North and South is an adaptation for TV of Elizabeth Gatskells novel. Throughout 4 episode series the acting is superb and the strong storyline continually provides interest. With a backdrop of industrial unrest the programme easily draws you into the Victorian era and is a powerful expression of the turmoils and emotions of this period.
There are several very strong characters, one of the most fascinating is the Mill Owner, John Thornton, played by Richard Armitage. Our first impression of him is as a tyrannical mill owner who beats his own workers. As the series progresses slowly his honourable qualities come forward, in particular his expression of seemingly pure love for Margaret Hale (played by Danielle Denby-Ashe) Yet, like many of the other characters, nothing is straightforward. His attitude to the striking workers is to bring in hired Irish hands seeking at all costs to break the heart of the workers. On the one hand he seems to have no empathy for the pligh t of his own workers, yet in the last episode there is an unexpected reconciliation with a militant union leader (Mr Higgins) these scenes of Mr Armitage eating in the mills makeshift canteen are genuinely heart warming. Especially since the programme doesnt shirk from the harsh realities of Industrial Britain with death and conflict upper most. The most striking feature of John Thompson is the way he deals with rejection from the woman of his heart, Margaret Hale. He had an opportunity to disgrace her but choose a course which revealed his inner concern despite his outer frustration. The ending scene in the railway station is not the same as the book, but still seems a fitting and rewarding end.
Another marvellous character is Mr Thorntons mother played by Sinead Cusack. She openly reveals her hatred for Margaret Hale and also her hopes that her son will not marry her. This could have turned her into a character to dislike, but her straightforwardness and honesty seem redeeming features which leave the viewer ambiguous in their attitude to this hard talking Yorkshire woman.
There is much solemnity in the programme, and with the subject matter this is understandable. However Mr Thorntons sister Fannie, played by Jo Joyner plays a very good cameo of a slightly vain and irresponsible rich lady. But again her Yorkshire straightforwardness gives her a likeable quality and lightness that is a good contrast to the other characters who seem at times unremittingly grim. All actors should be commended for their grasp of a deep Yorkshire accent which really adds to the atmosphere of the film.
Another character with a complex nature is Mr Higgins. Proud, loyal and honest he is selflessly dedicated to the cause of the union. Mr Higgins epitomises self sacrifice for the greater good. But at the same time Margaret Hale accurately highlights the harshness of the way his union, encouraged by him, treats Boucher. Boucher is a union member who breaks the rule of non-violence and hence the strike and creates the enmity of Mr Higgins. The heartless, if deserved, treatment of silence by the union drives this one of lifes loosers to suicide. In doing so he leaves 6 children as orphans. However Mr Higgins again shows his good nature when he responds by taking on responsibility for the 6 children left behind. Driven to despair by lack of work he eventually bites his pride and takes the advice of Margaret in seeking help work from Mr Thompson. This leads to a period of cooperation which brings out the best in both men.
The strike is a prominent feature of the film providing a grim setting for the interplay of emotions and relationships which are prominent in the screenplay. The strike is portrayed in a very neutral way. We see the workers passionately calling for an end to years of mistreatment at the same time we see the other side of the argument. Even though the owners of the mill are quite arrogant we can see t heir point of view. There is no romanticisation of either side. Margaret Hale seems to be one of the few people in the village caught in between, dining with the Thorntons and the other masters she bravely speaks her mind in sticking up for the workers. It is another great scene with Mr Thornton strongly arguing against the Woman he would like to marry.
There are many more good reasons to watch North and South. It is a marvellous understated love story where we see that our first impressions of people can easily be wrong. It is also a strong endorsement of the power of true love which remains through the most testing of circumstances. Like many TV adaptations if you have read the book you may find your enjoyment spoiled by significant changes to the story line. But if you havent read the book you can just enjoy the very well acted series.
Richard is an economics teacher in Oxford and is a member of the Sri Chinmoy Centre. Richard regularly updates his blog whic h is on a variety of subjects such as Dvd reviews, funny videos and selected photos
Author:: Richard Pettinger
Keywords:: Dvd, Bbc
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