The critically acclaimed BBC period drama adaptation of the Brontë’s novel fans say it’s a ‘hidden gem’ of the genre that you can currently stream for free on BBC iPlayer
There are three long episodes in the series(Image: BBC/iplayer)
Period dramas are truly enjoying their moment right now with the arrival of numerous beloved book adaptations and more on the horizon, but fans have overlooked this classic TV series which appears to be slipping under the radar.
First released in 1996, this period drama series warrants a position at the very summit alongside the greats within the genre, or at least that’s the sense from fans’ glowing reviews.
Adapted from Anne Brontë’s 1848 novel, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is a British series produced for the BBC and directed by Mike Barker. Spanning three episodes, which broadcast on television in 1996, the series follows the novel closely.
Bringing this timeless tale to life is Tara Fitzgerald as the leading character Helen Graham, alongside Rupert Graves as her abusive husband Arthur Huntington and Toby Stephens as Gilbert Markham.
The series is 20 years old(Image: Getty Images)
Upon its release, the BBC hoped it would be as successful as its Pride and Prejudice series a year earlier, and while it was well-received, it did not quite have the same impact. Although, it did go on to win a number of BAFTAs for its production, from costume to makeup and set design.
A fan wrote a review on IMDb: “We get some clues during the series, but enough to keep us interested in the mini-series. The characters are all believable, and I personally felt immersed and surrounded by the story.”
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall chronicles the tale of a young woman who settles at Wildfell Hall, a magnificent Elizabethan mansion, accompanied by a young son. This represented her bid at forging an independent existence, fleeing her traumatic past, yet her neighbours simply won’t leave her be.
Rather, they do everything within their power to attempt to uncover the mystery surrounding her origins and her desire to live life alone. Eventually a young local farmer, Gilbert Markham, manages to break down her barriers and discover both her identity and her secrets.
Another review states: “I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by this. I watch a lot of period stuff but was not familiar with Anne Brontë and her masterwork. I expected this to be a solid but predictable 90s period adaptation.
The story is thought to be way ahead of its time(Image: BBC/iplayer)
“I would never have predicted that this story is an absolutely head of its time and an amazingly dark tale about escaping an abusive marriage and learning to trust again.”
Meanwhile, another viewer shared: “I agree with the praise heaped upon this production, and, as a Bronte lover and reader, I confirm that the film conveys the bleakness, hope and groundbreaking feminist spirit of the original novel.
“I want to add that the locations used for filming are lovely – as a life-long devotee of bleak northern landscapes, I was thrilled by the scenery chosen, which matched the moods of the characters so well.”
The original novel takes the form of letters penned by Gilbert Markham to a friend, in which he recounts meeting the enigmatic woman and proceeds to relay her story.
First published in 1848 under a pseudonym, it surprisingly became an immediate success; unlike her sisters, she chose a realist approach rather than romantic, exposing the stark and authentic subjects of alcoholism and adultery. It’s these themes that resonated with readers at the time and television enthusiasts today, who remain impressed with the series two decades on.
All episodes of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall are available to stream now for free on BBC iPlayer.
