The Henry James Collection DVD – Cyril Cusack , Jill Townsend

A collection of dramas based on novels by the American writer, Henry James. ‘The Golden Bowl’ (1972) explores the artifice and fraudulence within a wealthy 19th century family that includes Amerigo (Daniel Massey), Maggie Verver (Jill Townsend) and Charlotte (Gayle Hunnicutt). ‘Portrait of a Lady’ (1967) stars Suzanne Neve as Isabel Archer, a young American woman who strives to preserve her independence in the face of attention from powerful men including Ralph Touchett (Richard Chamberlain), Lord Warburton (Edward Fox) and Gilbert Osmond (James Maxwell). Finally, ‘The Spoils of Poynton’ (1970) is a four-part BBC adaptation that follows the unseemly battle for the estate of the deceased Mr Gereth, Lord of Poynton Park. Mrs Gereth (Pauline Jameson) and her son, Owen (Ian Ogilvy), are at odds over the inheritance.

The Henry James Collection features three rich and dramatic adaptations, as compelling and engaging as the novels themselves.The Golden Bowl: Superbly adapted for the screen by Jack Pulman (I, Claudius), Maggie’s marriage to the Italian Prince is a marriage of love but also of convenience. When the prince’s former mistress joins them, drawing close to Maggie’s wealthy father, a chance reflection redirects the lives of those who have touched The Golden Bowl. The Portrait of a Lady: Also adapted by Jack Pulman , on the death of her father, Isabel Archer leaves her married sisters for Europe, stubborn, independent, and in the company of her eccentric Aunt Lydia. Adopted and gifted great wealth by the family, Isabel’s confident but blinkered views on life and love will have great impact on the lives of those she is closest to.The Spoils of Poynton: The House of Poynton holds many treasures for Adele Gereth – treasures that are about to be lost to her son and his intended marriage to a most unsuitable woman. On meeting the young Fleda Vetch, Adele is convinced she has found the saviour of her possessions; but her plans may not work out as she wished.