Watch Moll Flanders

Moll Flanders is a period drama series produced by ITV in 1975. The series is based on a novel of the same name by the famous British author Daniel Defoe. The story is set in 18th century England and follows the life of Moll Flanders, a young woman who tries to make her way in a society that doesn't offer any opportunities for her.

The series is centered around the life of Moll Flanders, played by Julia Foster. Moll is a determined and resourceful woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to survive. She was born in prison and was then raised by a kind woman, who died when she was a teenager. After her guardian's death, Moll is forced to fend for herself and goes through a series of adventures and misfortunes that shape her into the person she becomes.

Throughout the series, Moll Flanders finds herself in a range of circumstances that test her character and resilience. From being forced to marry at a young age, to becoming a thief, to being a prostitute, she does what she can to survive. Along the way, she encounters several characters who are equally determined to succeed in their own way, including the charming Jemmy, played by Ian Ogilvy, and the manipulative Sir Jasper, played by Kenneth Haigh.

One of the strengths of the show is the portrayal of the time period. The costumes, settings, and language all transport viewers back to the 18th century. The show also portrays the contrast between the lives of the wealthy and the poor, with Moll Flanders straddling both worlds at different points in the series.

Julia Foster delivers a remarkable performance as Moll Flanders. She captures the character's strength, resilience, and vulnerability, making her a truly engaging protagonist. Foster's portrayal of the character's various struggles is both nuanced and powerful, keeping audiences invested in Moll's journey throughout the series.

In addition to Foster's performance, Kenneth Haigh and Ian Ogilvy both offer impressive performances. Haigh delivers a subtly menacing performance as Sir Jasper, the conniving aristocrat, while Ogilvy brings charm and charisma to his role as Jemmy, Moll's longtime friend.

The series is not without its flaws, however. The pacing can feel slow at times, and some of the storylines don't quite land as well as others. Additionally, the show can be quite bleak at times, with several moments of violence and despair that may not be suitable for all audiences.

Overall, Moll Flanders is a compelling period drama with a standout performance from Julia Foster. The series offers a vivid portrayal of 18th-century England and tells an engaging and often heartbreaking story of a woman trying to make her way in a world that is stacked against her. While it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy period dramas and character-driven storytelling are sure to appreciate this series.