User reviews

i have seen it at a Sunday afternoon when i was in middle school. when the movie finished i begin to search the information of it from the internet. u know that is 1999 or 1998 it's really hard to find some English for me because of my poor English....and just 1min ago, when i searching something others the word"Inheritance" made me remind this movie and that warm feeling coming back. i still remember the end of the story, the hostess used to be cultivate the first rose that's so sweet and after that when i buy the rose i will remember this sweet story no matter it's really or just a story. and there's a surprise that the act of James Percy. explain why when i see criminal minds i always think Hotch is so familiar it's really worth to see and remember

I enjoyed this presentation of Louisa May Alcott's "The Inheritance". The story is broad and interesting, with great propulsion and a particularly satisfying ending. The characters initially appear to be broad as well, but the additions of class and gender consciousness flesh things out in such a way as one might expect from authors such as Jane Austin or Charlotte Bronte.

The story is beautifully photographed with excellent ensemble acting performed by numerous old pros, such as Tom Conti, Meredith Baxter, Max Gail, and others. Look fast for an amusing cameo by Paul Bartel as a doctor - it made me wish that Mary Woronov would have been cast as Ida.

I'd wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone. 7 out of 10.

I loved every moment of the movie. They all are great actors. They made me cry and laugh. Also the locations are beautiful and well chosen. One of the best movies I ever saw. I still enjoy it and I've seen it about 10 times

My roommates and I watched this movie after a long, stressful day, and we laughed and cried. Henry Hamilton steals the show with tasteful humor and well-timed wit. As a Louisa May Alcott story, yes, it's a chick flick and sappy, but even men will love Henry's humor, in addition to a fast-paced horse race and several heated arguments. The music is descriptive; when you first meet "the bad guy," the music takes a foreboding turn. Some lines are cheesy, and Ida will drive you crazy, but all in all, it's a fun, romantic, and enjoyable film the whole family can enjoy, free of nudity and violence and almost entirely void of offensive language. Watch it! (And if you like Henry Hamilton, you'll love the 1985 movie "Saving Grace," in which he stars as the Pope.)

A 20 years old movie which made in 1997.

Good to kill time with all the nice clothing and fancy houses setting. I chose to watch this movie by reading some reviews from others saying: this movie is amazing and Jane Austen's fans will love it.

Excuse me, I'm afraid to ask, how dare them compare this movie to Jane Austen's pieces?

The story plot: Yes, this is a pure simple love story, simple love, simple conflict, simple character; Everything is simple, nothing deep.

Such a delightful sentimental wholesome period piece, with a really good cast. Cari Shayne does an excellent job with Louisa May Alcott's character, Edith Adelon, bringing to life the sweet, spirited, caring orphan girl taken in by the Hamilton family who grows up as a companion to their daughter Amy. Tom Conti as Henry Hamilton lends a caring fatherly figure to the movie, and Meredith Baxter as Beatrice Hamilton as always is wonderfully believable. Thomas Gibson as family friend James Percy is a gentleman to fall in love with, just as I did from watching him in the TV series "Dharma and Greg". I've seen "The Inheritance" twice now, and would watch it again and again. It's a classic in my book.

Henry Hamilton (Tom Conti, excellent) and his wife, Beatrice (Meredith Baxter) have a lovely, upstate New York property in the late 1800's. Their only child, Amy, loves books and reading and loathes going outdoors. She is on the verge of womanhood. Also in their household, since her infancy, is a young lady of similar age, Edith (Cari Shayne). Edith was the daughter of a servant in Henry's brother's home in Italy and, when the sibling died, the Hamiltons took charge of the baby. She has been reared with love but is also a servant in the Hamilton household, being a companion for their child, Amy. There is a definite distinction between the girls, with Beatrice reminding Edith that when Amy marries, she, Edith, will have to look for a new position or marry herself. The sweet, loving "companion" never raises her voice about anything but, when the world gets too difficult, she goes for a ride on one of the horses on the property, being an excellent rider. Now into the home comes two guests who will be living there indefinitely. One is a distant cousin, Ida (Brigid Brannagh), an unmarried lady who, though quite beautiful and relatively young, is still without a husband. Beatrice hopes to matchmake her with their other guest, James Percy (Thomas Gibson), an old friend who has been unlucky in love, too. However, the best laid plans often stumble! James and Edith are almost instantly taken with each other, despite the differences in their status, while Ida proves to be a catty, deceiving shrew who lives to make trouble. A son of a local richman, Frederick (Paul Anthony Stewart) catches her eye, but, he seems attentive to Edith, too, making the situation even more complicated. Then, too, there is someone stealing Mrs. Hamilton's jewels on the sly and Henry wants to enlist Edith as the horsewoman for his prize stallion in a local race. No woman has ever entered before, though the rules don't forbid it. In all of these twists and turns, how will it all end, especially in the romantic category? And, are there more secrets to uncover? This movie is a treasure so make you own inheritance and buy a copy soon...got mine at the local grocery for $4.99! What an unbelievable bargain for a romantic drama fan! Also, this tale is TRUE and was originally a work of non-fiction by Louisa May Alcott. Fascinating stuff, makes one want to run to the library or Internet. The cast is just wonderful, with Conti leading the way. He is absolutely excellent as the caring patriarch while Baxter looks sensational and is likewise great in her role as the matron with a heart who nonetheless believes in the class structure of the times. Shayne and the very handsome Gibson make a lovely, sweet couple in waiting while Brannagh is quite fun as the prickly pear of a woman. All other cast members, including Stewart and Max Gail, are very fine, too. As for the film's appearance, what a stunning bit of scenery, costuming and cinematography! This is a gorgeous looking movie while its substance, as evidenced by its script and direction, is extremely worthy as well. Then, too, its G-rated content makes it suitable for every potential viewer, young and old. Do you enjoy romantic, substantive, and family-oriented films which are also quite, quite good? Seek this one out in the next couple hours for your loved ones.

I loved this movie so much when I first saw it - I was seriously crying when it wasn't released on video! Thank goodness it's still shown on TV every now and then. This was just a great movie. The story is so sweet (although yes, a little corny). It made me laugh and cry and even worry about how it was all going to end. All of the actors are wonderful. Cari Shayne must be exactly what Louisa May Alcott envisioned, as she is perfect in the role of Edith. Meredith Baxter is lovely, and I was really impressed by an actress named Brigitta Dau, who played Amy - I hope to see more of her in the future. Adorable Tom Conti and gorgeous Thomas Gibson are terrific in their parts - simply perfect casting all around.

As to the story itself - I've read the book, and I have to say the movie is ten times better. The book is awful. If you think the movie is corny, don't TOUCH the book! Yes it's Louisa May Alcott, but honestly, any teenage girl could write a book like that. It's so boring and cheesy, and the over-romanticized plot goes beyond sweet to out-and-out creepy. The movie wisely does not follow the book exactly. It keeps the same theme and story, but instead of all the one-dimensional characters reciting corny lines, they are drawn out more and sound more like real people. And, if sometimes they do seem a little flat (specifically Ida and Edith) just think about what they had to work with. A wonderful adaptation of a not-so-wonderful book.

I rented this film because I love Tom Conti, and when he's on screen, I enjoyed it. Otherwise, it's formulaic and stagy: the characters are two-dimensional, the plot development obvious in the extreme. Anyone who's surprised by anything here must never have seen another movie or read a novel. I was particularly offended that we're told in advance of his entrance "not to be put off by the physical appearance" of character James Percy. So who walks in but Thomas Gibson, looking like a dark-haired Adonis. This is Hollywood TV at it's shallowest. Another reviewer said the movie is far better than the book. It must be truly ghastly.

I saw this first in 1997 on the Kraft something-something (CBS). The very first part looked so refreshing that I threw in a tape and have absolutely been gone on it ever since. I had read about the newly discovered manuscript and book publication at an earlier time. I bought several copies of the book and gave them out as gifts to friends and relatives. Everyone who has watched it with me has loved it. My brother, in from Knoxville once, and after watching the usual popular movies at that time, was, up to that point fairly unimpressed. I decided to put it in. He watched and even though he had not even commented on any of the others, he looked at me after the end credits then lights on, and said, "That was a good one." You have to know my understated Economics Professor-of-a brother to know how funny that comment was and how it pleased me. The filmed presentation and its screenplay are more flowing, integrated and related to a self-contained start-to-finish story than is the actual book. The scene where Edith is with her ailing uncle, her innocence, her lack of guile or ability to deceive, contrive or lie, is unbelievably attractive in character and essence. Edith is so transparently good and kind and always helping others without taking credit this story is about the rewards of that goodness and that sweetness. There are hints from the beginning that are noticed after the fact, about where the relationships lie and why certain people do what they do and act the way they do. How could the entire story be so simple and yet enchanting enough to cause me to think of it all the time. When Edith first meets Percy by the horse, spilling her apples and yet touching his scratched face with her handkerchief I loved the way the directors let us know the magic was on. When Percy comes in the house for the first time and meets her Edith cannot hide her bright-eyed, innocent crush and that she has met him already. Her facial expressions are uniquely well done as she hides behind the curtain. You can see that she is jealous already, even though she knows he is not there for her nor could there be a crossing of social barriers, yet he was hers, she thought. How many movies are there where one kiss, just one kiss is so dramatic? With all the thrills, spills and chills in modern movies, needed to even keep an audience awake, is this not a gem for those of us who are just plain in love with love?

The heroine, way too good to be true, is an orphan taken in by a rich but liberal man, well played by Tom Conti, as a 'companion' for his daughter. A relative, way too evil to be true, comes to visit, and they vie for the family favor and the attentions of the eligible bachelors. Slow moving and trite, a complete fairy tale, but decently acted, with a plot worthy of a teenager, even though the teenager was Lousisa May Alcott.

I've seen this movie about 5 or more times, and it never ceases to touch me. I'm a huge fan a Louisa May Alcott (Little Women is one of my all time favorite books). So it greatly surprised me that I enjoyed the movie better then the book. The movie was well done, sticking to the book, but also changing a few details. They changed enough details to improve the over all story, but not enough to create a whole new story. For fans of the book, there's no reason that you won't enjoy this film. This movie presents a simple, sweet, and at times moving story. Edith is a 'servant' in the Hamilton's house. A Young Women of character, something that's so rare these days. The actors do a great job portraying there roles. Scenery for this movie is breath taking. Definitely worth every penny you spend to buy it.

I had read the book "The Inheritance" by Louisa May Alcott a few months before the movie came out. I was absolutely in love with the book and was pleased hear about the movie. I counted down the days and finally got a chance to watch it. Its a wonderful adaptation of the book. Louisa M. Alcott wrote this story when she was only 17 years old and never attempted to publish it. I'm so happy that it was found and that the movie was made...... Cari Shayne is amazing as Edith Adelon and Thomas Gibson is the perfect person to play Lord James Percy. If you like period films, like I do, you will love this movie. And if your favorite book is Little Women then you must read and watch the Inheritance (book/movie)......

This movie opens with the main character riding a horse around like an expert. But it doesn't stop there. There is nothing that the main character Edith can't do. She is loved by all, ALL. The family that she works for, the "staff", and she has two rich suitors (and one poor one). She plays the piano. When she is invited to the ball she outshines everyone. The only thing she suffers from is not being a member of the elite - she is only a paid companion. But even that is fixed by the end of the movie. Ida Glenshaw comes to visit with the family for a chance at two rich suitors and finds the entire family and her two suitors besotted by Edith. Well I might be angry too. Ida is rich and more beautiful than Edith but everyone treats her like the paid companion. But, even so, there is no reason for her motivation to be out to get Edith. There are two rich suitors. The main love interest is Thomas Gibson who is appropriately dreamy. But there is no reason for him to fall for Edith early on, he just looks at her and is in love. Big disappointment.

Actually, it is on DVD & video; http://www.familytv.com/title_ado.asp?SID9914834237&PID50. Men might not get excited about this film, but ladies will. It's easy to see why this one of Miss Alcot's books didn't make it to the screen earlier; it isn't in the league of Little Women, Little Men or An Old Fashoned Girl. Why Eight Cousens was skipped over, I don't know... too long? The ending isn't quite as predictable as I expected, but one could expect her eventual acceptance into the upper crust. It's more than just a 'love conquors all' movie; there's lots of social commentary and some real idea of how stratified western society used to be... or did it really change? All in all worth at least one watch.

The reason I voted a 9 out of ten is that there is one scene where younger children would probably not be allowed to watch. Shouldn't be allowed that is because a man is trying to persecute Edith but of course the dashing young lover rescues her from the evil villain. Like all happily ever after movies go. But this one is a must see. I mean there are a lot of good fairy tell-ish movies out there but seriously this is one of the best. I have only seen this once and I still rave about how good it was. I have been waiting for it to come out on DVD and finally I got my wish! yea! I am definitely going to get this one to add to my romantic series! Believe me if you liked Little Women and Little Men then you will love this even more!!! <>< Great Movie, Very exciting, Tear Jerker,and of course Romance! Got to love it.

The Inheritance is one of the best movies my family and I have ever seen. I feel as though I've looked everywhere for a copy of the video in vain. We recorded it when CBS presented it as a Kraft Premier Movie in 1997. We've probably seen it 15 to 20 times since then. If anyone has any idea how I can buy this movie, please let me know!

Cari Shayne did a beautiful job of portraying Edith A Hamilton. I'm disappointed I haven't seen her in more movies!

I recommend this movie to everyone who appreciates a good, clean plot.

To those who've been waiting and looking for it, this movie is now out on DVD! I just got mine via Ebay (when in doubt, you'll probably find anything on Ebay). I watched this movie when I was a teenager and loved it. I've been looking for this movie for a while so I'm glad it's FINALLY out! If you would like the ebayer who has this (and she's got several of them) her user name is nancyandedr. I also didn't know that this movie won an Emmy (awsome!). Can't wait to see this and someday show my daughter. I"m also going to show it to my mother - in - law who has never seen the movie. She likes the old fashioned romantic stories that Allcot is famous for. If you know of some other place that this movie can be found, please let me know.

This film was based off the recently un-earthed manuscript by Louisa May Alcott, written at the tender, romantic and idealistic age of seventeen. The story about an orphaned girl taken into a wealthy family as a ward. She accidentally stumbles into her legacy.

The film is well cast, and well acted. More interesting then the book itself is the fact that this is what Louisa May Alcott used in parts of "Little Women" as Jo's book.

INHERITANCE,The (1997) (TV) - Admirably rendered production : Acting FLAWLESS (all characters), Scenery/sets/photography SUPERB, background music PARTICULARLY HEART WRENCHING, story A TRUE CLASSIC - It remains one of the most emotional productions I have ever seen; one which may be experienced again and again, each time with the same freshness of the first viewing ! H R LUCHS

Wife, I enjoyed it yesterday on Prime. Feel good, romantic drama.

The characters are sweet and believable, acting is good, sets and costumes are beautiful, love the music. It was not predictable for me the first time I watched it, although I have watched with others that said it was. All around a great movie for period romance fans!