First broadcast on BBC One in 1971 Michael Voysey's inspired adaptation of Mrs Gaskell's final novel which was widely lauded as her masterpiece.


Revolving around the fortunes of three families the Gibsons, the Hamleys and the Cumnors in the English village of Hollingford, Wives and Daughters is a poignant coming of age story, a lively romance and, not least, a witty comedy of manners.

Centre stage is 17-year-old Molly Gibson, a passionate, forthright girl. Molly's life is thrown into chaos when her father, the widowed local doctor, decides to remarry, as she acquires an unwanted stepmother and a beautiful stepsister.

Though completely different, the two girls become instant friends. The lovable but worldly Cynthia brings Molly both joys and woes. Men are often at the heart of these emotions in the form of Squire Hamley's sons Osborne and Roger, and the mysterious Mr Preston, who puts both their reputations at risk.

Molly soon finds herself caught up in the bewildering worlds of love and betrayal, social expectations and family secrets.