Mrs. Cookson is one of the great natural writers of English 19th and early 20th century life, and of the gap that existed between classes. This film is just another evidence of her talent. Education was not wanted, nor considered needed, for the lower classes of early 19th century England. Here is a woman who breaks through these walls of conformity and prejudice to open doors for herself and her children.

Look for Jonathan Firth as the spoiled vengeful young aristocrat. He really cracks the whip in this one.