Maud Lilly (Elaine Cassidy) grew up in the Institute of the Insane after her mother's death. She is taken in by her cold-hearted uncle (Charles Dance) who keeps her under his control. She doesn't know that she stands to inherit a fortune if she gets married. Richard Rivers (Rupert Evans) is a con-man who has weaseled his way into her life looking to elope with Maud and then steal her inheritance. Her maid, who is his accomplice, gets replaced and he loses access. He hopes to hire Sue Trinder (Sally Hawkins) as part of the scheme by slipping her in as the new maid. Sue was left to Mrs. Sucksby (Imelda Staunton) as a baby. They lived in the shadow of the hangman's noose with pickpockets and thieves making a low living in the London slums. However it's a world of secrets, double-crosses and hidden history.
Sally Hawkins and Imelda Staunton are the best actors around and they don't disappoint. Elaine Cassidy starts out as a naive innocent and her turn is effectively done. The turn is shocking for people who haven't read the novel and it's lots of fun. The constant stream of reveals does get a bit tiring and the first half can be a bit slow. However this is still very watchable from start to finish.
Sally Hawkins and Imelda Staunton are the best actors around and they don't disappoint. Elaine Cassidy starts out as a naive innocent and her turn is effectively done. The turn is shocking for people who haven't read the novel and it's lots of fun. The constant stream of reveals does get a bit tiring and the first half can be a bit slow. However this is still very watchable from start to finish.