Paul Evans
Firstly I need a rant, so much trash is released on DVD/Blu ray, and yet a drama such as this, which saw Rigg win a BAFTA for her performance remains hidden in the vault, it's criminal, as this show should be seen by many.The story is a great one, for anyone that's read the book, they'll be aware of what a good story it is, a tale of betrayal and loyalty. From the very off you get an idea of the character behind Helena, a person who places a huge deal on loyalty, willing to go to extremes to punish anyone who crosses her.Rigg brilliantly brings Helena to life, on the surface she's charm itself, measured and principled, when she's alone we see the unhinged side of her character, justified in her own mind to punish those around her. Rigg is in good company, James Wilby, Fiona Gillies, James Grout all excellent.There isn't a boring spell, it passes by so quickly, you cannot help be captivated by Rigg, as you watch you become aware that all the events are culminating and will eventually head to a brutal climax.Considering this was made back in 1989 it hasn't aged at all, quite remarkable, the quality is very much there.They certainly don't make things like this any more. 10/10
adrian_h20042000
Wow,just got hold of it on DVD from a friend who recorded it. I never saw it in 1989 and this is my first time. Rigg plays a woman who's approaching 50,she was abandoned in the past by her husband(played by David Mccallum) who now has a successful marriage to a photographer(Isla Blair). Dianas character is deeply possessive of her 20 something son who's just about to get married and leave home. He isn't supposed to see his Father because it would seem like betrayal to his mother,but secretly does. As it progresses we see how she reacts to her world falling apart. One of the best pieces of television drama I've ever seen.The ending is haunting and poignant.
richard.fuller1
The first time I saw Mother Love, it was being rerun during the day. I came in on the new wife locked in the bomb shelter studio. I sat bored knowing they would find her in time. They always do. Wow. Was I wrong! SPOILER ALERT I made sure I watched it straight thru to the end and looked for it the next time it came on. From that point on, the naive trust this woman had in her family crumbled away, one by one, as she felt betrayed over and over, until finally all she had was her precious "Kitten", lying in a coma in a hospital bed. That one simple phone call could set the revelation into motion and have the daughter-in-law racing to the hospital like that while Helena was overcome with grief at her ultimate betrayal; her own son. When she yanked that tube out of his nose, . . . ! In that little time frame, Diana Rigg played this tightly wound woman falling to pieces. There was nowhere else for Helena to go but where we see her in the closing credits. The movie was billed as the Man from Uncle (David MacCallum) meets the woman from the Avengers, but it was all Diana's show. I wouldn't have believed bloody cookie treats could be so evil!The first time I caught it, her dialogue wasn't edited out and she spoke about her ex-husband like he was the devil incarnate. The second time the words were deleted as she referred to 'Vesey's w***** and Vesey's b*******'. A shame really as they were not in a hostile intimidating tone.I had it on tape for the longest time. Seriously to make you think about what you have, it would be ideal viewing for Mother's Day.
kbettner
I love this movie - a real chiller. Diana Rigg is at her riveting, chilling best! She seems to innocent and ladylike - at first. I particularly enjoyed the actress who played the new wife and I enjoyed seeing David McCallum play the piano. I've been trying to find a copy for years - any one know where a copy can be purchased?
