• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

A Moment With Franca

A Family, Lifestyle & Travel Blog

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • Family
    • Family Events
    • Family Life
    • Family Days Out
    • Birthdays
  • Lifestyle
    • Home & Interiors
    • Bathrooms
    • Bedrooms
    • Garden
    • Kitchen
    • Health
  • Travel
    • Days Out
    • Things To Do In London
    • Holidays
    • Press Trips
  • Reviews
    • Theatre & Shows
    • Days Out
    • Toys & Games
    • Fashion
    • Beauty
  • Seasonal
    • Christmas
    • Halloween
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Easter
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Giveaways
  • Show Search
Hide Search

‘Cookson Christmas’ on Drama – The Girl

amomentwithfranca · 21 December 2015 · 11 Comments

Sponsored Post

Christmas is upon us and we have been busy getting everything ready for it! This is the perfect time of the year to sit on your sofa with a cup of tea or a coffee, a blanket to warm your legs, cuddled up with your hubby or partner in front of the TV to finally watch a proper drama! Wouldn’t this be lovely? I bet you agree with me, especially about being cuddled up with the hubby, LOL!

Drama The Girl

During the Christmas season Drama, a free-to-view channel launched two years ago, predominantly showing classic dramas, are set to launch the showing of a series of Catherine Cookson TV adaptations. Drama believes that nothing beats the thrill of a good drama and that the best stories never grow old. Like me, they love that Sunday afternoon sofa feeling in front of the TV ;-)! Finally, they look at their titles with an affectionate insight and believe that drama is best sold through familiarity: famous faces, and themes that we can all relate to.

Catherine Cookson

Photo of Catherine Cookson provided by Google

For those who don’t know who Catherine Cookson is, she is one of the world’s most beloved British writers. Her books have sold millions of copies and have been translated into twenty languages, with numerous adaptations for radio, film and TV. For decades she was the most borrowed author in UK libraries and this is because her characters and their stories have captured imaginations the world over. She was among the literary pioneers to be interested in portraying not the aristocracy but the common man in the 19th century: their ambitions, struggles, family dynamics, romance and to tackle important issues, from women’s rights to interracial marriages.

Catherine Cookson: The Girl - Picture Shows: Siobhan Flynn as Hannah Boyle
Catherine Cookson: The Girl – Picture Shows: Siobhan Flynn as Hannah Boyle

I was thrilled when I was approached by Drama in order to review one of Catherine Cookson’s TV adaptations called The Girl. I knew it was going to be a good film because Drama are known for showing quality, classic, interesting and relatable dramas.

REVIEW

The Girl (1996)

Director: David Wheatley

Main Cast: Siobhan Flynn (Hannah Boyle), Jonathan Cake (Ned Ridley), Michael Stoddard (Matthew Thornton), Jill Baker (Anne Thornton), Mark Benton (Fred Loam)

Summary

Her name was Hannah Boyle, but to the people of the village she would always be “The Girl” – Matthew Thornton’s bastard. Savagely treated by Matthew’s wife, Anne, she fled for protection to the devil-may-care horse-dealer, Ned Ridley, who had earlier befriended her. But, as the waif grew to beautiful womanhood, she became an object of desire to the local young men, and even to her half-brother. Against her wishes, she was married off to a gross, sensual man, but Hannah kept on fighting for the man she wanted: Ned Ridley, who adored her and taught her the meaning of true love and passion.

Catherine Cookson: The Girl - Picture Shows: Cheryl Moody as Young Hannah
Catherine Cookson: The Girl – Picture Shows: Cheryl Moody as Young Hannah

The story begins in Northumberland in 1850 with a Young Hannah looking for help because her mother is ill. She trespasses into Ned Ridley’s property desperate to ask him for help. Agreeing to help he then follows her. He finds her mother and takes them to see his Grandad who tries to help her too.

They stay there until Hannah’s mother feels better as she really wanted to go to the Thornton’s House to speak with Mr Matthew who was a gentleman. Ned offered his help to take them although he was more interested to see how Mr Matthew was going to react.

Catherine Cookson: The Girl - Picture Shows: Cheryl Moody as Young Hannah
Catherine Cookson: The Girl – Picture Shows: Cheryl Moody as Young Hannah

At the Thornton’s house, Hannah’s mother who is almost ready to die, tells Mr Thornton that Hannah is his daughter and that he needs to take care of her from now on. Mr Thornton agrees and lets her stay although his wife Anne is in complete disagreement with this and resents her for staying. Hannah’s mother dies when leaving the Thornton’s property and hands over a letter to be opened when she gets married.

Mrs Thornton tells her three children they are not allowed to talk or play with Hannah. She is told to stay in the kitchen helping the servants. Hannah’s life is a nightmare as Mrs Thornton sees her as proof of her husband’s infidelity. Things get worse and one day Hannah, whilst playing, tries on some of Mrs Thornton’s jewellery, who then arrives and sees this, but declares that she is stealing it rather than just trying it. She gets really angry and whips Hannah.

Mr Thornton finds out about the incident, he is completely unhappy about it, and whips his wife as retribution. From this moment, he decides to change the rules in the house and how Hannah is to be treated. She is to be treated as his daughter and an equal to her siblings.

Catherine Cookson: The Girl - Picture Shows: Jill Baker as Anne Thornton
Catherine Cookson: The Girl – Picture Shows: Jill Baker as Anne Thornton

This is initially a good thing as Hannah is sent to school but as time passes her struggles in life continue as through unfortunate circumstances she is eventually forced into a marriage with someone she does not love. Hannah is actually keen to find a proper love to be her husband and there are a couple of potential candidates along the way!

Catherine Cookson: The Girl - Picture Shows: Mark Benton as Fred Loam
Catherine Cookson: The Girl – Picture Shows: Mark Benton as Fred Loam

Of course Mrs Thornton delights in getting rid of Hannah, by seeing her married off. Things get more interesting when Hannah finally gets to open her mother’s letter, but is the information it contains useful, or is too late?

Catherine Cookson: The Girl - Picture Shows: Jonathan Cake as Ned Ridley
Catherine Cookson: The Girl – Picture Shows: Jonathan Cake as Ned Ridley

Ned is always a present figure in Hannah’s life and they get along very well. She always ends up being protected by him. They have a chemistry between them which was interesting to watch. Their love begins to blossom but is it too late after being married off to the local the butcher?

Catherine Cookson: The Girl - Picture Shows: Jonathan Cake as Ned Ridley and Siobhan Flynn as Hannah Boyle
Catherine Cookson: The Girl – Picture Shows: Jonathan Cake as Ned Ridley and Siobhan Flynn as Hannah Boyle

Hannah has a very obstinate and strong character making her determined to succeed in spite of all the bad luck, setbacks and sadness in her life. Being married off to the wrong man was not going to be an obstacle in getting the man of her dreams.

Will she be able to get her man or will she have to stay with the butcher? Well in order to find out more about this film you will have to go over to Drama during their ‘Cookson Christmas’ season from the 20th December to the 31st of December. You can watch Drama on Freeview channel 20, Sky or Virgin.

I very much enjoyed watching the story unfold, in spite of a few scary moments such as when Hannah and Mrs Thornton are whipped. It wasn’t obvious how things would end or whether Hannah would finally find happiness. She is an admirably strong, determined woman who has to deal with some quite horrible people, some of whom have her best intentions at heart. However, this is the kind of period drama that allows you to get lost in the story and you really hope things work out for Hannah.

Drama also asked Laura Summers from Laura’s Lovely Blog to do a review of the same film. I thought it could be interesting to read what Laura’s perspective of it was. If you are also interested in reading her review you can pop over to her blog here

Have you watched dramas on Drama before? What do you think about the ‘Cookson Christmas’ promoted by Drama? Will you be watching some dramas over Christmas? Have you heard of any of Catherine Cookson’s TV adaptations? Have you watched them before? Have you watched The Girl before? If so, what did you think? Leave me your comments below as I would to know what you are your thoughts.

Thanks for stopping by,

Love you all ❤️

Franca  💋

Related

Filed Under: Collaborative Posts, Christmas, Reviews Tagged With: Catherine Cookson's TV adaptation, Cookson Christmas, Drama, The Girl, UKTV Drama

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laura's Lovely Blog says

    21 December 2015 at

    I agree the whipping scenes weren’t pleasant, but they didn’t bother me as I feel like they sat well with the story and the butcher is so gross! Glad you enjoyed it too 🙂

    Reply
  2. Kay adeola says

    21 December 2015 at

    I have not seen this but now I want to ☺.
    I can’t wait to enjoy the Christmas TV this year any excuse to lay about all day lol.
    Great post!

    Reply
  3. MiM says

    21 December 2015 at

    Oh this has literally made my Christmas! I could be the worlds biggest Catherine Cookson fan and have read and watched them all! In fact I went through my last early labour to Colour Blind on the telly 🙂 thanks for sharing this lovely! Mim x

    Reply
  4. Coombe Mill says

    21 December 2015 at

    I’ve never managed to sit through a drama in years, I’m always distracted with other things on my mind, one day I will and I’m sure i’d enjoy it. Happy Christmas to you Franca #MarvMondays

    Reply
  5. Rachel (Lifeofmyfamilyandme) says

    22 December 2015 at

    I do like the oldies! whats Christmas without a good TV drama!

    Reply
  6. Sarah hp says

    22 December 2015 at

    I love getting a chance to watch loads of TV over the Christmas break. Sounds like a great watch. Can you believe that I’ve never actually read a Catherine Cookson novel, maybe this drama would be a good introduction.

    Reply
  7. Angela at Daysinbed says

    23 December 2015 at

    It sounds like an interesting adaptation and as I said on Laura’s review…something I might enjoy watching myself. Thanks for sharing and explaining more about The girl

    Reply
  8. Becky, Cuddle Fairy says

    23 December 2015 at

    This sounds really good! I love Laura’s review as well. I do enjoy period dramas & I get totally engrossed in the story line. The Girl sounds compelling & entertaining. Your review is excellent & I definitely agree, curled up on the couch with hubby is what Christmas evenings are all about. x

    Reply
  9. My Petit Canard says

    2 January 2016 at

    What a lovely review! Christmas is the perfect time for watching tv adaptions such as this Catherine Cookson one. I didnt have the chance to catch this over Christmas, but after reading your review I wish I did! Thanks for sharing this on #MarvMondays 🙂 Emily

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Enjoy a Cookson Christmas on Drama - Laura's Lovely Blog ♥ says:
    21 December 2015 at

    […] Want to know more? Franca from A Moment with Franca is also reviewing The Girl on her blog today, why not head over there and see what she thought too? You can read her post here. […]

    Reply
  2. Nuffnang UK | The World’s Leading Blog Advertising Community » A Cookson Christmas with Drama says:
    11 January 2016 at

    […] – Franca from A Moment with Franca […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

HI THERE, I’M FRANCA!

Hi, I'm Franca, a lawyer mum of 2 gorgeous girls married to my best friend, living in London. Award nominated parenting & lifestyle blogger. Read More…

Newsletter

    Built with ConvertKit

    Amazon

    What’s On

    • Barbie Movie Review: Girl Power or Feminist Flop?
    • Wicked Musical London Review
    • 42nd Street at Sadlers Wells Theatre London: A Review

    Family Days Out

    • Qbix Gamecube Review at All Star Lanes White City
    • Frameless London: Unforgettable Immersive Art Experience in Marble Arch
    • tastecard: Your Handy Guide to Exploring and Saving in London

    Collaborative Videos

    Popular Videos





    AWARDS

    BritMums



    BritMums

    Tots100

    Tutora Best Parent Insight Blog Award Shortlist

    RANKING

    Tots100
    Top 20 UK Parent Blog 2020

    Flea Network Top 20 UK Parent Blog 2018

    MEMBER

    LINKY

    Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday
    ✨First Week in Torrevieja✨ ☀️🏖️.Our ✨First Week in Torrevieja✨ ☀️🏖️.Our first week in Torrevieja was a mix of unexpected moments and relaxation. Sienna’s 9th birthday took an unexpected turn when she cut her thumb, and we spent some time in the ER getting a single stitch. 😢 But she’s a trooper and handled it like a champ..Despite this, we still managed at the start of that first week to soak up some sun, enjoy the pool, watch beautiful sunsets, and take in the incredible views. Evenings by the pool became our thing, creating lasting memories and a sense of calm. It wasn’t the week we had planned, but it turned out to be a week of quality family time and unwinding. ☀️🏖️.Swipe left to see our first week in pictures, and if you keep checking until the last photo, you can see Sienna’s stitch. She was such a brave soul. 💪.Now, who else has had unexpected adventures during their travels? .#Torrevieja #BeachView....Costa Blanca | Torrevieja | Family Ttravel | Sunsets | Pool Relaxation | Holiday Memories | Family Bonding | Spain | Alicante | Travel Blogger |
    ✨Beach Days in Costa Blanca✨.We explored som ✨Beach Days in Costa Blanca✨.We explored some beautiful beaches during our time in Costa Blanca, Spain. From Cala Cerrada to Playa del Mojon, from Playa de Mil Palmeras to Playa de la Mata, each had its own charm. .But our favourite was Playa de la Mata. It had a warm, clear sea, and those gentle waves were just perfect. We found ourselves coming back here again and again, enjoying the simple joys of sun, sea, and sand. We even stayed till 8:30 pm one day, savouring every moment of sunlight. .There are of course more beaches waiting to be explored, but that will have to wait for another trip! 😄🌴.Check the reel until the end to see each of the beaches I mentioned above 🏖️.✨Like, Save & Share if you are planning to visit Costa Blanca or if someone you know would like to visit ✨.If you have been around this area, what other beaches would you recommend to visit?☀️.#CostaBlanca #BeachDays ....Costa Blanca | Costa Blanca Beaches | Spain | Alicante | Family Travel | Travel Guide | Travel Blogger | Playa Cala Cerrada | Playa del Mojon | Playa de Mil Palmeras | Playa de la Mata | Beach Holiday | Beach Inspiration
    ✨The Pink Lake of Torrevieja✨.During our sum ✨The Pink Lake of Torrevieja✨.During our summer road trip, we stumbled upon this beautiful natural wonder, Las Salinas de Torrevieja in Alicante, Spain! Torrevieja was our next stop for about 2 weeks!💖🏞️.We’d heard about its pink waters, but seeing it in person was incredible. The early morning sunlight painted the lake even pinker which was stunning! 🌅.Ever wondered why it turns pink? 👇It’s all thanks to the unique Halobacterium bacteria and Dunaliella Salina micro-algae that thrive in its super-salty waters. .Who would have thought you could find a Pink Lake like this in Spain? 🇪🇸.Have you ever come across a natural wonder like this that took your breath away? 🌟#PinkLakeTorrevieja #PinkLake #Torrevieja #Alicante....Pink Lake Torrevieja | Las Salinas de Torrevieja | Torrevieja Spain | Pink Lake Spain | Alicante | Costa Blanca | Spain | Lago Rosa | Family Travel | Travel Guide | Travel Blogger | Things To Do In Torrevieja
    ✨Wrapping up our Barcelona adventure✨ .We’ ✨Wrapping up our Barcelona adventure✨ .We’ve loved exploring this vibrant city during the summer and sharing it here with you! Hope you found our tips helpful if Barcelona’s in your travel plans. 🇪🇸.Next stop: Torrevieja! ☀️ Get ready for content of two weeks of sun, sea, and summer vibes! Hopefully will bring you a warm escape as the chill of autumn sets in! 🏝️🌊. What’s your favourite destination to escape the autumn chill?.#VisitBarcelona.....Barcelona | Barcelona Skyline | Barcelona Landmarks | Spain | Exploring Barcelona | Barcelona Diaries | Travel Guide | Travel Blogger | Cityscape | Barcelona Tourist Attractions | Family Travel | Mirador del Santuari Barcelona
    ✨24 Hours in Barcelona: Exploring the Must-Sees✨.Although our time in Barcelona was brief, we made the most of every moment. Check out this list of must-visit places we explored in just 24 hours! 🌆.1. Stroll Las Ramblas - Soak up the lively atmosphere and street performances.2. Discover Plaça Reial - A picturesque square with palm trees and vibrant architecture.3. Marvel at Casa Batlló - Gaudi’s architectural masterpiece.4. Explore La Pedrera (Casa Milà) - Another Gaudi gem with a unique rooftop.5. Be awed by La Sagrada Familia - An iconic masterpiece still under construction.6. Soak in Views from Mirador del Santuari - Panoramic vistas of Barcelona.7. Hit the Beach at La Barceloneta - Feel the sand between your toes.8. Savor Tapas & Tinto de Verano - Enjoy delicious Spanish bites and drinks..Bonus: Plan a visit to Parc Güell for more Gaudi magic!💫.✨Watch the reel till the end for the full Barcelona experience. Like, Save, and share if Barcelona is on your travel list!✨.Which Barcelona attraction are you most excited to visit? 🤩 .#VisitBarcelona.....Barcelona | Barcelona Skyline | Barcelona Landmarks | Spain | Things To Do In Barcelona | Exploring Barcelona | Barcelona Diaries | Travel Guide | Travel Blogger | Travel With Kids | Cityscape | Barcelona Tourist Attractions | Family Travel | Mirador del Santuari Barcelona
    ✨La Sagrada Familia ✨.We were captivated by ✨La Sagrada Familia ✨.We were captivated by the beauty of La Sagrada Familia which is a must-see in Barcelona! .We didn’t manage to get in due to lack of time but we did our research just in case we had time, so here are some key insights to keep in mind before your visit to La Sagrada Familia:🌟La Sagrada Familia is Open All Year Round🌟It is located in the Sagrada Familia neighborhood 🌟The easiest way to get to the Sagrada Familia is by metro. Alternatively, you can get there by bus🌟You need to buy tickets in advance. You can buy ticket up to 2 months in advance🌟You should purchase your tickets through the official website 🌟The Sagrada Familia box office only sells tickets for that specific date and you may have to wait 4 or 5 hours until the next available entrance time🌟There are discounts on full fare for children under 11, students, disabled and senior citizens (65+)🌟Any time with the sun outside is good for visiting the church🌟 You can buy a ticket to climb the Torre de la Pasión or the Torre del Nacimiento🌟The ascent of the towers is done with an elevator but the descent is made by a long and narrow spiral staircase🌟There are audiguides available to purchase🌟As the Sagrada Familia is a Catholic church, you must dress appropriately.Swipe left for a close-up view and pics of us in awe of this remarkable masterpiece! 🏰.✨Like, Save & Share if you are planning to visit Barcelona or if someone you know would like to visit ✨.Did you know it’s finally nearing completion after over a century? 🏗️🔜 .#LaSagradaFamilia ....Barcelona | La Sagrada Familia | Gaudi | Spain | Things To Do In Barcelona | Gaudi Experience | Exploring Barcelona | Barcelona Diaries | Travel Blogger
    Load More… Follow on Instagram
    Copyright © 2023 · A Moment With Franca · Privacy Policy