Mum's Monday: The Shell Seekers (1989)

In this heart-warming version of The Shell Seekers, based on the book of the same name by Rosamunde Pilcher. Although we see that it follows the book to a point. Nancy (Anna Carteret) first comes across all nice and caring, only to quickly become her true ‘worrying about money’ self as in the book.

Although in the later 2006 version more of the book has been made into a visual representation, this one has less of the book in it, but all the important elements of the story are there with only some differences.

From the sunny climate of Ibiza to rainy England, it is nice to see Penelope Keeling (Angela Lansbury) reaction to Olivia (Patricia Hodge) and Antonia (Sophie ward) turning up on her door step.

It is nice to see Nancy and Penelope kind of make-up, only to have Noel (Christopher Bowen) act like his father, Ambrose.

Some of the story is cold and nasty with no respect for memories and processions. This is the essence of the story as a whole. The mother being Penelope has a sentimental painting and fond memories of her father, the painter Lawrence Stern (Andrew Keir), yet her children apart from Olivia, who are over stretched financially and have big ideas beyond their means and their small flat are only looking at the financial gains from the paintings.

The flash backs throughout this version are well done, although some are a bit quick, where others are sad to see.

It is so nice to see Penelope enjoying Cornwall, visiting old haunts, there isn’t much of a script but there doesn’t need to be.

It is a surprise to see someone from Penelope’s past turn up as it is very different than in the book.

It is also nice to hear all the nice things being said between Penelope and Nancy, proving there were some good times.

The wedding between Danus (Mark Lewis Jones) and Antonia is very different in this version as well.

The only person who we don’t see, but he is mentioned all throughout as having a key role in the story is Penelope’s late husband Ambrose. Yes, he needed to be referenced, but it does work with just that, he didn’t need to be physically in it.

I am glad Penelope found what she was looking for in Cornwall and that she could reflect on her life, it gave the story a deeper meaning of a mother’s love.

The ending is very different from the book, but overall it is an extremely well done version of the story within it.