Wives and Daughters 

The daughter of a country doctor copes with an unwanted stepmother, an impetuous stepsister, burdensome secrets, the town gossips, and the tug on her own heartstrings for a man who thinks of her only as a friend.

Stars:

Francesca Annis, Justine Waddell, Bill Paterson

8 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Francesca Annis	...	Mrs. Gibson 4 episodes, 1999
Justine Waddell	...	Molly 4 episodes, 1999
Bill Paterson	...	Mr. Gibson 4 episodes, 1999
Keeley Hawes	...	Cynthia 4 episodes, 1999
Deborah Findlay	...	Miss Phoebe 4 episodes, 1999
Barbara Flynn	...	Miss Browning 4 episodes, 1999
Emily McKenzie	...	Maria / ... 4 episodes, 1999
Iain Glen	...	Mr. Preston 4 episodes, 1999
Tom Hollander	...	Osborne Hamley 4 episodes, 1999
Anthony Howell	...	Roger Hamley 4 episodes, 1999
Michael Gambon	...	Squire Hamley 4 episodes, 1999
Ian Carmichael	...	Lord Cumnor 3 episodes, 1999
Tonia Chauvet	...	Aimee 3 episodes, 1999
Elizabeth Spriggs	...	Mrs. Goodenough 3 episodes, 1999
Barbara Leigh-Hunt	...	Lady Cumnor 3 episodes, 1999
Peter Copley	...	Robinson 3 episodes, 1999
Rosamund Pike	...	Lady Harriet 3 episodes, 1999
Shaughan Seymour	...	Lord Hollingford 3 episodes, 1999
Fred Pearson	...	Sheepshanks / ... 3 episodes, 1999
Richard Coyle	...	Mr. Coxe 2 episodes, 1999
Jemima Rooper	...	Lizzie Goodenough 2 episodes, 1999
Georgie Glen	...	Miss Hornblower 2 episodes, 1999
Jacqueline Pilton	...	Mrs. Dawes 2 episodes, 1999
Tim Wallers	...	Mr. Henderson 2 episodes, 1999
Roddy Maude-Roxby	...	St. Hilaire 2 episodes, 1999
Dariel Pertwee	...	Lady Cuxhaven 2 episodes, 1999
Ben Illis	...	Mr. Wynne 2 episodes, 1999
Gordon Gostelow	...	Williams 2 episodes, 1999
Penelope Wilton	...	Mrs. Hamley 2 episodes, 1999

Storyline

For many years, young Molly Gibson had lived a blissful sheltered life with her widower father. However, her world is shaken with the introduction of new acquaintances and situations. Molly becomes friends with a landed gentry family, which includes two brothers with very different temperaments. Meanwhile, her father marries a widow with a daughter close in age to Molly. Eventually, Molly becomes a trusted confidante for her new friends and family; but the secrets become burdensome, as the gossip begins to circulate about Molly herself.

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Plot Keywords:

sister sister relationship | africa | gossip | stepsister | stepmother | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Official Sites:

PBS [United States]

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English French Amharic

Release Date:

15 December 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

Esposas e hijas

Filming Locations:

Charlestown, Cornwall, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC),Dune Films,WGBH

Technical Specs

Runtime:

301 min (4 parts)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The lavish production required more than 1,000 costumes and up to 40 hairstyles for each of the leading ladies.

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Quotes

Lord Cumnor: I'm sorry I said anything about it now. I'll try to find a more agreeable piece of news.
[pause]
Lord Cumnor: Old Marjorie at the lodge is dead.

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Connections

Featured in The Best of Masterpiece Theatre (2007)

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Soundtracks

Over the Hills and Far Away
Traditional

User Reviews

A Rare Gem

After some deliberation, I have decided that this miniseries is one of my favorite movies of all time. Why? Because I can make no complaints whatsoever about this film. First, the screenplay, written by the wonderfully talented Andrew Davies of "Pride and Prejudice" (my favorite film of all time) and "Middlemarch" fame (the latter is on my list of must-sees). "Wives and Daughters" is based on the novel of the same name written by Elizabeth Gaskell. It tells the story of young Molly Gibson (Waddell), who lost her mother at a young age, but is raised by her loving father, the town doctor. When Mr. Gibson remarries, Molly's world is turned upside down. Now she has to contend with her daft and, at times, conniving stepmother, Hyacinth (Annis), and her worldly stepsister, Cynthia (Hawes). Despite their vast differences in temper, Molly and Cynthia become fast friends, but a secret from Cynthia's past stands to stain Molly's impeccable reputation. Meanwhile, Mr. Gibson's old friend, Squire Hamley, has two sons, studious Roger, and tortured Osbourne. Osbourne, the family favorite, has a few secrets of his own, but it is the younger Roger who not only proves himself the most responsible of the two, but also wins the heart of Molly and also a piece of Cynthia's as well. Will Molly finally have some happiness of her own? Well, after 3 1/2 hours, you'll find out.

Now, the actors. Superb! Justine Waddell (Tess of the D'Urbervilles, Great Expectations) is excellent and totally convincing as the strongwilled yet innocent Molly. Keeley Hawes (Cater Street Hangman, Our Mutual Friend) is wonderful as always. Bill Paterson (Mr. Gibson) is perfect as Molly's doting and protective father. And how can I forget Roger, played by Anthony Howell in his first television role? Wow, not only is he amazingly easy on the eyes, but he is a superb actor, who hails from various theatre troupes in England. The supporting actors and actresses are splendid, as well. As for the scenery and costumes, perfection. Nothing more to add on that account. One of the most memorable scenes to look out for is when Molly catches Roger's eye at a party given in his honor. I don't want to get into a lot of detail, but let me say that fortunately I recorded W&Ds, and I rewound that scene and also the last half hour at least 10 times. The ending is perfect! Definitely no disappointments. Please see "Wives and Daughters" if you already haven't. Even if you don't like period dramas, make an exception in this case!