Housewife, 49

TV Movie
2005
Not Rated
1h 33m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

In the late 1930s, Nella Last, a 49 year old housewife living in Barrow-in-Furness on the North West English coast, agrees to send details of her routine to the Mass Observation Project; a n... Read allIn the late 1930s, Nella Last, a 49 year old housewife living in Barrow-in-Furness on the North West English coast, agrees to send details of her routine to the Mass Observation Project; a non-governmental scheme designed to chronicle the lives of ordinary people. When war comes,... Read allIn the late 1930s, Nella Last, a 49 year old housewife living in Barrow-in-Furness on the North West English coast, agrees to send details of her routine to the Mass Observation Project; a non-governmental scheme designed to chronicle the lives of ordinary people. When war comes, Nella defies her over-protective husband to join the local Women's Voluntary Service. Ini... Read all

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.7/10

960

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Won 2 BAFTA Awards
- 3 wins & 4 nominations total

Trivia
Was cited as a crucial moment in Victoria Wood's career, as prior to this one-off, Wood was predominantly associated with her comedy work. Housewife, 49 saw her take on a serious role, showcasing her skills as a versatile actress.

Goofs
The second time Nella Last gets off the bus at the Town Hall, the Forum 28 Theatre is visible on the top window of the bus. That is where Forum is situated, but it was not built until between the 60's and 70's.

Quotes
Nella Last: [voiceover] ... There is, of course, my sister-in-law's rather peculiar whirlwind engagement.
Dot: Still can't believe it. Went to the Isle of Man - got myself a man!
Mrs Whittaker: Good job you didn't go to the Isle of Dogs!

Connections
Featured in The South Bank Show: Victoria Wood (2007)

Soundtracks
The First Noël
(uncredited)
Traditional

User reviews36

Review

Featured review

7/10

Faithful to the book?

Very few scenes were ones reported in the diary but Wood's film conveyed its substance very well indeed. Beautifully handled, for example, was Nella's naive inability to recognise Cliff's homosexuality. But I thought her 'Nella' was too passive. You can see the film's nervy, pensive introvert in her intimate writing but her diaries also make it clear that she could be feisty and would have come across to others as able and assured. Nella herself contrasts 'the quiet, brooding woman who, when alone, draws the quiet around her like a healing cloak and the gay lively woman who 'keeps all going'''.