Wives and Daughters
83
JUSTINE WADDELL
Fortunately or unfortunately, the other woman is a fictional character who lived in 1830s England. Her name is Molly Gibson.
I had the good pleasure of watching the 1999 BBC film adaptation of Wives and Daughters a few days ago and it is captivating. The story comes from a novel by Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865) that was not quite finished when she suddenly died. In the film, the main character, Molly Gibson, is preciously played by the fine actress, Justine Waddell.
Wives and Daughters presents us with a slice of life as it was 175 years ago. After the film ended, I had to pause and reflect on how the relationships between men and women have changed so drastically since that time. We can learn from Shakespeare, and even ancient writers, that human beings are essentially the same through the ages in their emotional makeup. The parameters of their interactions, however, differ greatly.
Wives and Daughters is a story about a young woman, Molly Gibson, on the cusp of adulthood, who has an outstanding relationship with her widower father. The father remarries a rather vain, silly woman; mostly because a friend has convinced him that Molly needs a mother. The father is rather blind to the shallowness of his new bride, though Molly sees it right away—but keeps this to herself. Later in the story, the step-mother's gorgeous daughter comes home from school abroad and she is the opposite of Molly—she is a narcissist with scarcely any real feelings for other people. Nonetheless, Molly loves her as she is and becomes her only friend. It's not long before the young man Molly secretly loves, falls in love with her step-sister instead—breaking Molly's heart. Her heart is more troubled by the fact that the step-sister doesn't love the young man—he is simply a good catch of a higher social class to her—than her own loss.
There is a lot more to the story but I want talk about Molly. She is played by an attractive actress but it is her inner beauty and grace that shines out of her character I found irresistible. Molly is a young woman who shows love to everybody through her actions. She cares about others more than herself. There is nothing she will not do for others, providing it is honorable. She is the very definition of the word winsome.
Molly never reveals a secret; therefore many confide in her. She truly empathizes with people in their troubles and without fail rushes to aid them, even at risk to herself. She is intelligent, dignified, and humble. She is clean and as pure as the driven snow. I think she may be the most wonderful woman ever created as a fictional character.
VICTORIANS
I was struck by the archaic modes of romance in those days. This is not a "hook-up" culture. It is old-fashioned, to be sure. The young men in the story are not focused on sex. They are focused on marriage. And before they propose marriage they ask for the permission of the girl's father first. Quaint. It was thought that parents knew best whether to approve or disapprove of a marriage partner, using their experience in the world to judge the potential outcome of a match. These were largely not arranged marriages, but they were approved marriages—with a notable exception to this in the story. There are always exceptions.
I found the people in the film—besides Molly—to be flawed, as all people in any time are. But I couldn't help but notice they seemed, in general, to be of more noble and honorable character than we are today. There was nothing cheap about them. Their interactions were more true to the real nature of human heart, which I do not believe ever changes. I will always love Molly Gibson.
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Comments
Thanks for sharing that touching movie, just reading about it touched my heart, because it was about real people with real emotions. Godspeed. creativeone59
jiberish— Thank you. It is striking to watch a Victorian romance film like this and then take a look around our society today. It really made me contemplate the differences. I'm sure I'm just old fashioned. But I see beauty and honor in the people of those days in their romantic relationships. I highly recommend the film. Five stars.
Congratulations! You are my first visitor!
You wrote that movie review with the taste, delicacy, and art that it deserved. Most men would consider it a "chick flick" and take a pass on it, preferring a blood-and-guts, rock 'em, sock 'em story. You took the time and honestly invested in the film with an appreciation of the characters. What a concept---thinking more about marriage than about the next "encounter" between the sheets. You did us all a service by sharing the story.
creativeone59— I highly recommend the film. It is a lesson in the dynamics of human relationships. You are welcome and I thank you for your gracious remarks.
patful— Why, I humbly thank you very much for your kind words. I am not a "blood and guts" kind of guy. :)
I love film. I rarely read fiction—being short of time. I constantly read non-fiction about the world I live in (and the supernatural world). So, I prefer my fiction in film. And this one is excellent.
James.... I think Molly and I would be very good friends!! ;
I'm going to watch this movie soon. Just my sort of film! I am a huge fan of the time period as well. The romance at that time was "divine." Thank you for the wonderful "review." G
GPAGE— It just hit me that you resemble the actress who played Molly! hmmm . . .
Let me know what you think after you watch it. There is much to absorb about people—our favorite subject, after all. :)
You are welcome and thank you for visiting my review and leaving your kind comments.
Why James you old softy...be careful those stars get to you wink, wink
Scott.Life— You caught me. I am romantic at heart. I'm glad you came by and left your words.
Well James, your feminine side revealed! All men have one, so don't despair! What a wonderful summary! You have such a profound way with words! Delicate and fragile like a snowflake when it is needed, powerful and coarse like sandpaper when called for! That is just one of the things that makes you such a good writer! You really have a way of identifying with your readers, even before you know who they will be! Smart tactics :) I would love to see this movie!
Kebennett1— You will love the film. I guarantee it—and my guarantee I do not take lightly. :)
Like a snowflake and sandpaper!? Why, woman, you have a way with the English language yourself. God Bless You!
Your affirmation and encouragement means a lot to me. Thank you.
James A Watkins,
After reading this wonderful review I must see this delightful movie! I thoroughly enjoy watching the old classic period movies they are my favorite!
I agree with Kebennett1 and think you are "an excellent writer and have a profound way with words."
I had to laugh because my husband says I have this invisible sign on my back that says "ask her and she will try to help you."
I can't wait to see this movie. I already know it will be Great!
Blessings
What a wonderful review and I agree with the others, that you are an excellent author. Based on that review I want to see this movie ASAP. Your description of Molly and the circumstances of life at that time were very intriguing. Thanks.
Great review James. Sounds like a must see for me. I have a fascination with that particular time period, but I'm not sure why. From what I have read, I have not seen the purity of intent that seems to be expressed in this movie as you have depicted it, so yes, it is a must see for me. Besides, I am a romantic at heart and certainly look forward to a fresh view.
Time to call in the sisters and spend an evening together with a good movie, a good bottle of wine and some good company!
Love these sort of dramas and so does Hubby. Even if it was a chick flick he would love it:). However I know it is not
James like you I have always been a romantic. I'll be searching for "Molly Gibson" (forgot the quotes first time). I think the most romantic movie that I have ever seen is "Some Place In Time" with Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymore. It's an extremely romantic movie.
Thank you for the HUB and the glimpse of "Molly Gibson".
James,
I want to see this movie now!!! I love movies made about that time period. Jane Austen being one of my favorite writers. Loved the hub and I look forward to the movie.
DeBorrah K. Ogans— I've only gotten into these period pieces in the past decade. And now I'm hooked on them. The film adaptations of Jane Austen or Charles Dickens novels—I think I have seen them in all their versions. I watched this same actress in "Tess of the D'Ubervilles" (Thomas Hardy novel) yesterday, and it is also excellent—though very sad.
You are probably a similar person to Molly and therefore a blessing to those around you. Thank you for your comments.
Pamela99— I hope you do see it and that you enjoy it. I appreciate you coming to visit and leaving your remarks. And you are welcome. :)
Duchess OBlunt— You might need a couple bottles of wine as the film is six hours long. That's quite an investment, but to me, it is well worth it. There are a couple of rouges in the story but even they are eventually fleshed out to where one can sympathize with them.
Thank you for reading my little review. And for leaving your kind words.
ethel smith— I had been looking forward to hearing from you because I figured you had probably seen it already. I guess that's not the case. There is plenty in the story for both of you to enjoy. Thanks for your comments.
Tom Whitworth— "Some Place in Time" is a fine film. I have seen it twice I think, which is unusual because I rarely watch anything twice—unless it is Forrest Gump or Braveheart, which I've enjoyed a half a dozen times each.
The title of this film is "Wives and Daughters." You are welcome and thank you for leaving your words in this thread.
heyju— I am glad you enjoyed my review and I'm sure you'll like the film. Jane Austen is one of the great novelists, that's a fact. Dickens is my all time favorite—though for different reasons. It's nice to hear from you. I appreciate your remarks.
James,
Although I am home in Michigan I still check my mail and was delighted to get to read your review from here. My wife and Mother-in-law are big fans of that period and I will recomend the movie to them. I agree with your many fans, great writing and a very true analysis of our society today.
Correction "Somewhere in Time".
Robert— I wish I was in Michigan! I am cut my visits down from four to one per year due to budgetary constraints. I'm glad you checked in and left your remarks. I'm sure your ladies will enjoy the film. Go ahead and watch it with them. :)
Tom,
Oh yes. That is right. Thanks.
James, I enjoyed reading this review. Is the movie out on video? I think my daughter and I might like to watch it.
I don't share your view that selflessness is a virtue, however. The problem with a social climber who marries for rank and fortune is not that she is too selfish, but that she is not selfish enough. True happiness comes from choosing the person you care about -- and that is sometimes the harderst and most selfish thing to do!
Great review and opinion. It is just my opinion. We lost a lot if not the lot with everything put down to sex, one night stands, don't care who the other person is, no one makes an effort to safe the marriage when the going is hard and no respect.
I blame the film makers, magazines and press.
Aya Katz— Thank you. Yes, I rented it from Netflix
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Wives_Daughters/70057
hmmm . . . that is an interesting take on selfishness. I enjoy that about you. Your ideas seem to come out of left field but they do make a certain sense. You are an original thinker, to be sure.
Thanks for coming by and leaving word. I believe you and your daughter would enjoy the movie.
Hello, hello— Thank you. I agree with you that much has been lost. But it can be regained. The century before the Victorian era was similar in some ways to ours now, and they cleaned it up. I also agree that the mass media has done us a terrible disservice in the name of artistic freedom.
I surely appreciate this visit from you. And your wise insights.
Somewhere in Time was an awesome movie. I actually have a plaque on my wall with the poster from that movie inlaid in resin. But it is sad, because he dies.
I have not seen the movie in this hub, but I am moved by the story line. Narcissism just sucks, pure and simple.
Wonderful review....now I know I have to see this movie!! Sounds to me like Molly truly had it "going on!!" Her character was definitely one of "Charachter," and quite intriguing. Thanks for this detailed and well written review. Look forward to seeing the movie!!! Peace ~ K
James, I am so impressed! This sounds like a wonderful movie!! I am also a huge fan of anything Jane Austen or Charles Dickens. I will watch these movies over and over again. I just love the romance and the innocence, the sense of honor and propriety.
I don't mind that Wives and Daughters is 6 hours long as so is the PBS version of Pride and Prejudice and I stayed up until 2 am one night to watch it in its entirety, (I purchased the DVD). I find it far superior to the Keira Knightly version. Keira just does not exude the same class, grace and intelligence as Jane Ehle as Elizabeth, and it matters.
Thank you so much for sharing this James. And it is so refreshing to see a man that loves these period pieces, what a wonderful surprise.
Of course James, if you compare love nowadays and love nack then, we will have headache :) The movie sounds very nice...
advisor4qb— If you have the poster, it must be a fav. I suppose you would be an expert on narcissism. I remember you wrote a humdinger of a Hub about that subject. Thanks for leaving your comments. It is a pleasure to see you again.
Kim Garcia— Thank you! I hope you do see the film. Molly has unimpeachable character.
You are welcome. I appreciate your visit and remarks. Peace to you.
Moonchild60— Propriety. That's the word I was looking for and I had a brain freeze. I have seen all the film adaptations of "Pride and Prejudice" and they are all great. My favorite, is the 1940 version with Sir Laurence Olivier. If you haven't see that one, you should.
I know the one you mean—with Colin Firth. I enjoyed that version nearly as well.
You are welcome. Thank you for your warm words. It makes a man feel good.
shamelabboush— HA! I like your comment. We will have headache indeed. Thanks for coming to visit. I appreciate it.
This style of movie is not my cup of tea at all, but you wrote such a moving review, I know I will be curled up in my bed with popcorn on Friday watching this movie. It better be as good as you said or you owe me for the pop corn.
archdaw— I didn't use to like these kind of movies either, but they have grown on me lately as my attention span has lengthened and I have grown more patient. The payoff is enormous.
Thank you for your kind words. If you don't like it—the popcorn is on me. :)
I also love the old romantic movies.They take me from reality into a dream world,if only for a while.True,men & women are not like they were back then.I am also old fashioned,I love to have my car door opened,my chair pulled out etc.I love to dance,have candle lit dinners....
I'm back'lol.My husband doesn't like any of these things,so I ajust.
Thank you James for this marvelous romantic hub.You are a sweet HEART!
Linda's Hub Pages— It's a pleasure to have you visit, Linda. I am old fashioned myself. It sounds as if you need to give hubby a little training! :)
You are welcome. Thank you for your nice compliments.
He's untrainable,lol
nice hub. I like it. I think it was great movie.
prasetio30— Thanks! It is a great movie. It's long but good.
I like the fact that this isn't a stereotypical "Male" movie and yet you watched it and commented here on the hub about it. I was interested in your take on the movie since I would have considered it a more "girlie" type show and I was impressed at how your depth spoke up and we can see this movie through you. I really want to see the movie because it sounds like the kind of movie, books, etc. that are my favorites. :)
Once again, as I can't help but say every time I read one of your hubs-- Thank you !!
vanderhaven— This is probably not the usual "male" fare. I am a film buff—a cineaste, shall we say. So, I run the gamut in film including my favorite category: documentary.
I hope you do see it. It is a pleasure and a treasure, in my view. If you do, let me know what you think.
I appreciate your kind comments and thank you for reading.
You are most welcome.
James,
Just watched it....exellent!! I loved it.
heyju— You did! Wonderful! I am glad you did. Thanks for letting me know.
I loved this hub I guess because I've always wondered what it was like to live then. When women were treated with respect. I don't much care for what we are called now or how it's ok for anyone to call us such nasty things. But I can see you are a gentlemen and it's nice to know that they still exist. God bless you and thank you for sharing. I will have to see this film myself because I know I will like it also.
Tracy711— I am so glad you enjoyed it. Women were absolutely treated with respect. I highly recommend the film. I will accept the appellation of gentleman only because it's true . :-)
You are welcome. Thank you for your comments.
James, this was an extremely uplifting review. I have been curious about this story ever since I saw it advertised as a Folio Society selection, several years ago. Alas, I never got hold of the book.
I will keep my eyes open for the film.
You mentioned that men often asked the girl's father for her hand in marriage, before proposing to her. This is wise. Mostly, men (and brothers) who care about their daughters (and sisters) will see major flaws in a suitor long before she will...even when the father (or brother) is not so great himself. I have two sisters. We are all married, and were all married young; my oldest sister, at 20, married at the latest age (I was 19, and my youngest sister, 17). We all married the loves of our lives. However, the only sister who did not see to it that her husband asked our father for her hand, is the only one who has sometimes regretted her choice - the only one who has asked, "What if...?"
I hope all unmarried females who see your remarks on this topic think deeply about it.
Joy At Home— Wow! Your comments are better than my Hub! I used to be in the Folio Society, come to think of it. The film is outstanding. I don't recommend a lot of films and this is the only one I have ever written about.
You are so right. An objective Dad or Brother can surely see things we can't in the midst of our infatuations.
Films from this era make me sad in a way. Sad to see the interactions of men and women and then to look around today . . .
Thank you so much for your warm words.
Thank you, thank you, for sharing wisdom, and for the movie review. Opened up a great dialogue which is another important reason to read good hubs. Sounds like six hours of honest entertainment--so looking forward to it!
RTalloni— You are welcome. I am quite the movie buff. This one really touched my heart but at the same time made me lament over the present state of relationships between men and women, which are at a woeful low in America. These people were clean. Many of us are . . . dirty.
jiberish says:
3 months ago
You have a pure heart and can see goodness in others easier than most. Times have changed and has made us a disposable society, with a lack of morals, and today woman like Molly fall between the cracks, may even be considered odd. Her character was portrayed beautifuly. It's refreshing to know that there are still men like you around. Nice Hub.