Product: The Shell Seekers [VHS] (1989)
Rating: 2.0
I should have listened to the other reviewers.
I loved Rosamunde Pilcher's novel The Shell Seekers so much that I just had to buy this video simply to become immersed once more in the world of cosy detail Rosamunde provides us. I thought it couldn't possibly be that bad. Well, frankly, it is rather bad. Even though it was filmed in Great Britain, it lacked that British feeling that I was going after. I felt as though I had tuned into a very early "Murder She Wrote" episode with Angela Lansbury surrounded by two-bit actors. Danus was particularly dreadful - no character development - there is absolutely no appeal and you actually hope Antonia does not fall in love with him. The actor who portrays Noel has an easy time of it being weak and greedy, and as for Nancy, why is she so thin? Olivia and Cosmo were the only ones who seemed true to the book. As for reviving Richard - I can only agree with the other reviewer - Penelope would never have chosen to be without him. How trite they made that love affair!In sum, the movie was far too short to offer any kind of in-depth development. The critical war years were glossed over in mediocre flashbacks. But I suppose it would be alright if you're home for the day with a ghastly cold and you can't actually read the novel again. Just make sure you lace your tea with something a bit stronger - it might make viewing more tolerable.