Season 1 • Episode 5
LatestHector is faced with ruin and has been spirited away by Bette. However, Bette's plans have suffered' their first setback through the death of the Marshal just before she was to marry him.
In 19th century Paris, Bette Fischer, a poor and homely spinster, forms an alliance with the seductive courtesan Valerie Marneffe to orchestrate revenge on her handsome and wealthy relatives.
Acting
Tyzack's bitter brilliance vs. Mirren's predatory charm.
Costume
Exquisite 1840s Parisian fashion on BBC budget.
Writing
Balzac's savage satire intact, BBC-style.
Creator
Martin Lisemore
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Margaret Tyzack later won an Olivier for playing another bitter spinster; she specialized in women the world overlooked.
Balzac's novel was considered unfilmable for decades; this 1971 miniseries was the first faithful adaptation, predating the 1998 Jessica Lange film by 27 years.
GB
