Customer Reviews

Catherine Cookson's Cinder Path [VHS]

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Koch Vision and BBC presents "THE CATHERINE COOKSON ANTHOLOGY" (1995) (1259 mins/Color) (Dolby Digital) --- Dame Catherine Ann Cookson was an English author --- Cookson became Britain's most widely read novelist, while remaining a relatively low-profile figure in the world of celebrity writers --- Her books were inspired by her deprived youth in North East England, the setting for her novels.

Cookson took up writing as a form of therapy to tackle her depression, and joined Hastings Writers' Group --- Her first novel, Kate Hannigan, was published in 1950 --- Though it was labelled a romance, she expressed discontent with the stereotype --- Her books were, she said, historical novels about people and conditions she knew --- Cookson had little to do with the London literary circus --- She was always more interested in practicing the art of writing --- Her research could be uncomfortable - going down a mine, for instance, because her heroine came from a mining area --- Having in her youth wanted to write about "above stairs" in grand houses, she later and successfully concentrated on people ground down by circumstances, taking care to know them well.

Cookson went on to write almost 100 books, selling more than 123 million copies of her books, her works being translated into at least 20 languages --- She also authored books under the pseudonyms Catherine Marchant and a name derived from her childhood name, Katie McMullen --- She remained the most borrowed author from public libraries in the UK for more than 20 years, only losing the title in 2004, which is testament to the ongoing popularity of her novels.(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Here are the seven films featured in the eight-disc The Catherine Cookson Anthology, a few are as described on the box set's gatefold:

1. The Cinder Path - (12 February 1995)
The downtrodden son of a farmer, married to one woman but in love with her sister, ships off to World War I in search of glory and redemption. On the front lines, he must battle not only the enemy but also the demons of self-doubt which have plagued him throughout his life.

2. Colour Blind - (16 December 1998)
Bridget seriously offends her conservative family for marrying an African sailor. After being accused of murder, her husband is forced to leave town. As their daughter grows up, she must learn to cope with the racism surrounding her.

3. A Dinner of Herbs - (24 November 2000)
Hal was just a boy when his father was murdered by the ruthless Dan Bannerman. Now, with a family of his own, Hal discovers that the man his daughter hopes to marry is none other than Bannerman's grandson --- Filmed on location in the north of England, "A Dinner of Herbs" is an unforgettable mix of murder, passion and revenge!

4. The Girl - (16 February 1996)
"The Girl" focuses on a young woman who must overcome emotional and physical obstacles to finally come into the life she deserves. This tale is no different. The performances are excellent, and the costuming and locations equally well done.The acting is top notch, and the scenery and production are beautiful.

5. The Secret - (21 January 2000)
Freddie Musgrave's life is in a state of turmoil when a letter implicates him in murder. Further complications arise when he discovers he has feelings for Belle, a woman married to a madman. 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.

6. The Tide of Life - (1996)
The story line and plot, follows the fortunes of young housekeeper, Emily Kennedy, (Gillian Kearney) as she learns about relationships with three very different men. Forced from home of her first employer, Sep McGilby (John Bowler) after his plans to marry her come to tragic end, Emily finds work as housekeeper for farmer, Larry Birch (Ray Stevenson). Another tragedy occurs, and when Nick Stuart (James Purefoy) inherits the farm owned by Birch's wife, Nick gives Emily a new future.

7. Tilly Trotter - (8 January 1999)
Set in rural England during the 1930s, Tilly Trotter is the compelling story of a courageous young girl, envied by women and lusted after by men, who is accused of witchcraft, and forced to rise above the prejudice of her community.

BIOS:
Catherine Cookson (aka: Catherine Ann Davies)
Date of Birth: 27 June 1906 - Tyne Dock, South Shields, England, UK
Date of Death: 11 June 1998 - London, England, UK (blood disorder; heart ailment)

Great job by Koch Vision --- looking forward to more high quality titles from the BBC Collection film market --- order your copy now from Amazon or Koch Vision where there are plenty of copies available on DVD, stay tuned once again for top notch releases --- where they are experts in releasing long forgotten films and treasures to the collector.

Total Time: 1259 mins on DVD ~ Koch Vision KOCV-6511 ~ (1/22/2008)

The Cinder Path was a long-awaited movie after growing up reading as many Catherine Cookson books as I could get my hands on. I have always been a die hard fan since I first read The Dwelling Place. This story, like most of Cookson's others, present a true-to-life hardship and how the characters react, deal with, and survive the sometimes cruel and unfair obstacles life throws their way.

This film features a pre-Hollywood Catherine Zeta Jones as the haughty and spoiled brat. She plays this role to a tee and was (before being "spoiled" by Hollywood) one of my favorite actresses previously because of this role.

Everyone can enjoy this movie, relate to the hardships and life's tough decisions. All in all, it has a great message, but learning life's lessons is not all that easy.

All his young life Charlie McFell, his familiy and the farm hands were tyranzied by his dictatorial father, which punished brutally on the Cinder Path. As his father met with an "accident" and died, young Charlie was ill-equipped to manage the farm. He is pressured into a loveless marriage with the haughty and faithless Victoria, leaving her sister Nellie, who secretly loves him, heartbroken. As World War I breaks out he is forced to join the British Army and the horrors and hardship of the frontlines finally let him become a man of strength and character. He is now able to overcome the heartbreak, blackmail, cruelty, revenge and deception to ultimately find his true love.

The Cinder Path is based on the bestselling novel of Catherine Cookson. If you love period Jane Austen-like romantic drama this one is for you. Why did I not give five stars? I did not like the extensive war and battle-scenes. Furthermore, I thought it a shame that this DVD does not feature any extras (no widescreen, foreign languages, subtitels, behind the scenes information). But all in all it is a beautiful crafted movie.

Set in the rural areas around Newcastle during the years 1913-1918, this impressive dramatization of Cookson's work centers on the personal struggles of a wealthy young land owner (Charlie) who is seen by many around him as a weakling and utter failure until he is thrown into the cauldron of military service on the Western Front and is forced by circumstances to fight and lead or perish. Much of his inspiration and will to survive comes from the love and devotion of Nellie, the troubled younger sister of his unfaithful, stunningly beautiful wife Victoria.

Although the starring roles are played ably by Lloyd Owen and Catherine Zeta-Jones, the most memorable and arresting performance was delivered by Maria Miles as Nellie. Maria Miles brought her character to life and graced her with a beauty that surpassed even that of Catherine Zeta-Jones. In fact, the character of Nellie emerges from personal depression to become one of the genuinely strong and likeable figures in of the Cookson series (and I have seen them all).

This tail follows the trials and tribulations of Charlie MacFell from an unsure University student to a high ranking Army officer during the first world war. The only thing that stands in his way is a secret known only to him, farm hands Polly and Arthur and the devious Ginger Slater. Victoria (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is (reluctanatly) Charlies bitchie adulterous wife, her sister Nellie (maria miles) harbours secret feelings for Charlie which will either make or destroy her. A true love story but definately a tale you must think about and may or maynot agree with each characters actions and chioces, finally a true to life love story, not sugar coated!!

The Cinder Path

It's all vanity ... when we lose sight of love
[150 minutes - genre: drama]

This 85 min. drama movie shows the intricacies of love, materialism, hasty marriage decision, war, lust, envy, and hatred in the life of neighboring families. Charlie grows up being overpowered by his father's decisions and the expectations of his family to marry a neighbor's daughter (Victoria), all for material gain (his family would expand their land territory and she would increase her family's treasure chest). After his father's death, Charlie grows up: learning how to run a farm, and how to fight in battle, and how to care for his comrades on the front (the Great War). His greatest achievement is realizing who he really loves - Nellie.

While realizing that his marriage to Victoria (Nellie's sister) was a sham, that his sister had robbed him and left his estate naked, and that he had killed a man - Ginger - in cold blood (because of built up hate), Charlie breaks down in front of his future wife, Nellie and says: "The truth is too much for me."

This great family drama (that portrays the vices of people, evil intentions, and ugly face of reality in our world) has a positive outcome after Charlie has a cathartic moment:
"The most frightening thing in life is to come face to face with yourself!"

Now, after a bloody marriage, bloody war, and blood-dried estate farm, Charlie and Nellie can start life afresh. Time does not wait for anyone. If only he had made wiser decisions in life, earlier.

Entertaining, but somewhat boring. Great acting, costumes, editing...just seemed like something was missing.

Have loved all of Ms. Cookson's movies so far, and really enjoyed this one. Good story - love and war and infidelity and revenge. Catherine Zeta Jones played the role of an unfaithful, unloving wife, but did a good job. The lead role was well played and the best part was that it all ended happily.

This is a good film. It is funny and very watchable . I recommend it to any one who likes good looking men. I wached it in the evening and I went to sleep with a warm feeling inside....

I believe that the Cinder Path is an excellent choice for your viewing enjoyment. This film features many extraordinary actors that give extraordinary performances. Cathrine Zeta-Jones(Mask of Zorro) and Maria Miles(Cold Comfort Farm) co-star in this lovely BBC production. I would not recommend this film for children primarily because the story might be to intense for the little ones. I would gladly explain it in detail but I don't want to spoil it for you! If I were to rate this film, it would be no more than PG, yet if you are weary of PG films, don't be hesitant to get this one. It is a fine dramatic film that you will enjoy and recommend to friends in the near future. I strongly urge you to purchase this film. It is a classic that will be enjoyed by everyone!