The Song of the Lark

This TV movie rivals the best of the British renditions of 19th century novels. Cather's classic American story of hard-won success is beautifully transformed into a compelling visual drama with quality acting, top-notch cinematography, and an elegant sound track. Karen Arthur directs with a clarity and subtlety that one rarely finds in a television drama. Her attention to physical details of character and setting illuminate practically every scene. Alison Eliot's performance as Thea Kronborg could not have been better. Her portrayal rarely misses a beat as she embodies Thea's rise from naivete and innocence to worldliness and success. The triumph of this drama was facilitated by the superior acting of entire cast including Tony Goldwyn, Arliss Howard, Robert Floyd, Endre Hules, Linda Carlson, and Maximilian Schell. Strongly recommended.