Fay Weldon Movies
- 1991
A middle-aged divorcee has the foundation of her life rocked when she discovers that her ex-husband has created young clones to replace her. ~ Tana Hobart, Rovi
Susan Seidelman directed this loose adaptation of Fay Weldon's novel The Life and Loves of a She-Devil concerning the extreme revenge exacted by a dumpy housewife on her philandering husband. Mary Fisher (Meryl Streep) is a best-selling romance novelist of the manner of Danielle Steel or Jackie Collins. One night at a glamorous dinner party, Ruth (Roseanne Barr), the frumpy housewife of Bob (Ed Begley Jr.), accidentally spills wine over Mary's pink evening gown. Bob rushes to Mary's assistance, they look into each other's eyes, and it is lust at first sight. After a few clandestine interludes, Bob abandons his wife and his two smart-aleck kids to live with Mary at her palace by the seaside. As a result, Ruth goes into high gear to seek vengeance. She deposits her kids with Bob and then, with the help of a collection of other abused women -- including Ruth's mother (Sylvia Miles), nursing home attendant Hopper (Linda Hunt), and dim-witted secretary Olivia Honey (Maria Pitillo) -- she systematically sets out to destroy Bob's life. Bob calls Ruth a she-devil, and Ruth plays the role to the hilt; first she destroys his home life, then his career, then his freedom. And when he has nothing left, she proceeds to haunt and stalk him, bringing Bob to his knees. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Starring:
- Meryl Streep, Roseanne Barr, (more)
- 1986
Fay Weldon's wittily wicked 1983 novel The Life and Loves of a She-Devil was the source for this near-legendary British TV miniseries. Julie T. Wallace starred as Ruth Patchett, the frumpy, wart-ridden wife of low-profile accountant Bobbo Patchett (Dennis Waterman). Already cursed with a brood of annoying children and a dingy suburban household, Ruth was dealt another blow when her husband deserted her in favor of glamorous, jet-setting romance novelist Mary Fisher (Patricia Hodge). Determined to get even with her rival and to restake her claim on Bobbo (who hardly seems worth the effort), Ruth embarked upon a campaign of revenge and conquest that rivalled anything cooked up by Machiavelli or the Borgias -- beginning with a spectacular fashion makeover, courtesy of British cosmetic designer Elizabeth Rowell. Several real-life authors appeared in the supporting cast of this four part, award-winning satirical drama, which originally aired over BBC2 from October 8 to 29, 1986, then was seen in America courtesy of the A&E cable service. Most critics agree that the "original" version of The Life and Loves of a She Devil far outclasses the later American theatrical-film adaptation starring Roseanne and Meryl Streep. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Julie T. Wallace
Presented by Britain's Granada Television, the weekly anthology Time for Murder consisted of six hour-long dramas with the emphasis on mystery and mayhem. Among the authors represented herein were such literary heavyweights as Fay Weldon and Antonia Fraser. Individual episode titles include "The Murders at Lynch Cross", "This Lightening Always Strikes Twice", "The Thirteenth Day of Christmas," and more. Time for Murder originally aired in 1985. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Fay Weldon wrote the teleplay for this 5-part BBC TV adaptation of Jane Austen's 1812 novel Pride and Prejudice. Class-obsessed Mrs. Bennett (Priscilla Morgan) is dead set upon marrying off her five daughters to wealthy and influential young men. Headstrong Elizabeth Bennett (Elizabeth Garvie), the family's second daughter, resists her mother's plan. She is the "pride" that is "prejudiced" against snobbery and pomposity. Elizabeth is particularly incensed by the vain, aristocratic Fitzwilliam Darcy (David Rintoul)--at least until she realizes that Darcy is as prejudiced against high-toned class distinctions as she is. Telecast in the US on PBS' Masterpiece Theatre in the fall of 1980, Pride and Prejudice was later released to video in an uninterrupted, 226-minute single serving. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Garvie, David Rintoul, (more)
- 1978
Teenagers will go camping, they will have sex, and they will wander aimlessly around on lonely roads in the dead of night. If you liked this by-rote formula in Friday the 13th, chances are you'll like Killer's Moon. Nothing's really new about the main character, an escaped murderer who slashes only when the moon is full. The novelty comes in the awe-inspiring variety of methods he uses to slice and dice his victims. Though Killer's Moon is certainly full of screams, shocks and gushing blood, 92 minutes' worth of audience attention may be a bit too much to ask for. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1973
165 Eaton Place is once more set on its ear by the arrival of Lili de Ternay (Angela Browne) a beautiful -- and impoverished -- French countess. Though Richard Bellamy (David Langton) is initially resistant to the woman's charms, he begins to enjoy the prospect of a second marriage, even to an avowed adventuress. Meanwhile, Gwyneth Davies (Janet Lees Price), the new under-parlour housemaid, is laboring under the delusion that she will become the new Mrs. Richard Bellamy. Written by Fay Weldon, "Desirous of Change" first aired in England on December 1, 1973, and in America on December 8, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1972
Both Hudson (Gordon Jackson) and Richard Bellamy (David Langton) are in separate tizzies over the impending arrival of their respective brothers. Hoping to impress his brother Donald (Andrew Downie), Hudson exaggerates his importance in the social hierarchy. Meanwhile, Richard must suppress his long-standing ill feelings towards his sibling Arthur (John Nettleton). Written by Fay Weldon, "Your Obedient Servant" first aired in England on December 1, 1972, but was not shown in the United States until 1988. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1971
The internationally popular British TV series Upstairs, Downstairs made its first BBC appearance on October 10, 1971, with the episode titled "On Trial." In November of 1903, a new under-parlor housemaid (Pauline Collins), calling herself Clemence and bearing impressive French credentials, has arrived at 165 Eaton Place. Though Lady Marjorie (Rachel Gurney) is impressed, the downstairs staff is not -- and, as it turns out, their suspicions about "Clemence's" pedigree are well founded. Written by novelist Fay Weldon, "On Trial" made its American TV debut on January 6, 1974. (Trivia note: This episode was filmed twice, in black and white and in color. The "original" version was directed by Derek Bennett). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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