The one criticism I have is that some of the scenes go on too long, and the film would have been better had editor Jon Gregory been more vigorous in his approach. The show is aptly named. When Cynthia sees that Hortense is black, she seriously believes that Hortense can not be the daughter she gave up at birth. The script makes this and all of the other secrets and lies in the story quite plausible. The show can be enjoyed for the big story or the small ones.
Somebody always draws the short straw.
Maurice is a sensitive guy with a beer belly and his own secrets and demons. We're all in pain. The show is a grand collection of complex characters, and all become sympathetic by the end. Each has a story that will touch or amuse you or both. When it is over, you realize you have seen some incredible performances and a magnificent directorial job.