Customer Reviews

The Moth [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a splendid dramatic adaptation based on the Catherine Cookson novel. It stars handsome Jack Davenport (The Talented Mr. Ripley) as a poor carpenter who works as a servant for a wealthy family and becomes the love interest of his boss' daughter (played by Juliet Aubrey - "Middlemarch"). It also stars Justine Waddell (lately of "Mansfield Park" and BBC's "Great Expectations"). It explores issues of class, family vs. personal obligations, and love vs. duty. This is one of Ms. Cookson's best work! I highly recommend it - great acting, production values and is very satisfying and enjoyable!

I haven't read any of Catherine Cookson's novels, but I've seen several of the movies adapted from her books. Of those, this is the best in my opinion. I am also a fan of many of the Jane Austen books-to-movies (and have read all of those). I would say The Moth ranks above Mansfield Park and Northanger Abbey, below Pride & Prejudice, and at about the same level as Sense & Sensibility.

This was my first introduction to Catherine Cookson's novels. The Moth involves an interesting tale of cross-class romance - a handsome carpenter and a lady of class, even though we're never told what title of aristocrat she happens to be in the adaptation. The premise of the story of two individuals daring to cross the lines of class to find love is commendable. However, there's something about the intolerant God-fearing characters who judge the innocent, rather than giving them the benefit of the doubt, that grates upon my nerves. Of course, the town is filled with gossips and everybody believes the same trashy rumors.

The story is fairly weak, frankly, but that's just my opinion. The burning house at the end is reminiscent of the crazy wife in Jane Eyre, only this time it's the crazy jealous butler. Not sure why English estates have to burn to the ground for the tragedy effect.

The younger sister depicted as emotionally imbalanced, isn't as crazy as you're led to believe at first, which I thought would bring more mystery to the story. The relationship between the father and mother is touched upon too lightly and their superficial backstory doesn't really give enough for the audience to chew on. Stanley, the brother, is a selfish bore. The servants are as snobbish as the aristocrats, and the only one who seems to have his head on straight is the hero carpenter. The heroine, seems to drift through the entire story pulled along by circumstances, rather than moved by conviction.

I can't say I was totally enthralled with the storyline, but I'll check out the remainder of Catherine Cookson's works adapted to film and see if I feel any different.