One of England’s most widely read authors, Dame Catherine Cookson penned more than ninety historical novels during her celebrated career. Set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many of her masterpieces have been brought to life in mini-series productions boasting lavish costumes and stunning on-location photography of Northeast England.
Four of the films in this collection are set in the Victorian era:
A Dinner of Herbs (2000): This is quintessential Cookson—a thickly plotted costume drama, expertly acted and briskly directed—that will be catnip for her scores of fans and for anyone who relishes a complex tale engagingly told. Set mostly in rural and small-town England during the second half of the 19th century, the story focuses on the tumultuous relationship of Roddy, Hal, and Mary Ellen, whose flawed lives include murder, passion, betrayal, and revenge. The action never flags during the 40 years this saga spans. DVD bonuses include biographies and filmographies. Over 5 hours on 3 cassettes or 3 DVDs. Simon Says: South Tyneside is known as Catherine Cookson Country and is the setting of many Cookson delights. It’s also the setting for the Michael Caine vehicle Get Carter and the birthplace of both director Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Blade Runner) and the monosyllabically named musician Sting, who stars in Stormy Monday, also set in the area. Filmed on location in the north of England, “A Dinner of Herbs” in an unforgettable mix of murder, passion and revenge. Set in the Victorian era.
The Girl (1996): In mid-19th century Yorkshire, Hannah Boyle is left with the family of Matthew Thornton, the man her dying mother claims fathered her. Ill-treated by Thornton’s bitter and vindictive wife Anne, who views Hannah only as evidence of her husband’s infidelity, she is married off to the village butcher, whose waspish mother torments her further. But through her patience, intelligence and strength, she wins her freedom and the man she loves. Starring Colin Buchanan, Clare Higgins, Hannah Yelland. Set in the Victorian era.
The Secret (2000): Period thriller serial. In the late 1880’s reformed smuggler Freddie Musgrave has worked hard to turn a legitimate trade, but then a face from his past turns up threatening to ruin things for him. Starring Colin Buchanan, Clare Higgins, Hannah Yelland. Set in the Victorian era.
The Tide of Life (1996): Tide of Life follows the fortunes of young housekeeper, Emily Kennedy, as she learns about relationships with three very different men. Forced from home of her first employer, Sep McGilby after his plans to marry her come to tragic end, Emily finds work as housekeeper for farmer, Larry Birch. Another tragedy occurs, and when Nick Stuart inherits the farm owned by Birch’s wife, Nick gives Emily a new future. Starring Diana Hardcastle, Gillian Kearney, John Bowler. Set in the Victorian era.
Also on this DVD are: The Cinder Path (1994) set in Edwardian era & First World War era, Colour Blind (1998) set during First World War era, and Tilly Trotter (1999) set in the Interwar period.
Additional Cookson films set in the Victorian era (but not included in this set) are: [The Fifteen Streets](http://amzn.to/1FEc10D) (1989), [The Glass Virgin](http://amzn.to/1NvUVtM) (1995), and [The Rag Nymph](http://amzn.to/1im86ks) (1997).