Devotees of period dramas, particularly those adapted from the Brontë sisters' celebrated novels, are in for a real treat as one vastly underrated television gem is being championed as essential viewing. Having received rave reviews and considerable critical acclaim in the years following its original airing, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall first appeared on the BBC in November 1996. The three-part miniseries is based on Anne Brontë's 1848 novel of the same name and was directed by Mike Barker. Available to stream free of charge on BBC iPlayer, this outstanding period drama has prompted viewers to declare it superior to adaptations of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights and Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre.
Frequently Overlooked Gem
Frequently overlooked within the period drama sphere, and particularly among Brontë adaptations, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall features Tara Fitzgerald, Rupert Graves, and Toby Stephens in the principal roles, portraying Helen Graham, Arthur Huntington, and Gilbert Markham, respectively. Sarah Badel, Jackson Leach, Sean Gallagher, Jonathan Cake, Joe Absolom, and Kenneth Cranham complete a remarkably accomplished ensemble cast.
BAFTA Nominations and Acclaim
Running across three episodes of roughly an hour apiece, this period drama masterpiece secured four BAFTA nominations: Best Makeup and Hair Design, which it claimed; Best Costume Design; Best Design; and Best Photography and Lighting (Fiction/Entertainment). The programme's official synopsis reads: 'A mysterious woman with a hidden past arrives at crumbling Wildfell Hall. Through her story a tale of betrayal, abuse and defiance unfolds in haunting detail. Anne Bronte classic.'
Viewer Reactions
The period drama has received widespread acclaim from audiences since it first aired, with one IMDB reviewer noting: 'A Wonderful Romance. I loved this mini series. As an anglophile who loves romances... this movie was just my cup of tea and I would recommend it to anyone looking to escape for a few hours into the England of the 1800s.' One enthusiast, drawing parallels with other Brontë adaptations, observed: 'Tenant is far more believable than Wuthering Heights or even Jane Eyre; here is an adaptation that does the novel justice. I highly recommend viewing it!'
Comparisons to Classics
Another critic expressed comparable views: 'A classic book told truly excellently. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall does deserve to be up there with Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights as it does have all the ingredients of a classic. This dramatisation is just excellent with its only detriment being the ending feeling rather rushed.' While one IMDB contributor praised the production: 'The actors are superb, the best Brits have to offer. The love story is beautifully handled, with real passion and feeling by well-matched actors. Another BBC classic, highly recommended: this is how romantic literature should be dramatised.'
Another enthusiastic viewer added: 'Marvellous film. Anne Bronte's epic novel should be studied and read throughout schools, libraries, and people's living rooms. Do watch this film, it's a great version of the book and very moving indeed. I'm sure Anne herself would have been happy with the way it was produced. Excellent acting and great locations.'
