Cousin Bette (TV Miniseries 1971) | Poor Relations (Episode 1)

A 1971 BBC drama set in decadent 19th-century Paris, written by Ray Lawler and directed by Garreth Davies. The miniseries is an adaptation of Honore de Balzac's classic novel of revenge, La Cousine Bette, starring Margaret Tyzack as Honor' de Balzacs bitter and vengeful spinster, and featuring Helen Mirren in her first miniseries.

Cousin Bette is a poor and lonely seamstress, who, after the death of her prominent and wealthy sister, tries to ingratiate herself into lives of her brother-in-law, Baron Hulot, and her niece, Hortense Hulot. Failing to do so, she instead finds solace and company in a handsome young sculptor she saves from starvation. But the aspiring artist soon finds love in the arms of another woman, Hortense, leaving Bette a bitter spinster. Bette plots to take revenge on the family who turned her away and stole her only love. With the help of famed courtesan Valérie she slowly destroys the lives of those who have scorned her.

Cast & Characters:
Margaret Tyzack: Cousin Bette
Helen Mirre: Valérie
Thorley Walters: Baron Hector Hulot
Ursula Howells: Adeline
John Bryans: Crevel
Harriet Harper: Hortense
Colin Bake: Count Wenceslas Steinbock
Edward de Souza: Henri Montes
Davyd Harries: Victorian
Esmond Knight: General Hulot

Episode 2: https://rumble.com/v6mgyl0-cousin-bette-tv-miniseries-1971-this-house-for-pleasure-episode-2.html