Housewife 49

This is probably the finest piece of work that Victoria Wood has done that I have seen. Not funny,funny but moving and touching, this film shows a different side to her acting skill. Covering the 6 years of WW2 it is an amazing insight to one ordinary woman's life during that period. The fact it is based on true diaries makes it even more special.

Being a long-time fan of Ms Wood, looked forward to this with interest, & was not disappointed. An unusual slant on WW2, illustrating the lives of 'ordinary' people as opposed to heroes or military, this is a wonderful piece of work. An ordinary housewife (who is also suffering depression) goes through the painful realisation that she is not so vital to her two sons, (for care etc) as she once was, & due to her husband's seemingly lack of attention towards her, replies to an advert to submit a diary to a publication which is doing a series of surveys into the lives of the general populace. 'Housewife 49' is the way she signs her submissions, unable to think of a better signature ('well, that's what I am'). These diary letters last until after the war, during which time she joins a local WRVS team to help with volunteer work in a charity shop. This gives her a new lease of life, & a new purpose, enabling her to come to terms with the home life. A warm, touching study of just one woman's struggle to overcome the difficulties of war-time life, coupled with a strained marriage, it is one of Victoria's best 'serious' works to date, and really worth a viewing. Brilliant! 10 out of 10!

love this not a lover of mrs wood but she is supperb in this gives a real insite to woman and there role in ww2 how a very shy put down lady wife and mother comes out of her shell and over comes a lot of barriers well done to whoever brought it to t.v 10 out of 10

I too was not a fan of Victoria Wood until I saw her acting in Eric and Ernie over last xmas and was prompted to buy this and was not disappointed. Very accurately made film (except for the paper hats, which were always crepe paper these were from our modern crackers). I loved Stephanie Coles portrayal of the WRVS leader, she reminded me of Margaret Rutherford with the anecdotes. This was a gem I missed when it was first shown, lets hope Eric and Ernie is out soon.

I am not a fan of Victoria Wood, and I find it difficult to believe it is Victoria Wood!
Its a masterpiece, it really is and I cant believe its not more well known than it is. I have watched this film many times, and its one in my collection that will be watched over and over on sunday afternoons curled up with a blanket, pillow, wine and chocolate!! Enjoy!