The Mallens
The misanthropic Mallen clan gives new meaning to the term "bad blood". Patriarch Thomas, squire of High Banks Hall in the wilds of Northumberland, passes his poisonous legacy on to subsequent generations, whose avarice, lust deception and betrayal know no bounds. Storyteller extraordinaire Chaerine Cookson is at the top of her game in this scintillating period piece about family values run amok. The Mallens would be disastrous neighbors, but their wily was make for superb viewing. DVD bonus material includes biographies, filmographies and interactive menus.  11hrs. on 4 DVDs. Simon says: South Tyneside is known as Catherine Cookson Country and is the setting of many Cookson delights. It’s also the setting for the Michael Caine vehicle Get Carter and the birthplace of both director Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Blade Runner) and the monosyllabically named musician Sting, who stars in Stormy Monday, also set in the area.