"A Woman of Independent Means" (1995) TV mini-series

Director:

Robert Greenwald

Writers (WGA):

Elizabeth Forsythe-Hailey (book)
Cindy Myers (teleplay)

Release Date:

19 February 1995 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Bess Steed marries her childhood sweetheart in the early part of the 20th century and begins a life in the high society of Dallas...

Plot Keywords:

TV Mini-Series | Based On Book

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 5 nominations

Cast

Sally Field	...	Bess Alcott Steed Garner
Ron Silver	...	Arthur
Tony Goldwyn	...	Robert Steed
Jack Thompson	...	Sam Garner
Sheila McCarthy	...	Totsie
Ann Hearn	...	Lydia
Andrea Roth	...	Eleanor, as an adult
Andrew Lowery	...	Drew, as an adult
Brenda Fricker	...	Mother Steed
Charles Durning	...	Andrew Alcott
Joshua Miller
Lawrence Monoson	...	Walter Burton
Christianne Mays	...	Annie (as Christiane Mays)
Julie Mayfield	...	Mavis
Randy Moore	...	Manning

MPAA:

Rated PG for mild language and thematic elements.

Runtime:

316 min (including commercials)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Galveston, Texas, USA

Company:

Fogwood Films

Goofs:

Continuity: The main character has three children: two boys, Robin and Drew, and then a daughter, Eleanor. As the children grow older the daughter seems to become the middle child and Drew the youngest.

Not to be Taken Lightly

When I first started watching this mini I was afraid that it might be about something along the lines of Danielle Steele or Barbara Taylor Bradford soap. However, I was pleasantly surprised that this was not at all like that. Bradford had a book (and another mini) titled a "A Woman of Substance". That would have been a good alternate title for this production.

The character of Bess is strong, determined individual that does makes a difference in the lives of so many and is loved by so many. There is also more to this story than just her love affairs and her business interests. It is a look at the nature of women and the strength that they possess and how in the 20th century they learned to use it.

Sally Field does a wonderful job in the mini and deserves praise for the depth of emotion that she portrays. When I watch her performance I forget about her years as the Flying Nun and Gidget and even forget any preconceived notions that I might have of her. She is Bess Steed.

The script has its moments of being a little cheesy, but the actors make the most of it. I was impressed with the performance of Brenda Fricker as Mother Steed and enjoyed the performances of Jack Thompson and Anne Heard. I this is a wonderful production that deserves a look.