Lillie
Her beauty broke hearts. Her behavior broke boundaries.
Walt Whitman called Lillie Langtry "the essence of poetry". James Whistler confessed that even he couldn't capture her beauty in a painting. And George Bernard Shaw declared her "intelligent, daring, and independent." In a BAFTA winning performance hailed by critics, the incandescently beautiful Francesca Annia (Madame Bovary, Reckless, The Libertine) portrays the acclaimed British actress and courtesan from the blush of youth to the blight of old age.
At a time when society expected women to be docile and demure, Lillie posed for celebrity endorsements, conducted her own business affairs, and paid her first husband to keep his distance. Even more scandalously, she openly entertained a string of lovers among Europe's elite, including the very married Prince of Wales - all while managing to win the respect and admiration of his wife. With its splendid cast and exquisite production elements. Lillie vividly captures the complex women who became one of the most infamous figures of the Victorian age.
Member Reviews
Addictive - Bonnie
I found the series to be addictive. Every time I received a disk I wondered if I would enjoyed it still because often a lot of time had passed between watching each one. But I was never disappointed and tended to watch them in close succession to see what would happen. The fact that it was true was fascinating. I learned quite a bit about the era and enjoyed watching such a strong woman, even though she was not always likeable. I like the actor who played Lillie very much and would recommend the series to anyone who can cope with a drama that moves more slowly than many televisions series' do today.Delightful - FodderMK
I just finished the first dvd, and I LOVE it. The characters are wonderfully 3 dimensional. I tend to pigeon-hole characters so I can just coast along and expect them to do certain things and act certain ways, and so that I can easily like or dislike them. I can't do that with this series! Many times I am questioning the true motives of these characters, and I can't wait to watch more to see what happens. Oh, and the costumes are GORGEOUS. At first I was a little put-off by the video quality (not to be negative, but what I would call "old public tv"), and it started a little bit slow - be sure you watch at least the first dvd before passing judgment. You should be hooked by the second episode.Lillie - mosyah
The Series gave a great insight into the romantic liaisons of the aristocratic levels of society at any period.
There seems to be much bed hoping from both genders and they just behaved as it was like inhaling fresh air. The Characters were great and very comical at times.
The story started a little slow but once it got to where Lillie took her place among the P.B. = Professional Beauties it flowed quite nicely. A person like Lillie Langtry was such a strong woman and was I am guessing before her time. She also knew how to keep most of friendships very private.
One has to be familiar with these names of the people during this period to enjoy it.
I just did not get why a recent Prince & Princess of Wales had to part so publicly when this Series clearly illustrated that it is part of their History.
The is one of the better period piece series of the era.
Member Reviews
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Addictive - Bonnie
I found the series to be addictive. Every time I received a disk I wondered if I would enjoyed it still because often a lot of time had passed between watching each one. But I was never disappointed and tended to watch them in close succession to see what ...Delightful - FodderMK
I just finished the first dvd, and I LOVE it. The characters are wonderfully 3 dimensional. I tend to pigeon-hole characters so I can just coast along and expect them to do certain things and act certain ways, and so that I can easily like or dislike them. ...Lillie - mosyah
The Series gave a great insight into the romantic liaisons of the aristocratic levels of society at any period.
There seems to be much bed hoping from both genders and they just behaved as it was like inhaling fresh air. The Characters were great and ...