Product Details

• Actors: Juliet Aubrey, Douglas Hodge, Robert Hardy, Peter Jeffrey, Trevyn McDowell
• Directors: Anthony Page
• Writers: Andrew Davies, George Eliot
• Producers: Louis Marks
• Format: Box set, Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 3
• Studio: 20th Century Fox
• VHS Release Date: September 12, 1995
• Run Time: 375 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (94 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6303542344
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #222,427 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

While George Eliot's Middlemarch may not have been the most popular book amidst the high school English crowd, the BBC's adaptation is so remarkable that you may find yourself revisiting the once-dreaded novel. Over the course of six hours, we are immersed in the lives of Dorothea Brooke, Mr. Ladislaw, Dr. Lydgate, and, by the end, you'll be wanting even more. Taking place in Middlemarch, England, in the early 19th century, the stories of the townsfolk are woven seamlessly together, with strands of political fervor and social commentary subtly strewn in.

Dorothea (Juliet Aubrey) wants desperately to make something of her life; however, as a woman she is forbidden the study of Greek and Latin and no one takes her notions of societal improvement seriously. She chooses to marry the elderly Rev. Casaubon (Patrick Malahide), a scholarly man whom she can aid in his work. Meanwhile, new to Middlemarch is the handsome Dr. Lydgate (Douglas Hodge), who has grand notions for running a free hospital and finding a cure for cholera. His plans are sidetracked, however, when the beautiful but materialistic Rosie Vincy (Trevyn McDowell) sets her sights on him. Other subplots run throughout the three-tape set, including Rev. Casaubon's dashing but disapproved-of cousin Will Ladislaw (Rufus Sewell), who has his eye on Dorothea; the scandals of banker Mr. Bulstrode (Peter Jeffrey); and the prodigal son Fred Vincy (Jonathan Firth), who urgently wants the hand of Mary but can't find the money or an honest career to provide for her.

Each of the actors fully embodies his or her role, and none of the performances are standout because they are all wonderful. The locations are dark and fitting to the mood, and the costumes and set decorations are period perfect. For anyone who enjoys the BBC's adaptations of great novels or for those just looking for a great story to sink their teeth into, Middlemarch will not disappoint. --Jenny Brown

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

196 of 199 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CALLING ALL PERIOD PIECE LOVERS..., February 10, 2002

By 

Lawyeraau (Balmoral Castle) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Middlemarch [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is a superb adaptation of George Elliot's novel of the same name. Set in nineteenth century England in the rural town of Middlemarch, it follows the lives of several of its inhabitants, as the threads of their lives intertwine with those of others. Filled with memorable characters with whom the viewer becomes engrossed over the six hours that the series runs, it is a well acted, beautifully filmed period piece.

When an idealistic, ambitious, handsome gentleman, Dr. Tertius Lydgate (Douglas Hodge), moves to Middlemarch with the expectation of running a charity hospital that will allow him the opportunity for medical research, he is teeming with anticipation at his prospects in this provincial backwater. He is quickly thrust into a situation not of his own making, however, as the town seems to be a family divided over who is to be chaplain of the hospital. Aligning himself with his benefactor, Mr. Bulstrode (Peter Jeffrey), the town's unpopular banker, he sets the path upon which he must travel. Moreover, when he freely states his opinions without regard for the existing medical establishment, he makes enemies without even realizing it, so pure of heart is he. Upon meeting the lusciously lovely and thoroughly spoiled social climber, Rosalind Vincy (Trevyn McDowell), daughter of the town's upstart mayor, he is lost to her charms and loses sight of the prize. He sets upon yet another path that will bring him ignominy.

The lovely and intelligent Dorothea Brooke (Juliet Aubrey) is a scion of one of the wealthy first families of Middlemarch. She, too, is idealistic and wants to leave her mark on the world. Her head filled with socialist ideas, she, being pure of heart, longs to set right wrongs perpetrated upon the poor by the wealthy landowners, a class of which she is a member. Moreover, having been denied the education available to men, she deeply admires learning in others. Unfortunately, she is taken in by the scholarly pretensions of a wealthy, middle aged cleric, the Rev. Casaubon (Patrick Malahide), and chooses to marry him over her other suitor. Thinking that she can assist her husband with his scholarly work, she discovers too late that he may have other ideas on this matter. When she meets his cousin, the romantically handsome Will Ladislaw (Ruffin Sewell), this sets into motion a future event that is to have a lasting impact on Dorothea.

One would think that Dorothea and Tertius would be a perfect love match. Alas, that is not to be, as the heart of each is captured by another. Scandals, romance, intrigues, politics, and the wind of social change permeate this epic period piece. With numerous memorable characters and subplots that move the story along, the viewer remains enthralled, as the entire six hours melt away. With beautiful, lush cinematography, wonderful costumes, and ensemble acting that makes this epic period piece flow, this three tape video is a welcome addition to one's collection. Bravo!

117 of 123 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling, romantic.....an absolute stunner!, November 2, 1999

By 

Marcy Gomez (Kansas City, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Middlemarch [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is the perfect film for Anglophiles or fans of well-made classic novel adaptations. Based on George Eliot's Victorian novel, this film introduces us to such memorable characters as sweet and sensitive Dorothea Brooke (J. Aubrey), passionate Will Ladislaw (Rufus Sewell), formidable Mr. Casaubon, handsome Dr. Lydgate, materialistic & pretty Rosamund Vincy, and her flighty brother Fred (Jonathan Firth), to name a few - as well as to their hopes, dreams, trials and triumphs. There are 3 love stories featured in this film (2 of them love triangles!), splendid characterizations, high production values and an overall wonderful miniseries! This is very highly recommended!

59 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars lovely period romance, August 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Middlemarch [VHS] (VHS Tape)

If you love period piece romance movies you will love this movie. My favorite movie is the BBC's Pride and Prejudice with Jennifer Ehle and if you love that miniseries you will love Middlemarch. It looks beautiful and has some wonderful tension filled scenes. One of the romantic heroes is played by Rufas Sewell and he is gorgeous. He pines away for his love and he does it so well. Juliet Aubrey is also wonderful as Dorethea the woman he is in love with. I recommend this movie to anyone who loves 19th century romance.

Michelle