The Tenant At Windfell Hall (1996/BBC DVD)
Picture:
C Sound: C+ Extras: D Telefilm: B-
Among
Anne Bronte’s lesser-known works is a 1848 novel that is the basis for a 1996
telefilm named after the book. The Tenant At Windfell Hall stars Tara
Fitzgerald as Helen Graham, who has moved to the title location with her
son. She is not talking to anyone,
keeping to herself and yet, the townspeople are talking. Not that they can figure out anything, but
Gilbert (Toby Stephens) starts to fall for her just he same and she has to
decide whether to open up to him or not.
Co-starring
Rupert Graves, James Purefoy, Pam Ferris and Miranda Pleasence, the author and
its cast have only become more popular, more than making sense that this would
be a DVD release. Though slow-moving at
times, the actors ad just enough life to the piece by keeping it moving and
working; though it still seems to be missing and/or lacking a certain realism
in parts. Either way, if you are
interested, you’ll not be too disappointed, but remember, this is a melodrama
as much as anything.
The
anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image is a little softer than expected, even
for a production of the time, but the locations help make up for it. The Dolby digital 2.0 Stereo is clean and clear,
even for its age and makes the picture easier to bear. There are no extras.
- Nicholas Sheffo
