Watch A Woman of Independent Means

A Woman of Independent Means is a captivating miniseries that premiered on ITV in 1995. Based on the novel of the same name by Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey, the show follows the life and adventures of one woman, Bess Steed Garner, from her early childhood in the early 1900s to her death many decades later.

The show is anchored by a stunning performance from lead actress Sally Field, who perfectly embodies the multifaceted character of Bess at every stage of her life. From a precocious young girl to a fiercely independent adult to a wise and contented old woman, Field brings depth and nuance to every scene.

The show is structured as a series of loosely connected vignettes, each depicting a different chapter in Bess's life. Through these individual moments, we get a sense of who Bess is as a person and how she grows and changes over time. We see her as a headstrong young woman who defies the expectations of her strict Southern family by marrying a man from the North. We see her raising her children alone after her husband dies in World War I. We see her thriving as a successful businesswoman during the Depression, and we see her facing old age and declining health with grace and dignity.

Throughout it all, Bess remains a force to be reckoned with. She has an unshakeable spirit and an unwavering sense of purpose, and she refuses to let anyone else define her or hold her back. Her determination and resilience are truly inspiring, and watching her navigate the challenges and triumphs of her life is nothing short of thrilling.

The show is also notable for its stunning production design and attention to historical detail. From the gorgeous period costumes to the meticulously recreated settings, every aspect of the show feels authentic and immersive. The result is a vivid portrait of a bygone era that feels both nostalgic and timeless.

Of course, the heart of the show is really Bess herself, and she is a character who is impossible not to love. She is complex and flawed, but also fiercely loyal and endlessly fascinating. Through her eyes, we get a glimpse of what it means to be a woman in a world that was not always kind to women, and we see the power and resilience that can be found in simply refusing to give up.

All in all, A Woman of Independent Means is a stunning achievement of television storytelling. It is a rich and rewarding show that will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for the strength and beauty of the human spirit. And above all, it is a testament to the power of one woman's indomitable will to shape her own destiny.

A Woman of Independent Means is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between February 19, 1995 and on ITV