Final film of Wendy Williams.
Catherine Cookson (1906-1998) was one of the most widely read British novelists. Her books were inspired by her deprived youth in South Shields (historically part of County Durham), North East England, the setting for her novels. With 104 titles written in her own name or two other pen names, she is one of the most prolific British novelists.
Eighteen books of her books were adapted for television between 1989 and 2001. They were all produced by Ray Marshall from Festival Film & TV who was given permission by Cookson in 1988 to bring her works to the screen.
Eighteen books of her books were adapted for television between 1989 and 2001. They were all produced by Ray Marshall from Festival Film & TV who was given permission by Cookson in 1988 to bring her works to the screen.
The first Cookson novel to be filmed was The Fifteen Streets (1989) starring Sean Bean and Owen Teale. It was nominated for an Emmy award in 1990. Based on the 1952 novel of the same name by Catherine Cookson, screenplay written by Rob Bettinson, it was directed by David Wheatley and also starred Anny Tobin.
The second production, The Black Velvet Gown (1991) by Cookson, won an International Emmy for Best Drama in 1991. It starred Bob Peck, Janet McTeer and Geraldine Somerville. The mini series regularly attracted over 10 million audiences and are still showing in the UK on Drama and the Yesterday Channel.
The second production, The Black Velvet Gown (1991) by Cookson, won an International Emmy for Best Drama in 1991. It starred Bob Peck, Janet McTeer and Geraldine Somerville. The mini series regularly attracted over 10 million audiences and are still showing in the UK on Drama and the Yesterday Channel.