I had a problem with this production -- it didn't know what it wanted to be. Was it a faithful account of a true story or was it a Goergian soap opera with harlequin romance cover bedroom scenes? The worst problem was the inconsistency - the period drama with the social commentary was dropped by the end of the series, which had turned into a story of political intrigue, involving characters we knew little about.I enjoyed the series but did not love it. The first two episodes that I thought were going to set the tone for the balance of the series, turned out to have little to do with the rest of the storyline. After the first two episodes, the series became less focused with too many characters and little impact on the storyline.I am sure the book is much better and on a positive, this series does encourage me to go out and read more about these sisters and what really happened. This film was a great introduction to the story but it was far from satisfying.

What happened to the fifth sister is obvious to those who saw the five part version transmitted by BBC Television. She died of tuberculosis.In the US Aristocrats was seen as a three parter on WGBH with a considerably shorter running length. Somethings had to go and since the story was primarily about four sisters the story of the fifth was told as shorthand.

Sarah describes her sisters.Caroline is clever, Emily is like a mother to me, Louisa is an angel and Cecilia is a child. I am a disappointment.This is based on a true story and is actually very good viewing. It has six parts, showing the sisters as children and finally as old ladies.Apart from Cecilia, all the sisters stories are based around their loves and family.Emily is the narrator of the story as it proceeds.The costumes and wigs are wonderful and the music is good too. All the sisters give great performances.

I really loved this movie. It has everything I am looking for, romance, intrigue and beautiful scenery.The only thing I didn't understand was what Cecilia died of. I am planning to read the book to find out.All the actors and actresses including Jodhi May should congratulate themselves on a job well done!