Like many older Englishwomen, I grew up with the story of Florence. And the one thing this movie does is strike me as distinctly unrealistic.There is, of course, some truth in the story itself, although even that is prettified. However the production values are simply ridiculous. Everything is too neat, too clean, too pretty. To include white lace on Florence's costume - and, for that matter, mascara on her face and clean white sheets on her bed - is simply nonsensical. Even the very wealthy with countless servants in those days were lucky to have such luxury. Florence was a desperately hard working and very practical woman in the middle of a war zone with no luxuries whatsoever; her primary battle was to obtain beds for her patients, preferably ones away from cess pits, rather than keep her lace spotless.

This is one of those films that you remember, as it makes a great impression on any viewer. The story of one of the greatest women in History, who left her mark on the world, this film stays with you. Jaclyn Smith shows that she's more than one of Charlie's Angels, she is one very talented actress. She makes the story of Florence Nightingale really work. This is a story of sacrifice, humanity, tenacious drive and humility. A great supporting cast: Claire Bloom as Fanny Nightingale and Jeremy Brett as William Nightingale, Timothy Dalton as Robert Milne, the love of her life, Brian Cox and Stephen Chase as doctors who become Florence's allies in battling the stubborn British military. We've all heard the name of Florence Nightingale, but few know just what a great woman she truly was. I love biopics simply because they make me hunger to know more about their subjects. This is a perfect example. I must give kudos to director Daryl Duke and writers Rose Goldemberg and Ivan Moffat for a brilliantly made TVM.

In 1951, the legendary actress ANNA NEAGLE as Florence Nightingle in THE LADY WITH A LAMP, This was a British film that had a short run in the USA. Mis Neagle's performance was the only reason to see the movie.In 1985, NBC TV made this 2 part film. Why it was not at least nominated for awards is beyond belief.I feel it should have been released to the theatres For those who do not know, Modern nursing as we now now it is because of her & her dedication to saving wounded soldiers lives during the tragic Crimean war (1854-55).,We modern viewers may not realize back then women were never allowed to be nurses & to serve on the battle lines in a war was unheard of. The conditions in all hospitals not only battlefield ones were pitiful until this Victorian Lady with a Lamp came & changed things.. I do not know how accurate this film is historically, BUT due to the excellent script by Ivan Moffat & excellent direction by Daryl Duke it seems accurate to meYes many of the actors speak rather stiffly at times. BUT this was Victorian England & proper Ladies & Gentlemen spoke that way then, even the servant spoke in this very proper,respectful tine.Jacklyn Smith is Florence & she does a superb job. ably assisting here is a first rate cast, including, Claire Bloom & Jeremy Brett as her parents, Timothy Dalton as a suitor, as well as Timothy West & many other fine actors.The entire production is first rate. There are no extras on the DVD, I wish there were some. The running time is 140 minutes BUT it does move as the film is interesting all the way.Rent this it is a good evening at the movies for the entire family.It may be too mature for the little ones tho, there is very little humour. I highly recommend it.Ratings: **** (out of 4) 98 points (out of 100) IMDb 10 (out of 100

A plot SPOILER follows. Of course, it is based on historic fact.As Florence Nightingale is portrayed in this film, she achieved through confrontation with her family, her friends, the medical profession, and the British military authorities. Whether such conflicts were at the root of her success I cannot say. It is clear, however, that she is responsible for several very important revolutions in health care. First, she introduced cleanliness as of primary importance. Then, she raised the duties and the perception of nurses to the level of a profession. Lastly, she established formal education for nurses.The British television production clearly shows conditions as they were when Florence arrived at adulthood. She was of the gentry, but her heart was with the sick and injured of whatever class. Rejecting a worthy suitor, she set off to Kaiserswerth in Germany to get nursing training, such as it was at the time.Upon her return, she shocked her family by entering and then working in a hospital, the type of institution where ladies just didn't set foot. Hospitals were filthy, like prisons, where the attendants treated patients with utter distain and where the environment was vile indeed.Miss Nightingale came into her own during 1854, in the Crimean War. This film does an excellent job of portraying that. She took a group of nurses to a military hospital and revolutionized it over the constant objections of the military commanders and the doctors. She did gain some support as word of her changes began to be reported back home in Britain.Anyone with a background or interest in health care, especially in nursing or hospital administration will enjoy this film for its subject matter. The filmmaking is a bit uneven and episodic, which you might expect from a television series.Jaclyn Smith portrays Florence with sensitivity, thereby creating a believable and engaging character.