Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4288 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-02-19
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 93 minutes

DVD Description

Housewife 49 is set in Northern England and based on a true story about Nella Last's 'Mass Observation' diary. Trapped in a difficult marriage and dreading the departure of her beloved son who leaves to fight in the Second World War, Nella (Victoria Wood) draws strength from the diary, writing down all the things she cannot say to her controlling husband (David Threlfall). Meanwhile, the support and companionship she finds at the Women's Voluntary Service--in particular from the formidable Mrs Waite (Stephanie Cole)--bring her joy and liberation during the difficult years of the war. The film was written by it's leading character, Victoria Wood.

Customer Reviews

Brought me to tears
Normally Victoria Wood has me rolling around the floor laughing so much that tears follow. This time the tears are caused by the pathos of this beautifully crafted film, based on a true story, written and starring Victoria Wood OBE. OBE ? She should be a Baroness, like Margaret Thatcher, or even the Queen ! Her talent lies in getting into the very spirit of 'normal' people, and always surrounding herself with only the best actors. This time around, it is not her normal chums (Celia Imrie, Duncan Preston, Julie Walters, Anne Reid etc), but each and every part was cast and performed perfectly. It is always the small details that she manages to convey: one, in Housewife, 49, is the way in which the British class system was considerably different at the end of WW2 than it was at the beginning, demonstrated beautifully at a garden party to celebrate the end of the war in Japan. When writing the excruciatingly funny Dinnerladies, I saw her being interviewed by Parkinson, I think - she equated writing an ongoing comedy series with designing a workable traffic system in Barcelona - both incredibly difficult. It makes you wonder though - this woman writes (incisively), acts in both comedic and dramatic roles, sings, composes - is there anything she can't do ? (other than fix the traffic in Barcelona, but then that is beyond anyone's talents). This movie is a must-see, not only for fans of Wood, but for anyone who is after a genuine, honest and heartfelt film about life. Five stars.

In a Word - Excellent
A wonderful heart-warming story beautifully acted by the entire cast. A 'must have' for your DVD collection if you love true and honest stories with heart, feeling and emotion. There's no gratuitous violence, sex or foul language. Congratulations Victoria Wood. I just loved it! A terrific widescreen anamorphic (16x9) transfer, too.

A delightful celebration of real life
In a world full of Hollywood sensation, media hype and the horror of "Reality" TV, this is an absolute jewel of communication. What a civilisation we would have if more of us thought like Ms Wood, and used our skills to create such humble and important work.