen 30 years before. Now she strikes up a friendship with people such as the house owner, the craftsman repairing the house, and others.

Unknown to her is a friend of one of her sons, who knew her 60 years ago in India. He relived the time and she realized that they both had a great depth that was not required of them at the time, forming a unique friendship.

We get the privilege of watching Lady Slane make her discoveries and the reaction to this by the family. Of particular interest is her great-granddaughter is now on the cusp of making the same life choice that Lady Slane succumbed to.

Based on the novel by Vita Sackville-West, "All Passion Spent" we see a lot of Vita's real-life parallels. The screen adaptation is by Peter Buckman. This film has that BBC quality.

Absolute Banger

[john_mcmanus · 10/10 · 25 March 2024]

I watched this for the first time in 2024 knowing nothing about the series or the book on which it is based. I was gripped from the start principally because Wendy Hillier is mesmerising. I wanted to meet her. Also outstanding is the great granddaughter. But most of the characters are intriguing. The only one who seemed out of place was the French Maid who seemed like a mix of several characters from Allo Allo.

It's the kind of series you want to tell everyone about because is so good. While it does look like something from the 1980s it covers themes which have not dated and somehow I think it may handle them better than might be done today.