Period drama. A television play produced by Mark Shivas that first aired on 24 November, 1976. Adapted by writer Julian Mitchell from Winifred Foley’s memoir A Child In The Forest, the story is set in a Cotswold village in 1928. It chronicles the six-month relationship between Winnie, a 14-year-old girl working as a maid, and Mrs. Hollins, her difficult, 90-year-old employer.
Directed by Moira Armstrong, the production was critically acclaimed at the time of its broadcast. The review in the stage by critic Hazel Hollt praised the production as a “classic,” singling out the “faultless” lead performances from veteran actress Cathleen Nesbitt (Mrs. Hollins) and newcomer Ann Francis (Winnie). The play was noted for its subtle script, atmospheric design, and the successful fusion of all its creative elements, resulting in a powerful and memorable drama.
BBC /1×70 minute episode / Broadcast 24 November 1976
Writer: Julian Mitchell / Music: Richard Rodney Bennett / Producer: Mark Shivas / Director: Moira Armstrong
Cast: Cathleen Nesbitt (Mrs Hollins), Zena Walker (Iris Allen), Ann Francis (Winnie), Phyllida Law (Joan Drummond), John Nettleton (Robert Drummond), Geoffrey Bayldon (Vicar), Denis Carey (Mr Spanier), Sharon Wells (Beatric), Laura James (Barbara), Denise Hoskins (Ann Mason), Richard Grant (Landowner), Rob Middleton (Organist), Marguerite Young (Mrs Whitaker), Paul Atkins (Village Boy), Stephen Rees (Village Boy), Jeffrey Bird (Village Boy)
