In 1988 two researchers at Harvard accidentally stumbled upon Louisa May
Alcott's first novel. Written by Alcott at the tender age of seventeen in a red
notebook, this unpublished work had long been hidden in a pile of letters.
Finally, in the year 1997, almost 150 years since it was penned, The Inheritance was finally brought to the screen.
Edith Adelon (Cari Shayne) has lived for many years
as the companion of a rich girl, Amy Hamilton
(Brigitta Dau). Amy's father Henry (Tom Conti) first
saw Edith when he traveled to Italy to bury his
brother John who was killed in the same epidemic
that claimed the life of Edith's parents. The young
orphans mother was Johns maid and instead of having
her sent to an orphanage, Henry decided to bring her
back to his home
in Concord, Massachusetts. Over twenty years have
passed and Edith has grown to love the Hamilton's as
if they were family. Mr. Hamilton is a very
opinionated man who continually shocks his wife
Beatrice (Meredith Baxter) with his outlandish
remarks regarding the arrogance of the established
gentry in Concord and especially the stupidity of
requiring women to ride side-saddle instead of
astride.
Unbeknownst to the rest of the family, Henry as been
encouraging Edith to secretly ride and train the
family's prize race horse,
Selim.
Amy, now a young lady, takes completely after her
father when it comes to bluntness and independent
thinking and as a result Mrs. Hamilton entreats
Edith to help Amy spend more time outdoors instead
of always immersing herself in philosophy and
literature. Every year for decades the Hamilton
family has participated in the famed Greens Cup
ball and horse race. This year, Mr. Hamilton has
requested a family friend, James Percy (Thomas
Gibson) to ride in his place. Just prior to James
arrival, Beatrice Hamilton invited a cousin, Ida
Glenshaw (Brigid Brannagh), to stay for an extended
visit in hopes that the aforesaid Ida might make a
good match. Immediately after her arrival Ida began
to develop a dark and many times unhidden animosity
towards Edith. The situation quickly goes from bad
to worse when James arrives and Ida sets her sights
on winning him. James however is recovering from a
broken heart and has no intention of wooing the
desperate Ida.
When Edith saves Amy's life in a freak accident only
a few days after the arrival of James and Ida, Mr.
Hamilton decides to reward Edith by allowing her to
accompany them to the Greens Cup ball. Ida is
horrified at this because she considers Edith so far
beneath her own social status. Meanwhile, James
discovers that his heart, which he once considered
broken, is now starting to fall in love with Edith.
It is on the evening of the Greens Cup race that a
terrible tragedy occurs and a secret is revealed
which will change the course of all their lives.
Originally made for television, but now available on
DVD, The
Inheritance is a touching tale of romance and
character of the heart. Objectionable content is
almost non-existent; only a few mild profanities are
spoken, including one which the incorrigible Mr.
Hamilton exclaims and then wonders why it is taboo
when the preacher said it seventeen times in his
sermon. As with most period dramas, some of the
gowns are low-cut and cleavage is visible. A mans
attempts to force himself upon a woman are quickly
thwarted. The romance between James and Edith is
both tender and pure. Good ultimately prevails and
the antagonistic Ida finally gets her comeuppance.
Cari Shayne and Thomas Gibson prove that they are
excellent leads and manage to captivate the
attention of the viewer. The musical score for this
film is gorgeous in addition to the beautiful sets
and costumes. I immediately fell in love with this
film and rank it as one of the best made-for-TV
movies that I have ever seen. Lousia May Alcott's
first novel does not contain the literary genius of
Little Women, but it certainly gives a glimpse
of the inspiring literature which was to come from
her pen. This Emmy Award winning film is both
inspiring and heart-warming. Throughout the movie
character and virtues are encouraged and Edith's
selflessness and longsuffering should be an example
to all of us. If you are a fan of Louisa May Alcott
or simply a lover of period romance, consider
devoting some time to watch
The Inheritance.
