Expected more

An Exercise In Nonsense

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

"The Inheritance" is a fine CBS production of a lesser known novel by Louisa May Alcott. This New England setting has very good scenery and camera work for a TV movie. The cast all are very good. The Hamilton family, headed by Tom Conti as Henry and Meredith Baxter as Beatrice, are early contrarians to the rising blue bloods of the early landed class in Massachusetts.Yet, the heroin, Cari Shayne playing Edith Adelon, is the focal point around whom the story develops. And, it's interesting to me that for all her kindness and goodness, our heroin is shown by the author to suffer from pride. It becomes apparent when, out of false humility Edith tries to burn the documents that identify her as a blood member of the Hamilton clan. Learning of her true identity from Henry on his deathbed, she then intends to conceal it from the rest of the family whom she will continue to live with to help after the death of the patriarch. This struck me as a sort of enforced martyrdom at not wanting to tout her credentials as landed gentry. Where, as heir of the family holdings she would be in more of a position to ensure the family's continued well- being and care. Whether Alcott intended the character to be thus understood, I cannot say. But she was an intelligent and clever person, and an accomplished writer who grew up around and had close ties to such literary luminaries of the time as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and David Thoreau. Since she wrote many of her stories about the life and times in New England, one can imagine that she would intend such a trait for Edith, where she clearly shows varying personality aspects in Ida and other characters. The film is interesting and very entertaining, and fit for the whole family. Though I wonder if the younger adult generation would appreciate it much – or even sit still for relaxed pace.

I saw this first in 1997 on the Kraft something-something (CBS). The very first part looked so refreshing that I threw in a tape and have absolutely been gone on it ever since. I had read about the newly discovered manuscript and book publication at an earlier time. I bought several copies of the book and gave them out as gifts to friends and relatives. Everyone who has watched it with me has loved it. My brother, in from Knoxville once, and after watching the usual popular movies at that time, was, up to that point fairly unimpressed. I decided to put it in. He watched and even though he had not even commented on any of the others, he looked at me after the end credits then lights on, and said, "That was a good one." You have to know my understated Economics Professor-of-a brother to know how funny that comment was and how it pleased me. The filmed presentation and its screenplay are more flowing, integrated and related to a self-contained start-to-finish story than is the actual book. The scene where Edith is with her ailing uncle, her innocence, her lack of guile or ability to deceive, contrive or lie, is unbelievably attractive in character and essence. Edith is so transparently good and kind and always helping others without taking credit this story is about the rewards of that goodness and that sweetness. There are hints from the beginning that are noticed after the fact, about where the relationships lie and why certain people do what they do and act the way they do. How could the entire story be so simple and yet enchanting enough to cause me to think of it all the time. When Edith first meets Percy by the horse, spilling her apples and yet touching his scratched face with her handkerchief I loved the way the directors let us know the magic was on. When Percy comes in the house for the first time and meets her Edith cannot hide her bright-eyed, innocent crush and that she has met him already. Her facial expressions are uniquely well done as she hides behind the curtain. You can see that she is jealous already, even though she knows he is not there for her nor could there be a crossing of social barriers, yet he was hers, she thought. How many movies are there where one kiss, just one kiss is so dramatic? With all the thrills, spills and chills in modern movies, needed to even keep an audience awake, is this not a gem for those of us who are just plain in love with love?

I've seen this movie about 5 or more times, and it never ceases to touch me. I'm a huge fan a Louisa May Alcott (Little Women is one of my all time favorite books). So it greatly surprised me that I enjoyed the movie better then the book. The movie was well done, sticking to the book, but also changing a few details. They changed enough details to improve the over all story, but not enough to create a whole new story. For fans of the book, there's no reason that you won't enjoy this film. This movie presents a simple, sweet, and at times moving story. Edith is a 'servant' in the Hamilton's house. A Young Women of character, something that's so rare these days. The actors do a great job portraying there roles. Scenery for this movie is breath taking. Definitely worth every penny you spend to buy it.

The reason I voted a 9 out of ten is that there is one scene where younger children would probably not be allowed to watch. Shouldn't be allowed that is because a man is trying to persecute Edith but of course the dashing young lover rescues her from the evil villain. Like all happily ever after movies go. But this one is a must see. I mean there are a lot of good fairy tell-ish movies out there but seriously this is one of the best. I have only seen this once and I still rave about how good it was. I have been waiting for it to come out on DVD and finally I got my wish! yea! I am definitely going to get this one to add to my romantic series! Believe me if you liked Little Women and Little Men then you will love this even more!!! <>< Great Movie, Very exciting, Tear Jerker,and of course Romance! Got to love it.