Mrs Wilson [BBC]

says Alec Wilson to his new secretary Alison early in their relationship prior to their subsequent 23 year marriage before his sudden death and Alison's discovery that her husband had kept numerous secrets from her not the least of which was the existence of not only two but possibly three other wives.It has been well documented that this is a dramatisation of Ruth Wilson's own Grandmother's marriage with all it's deceits and falsehoods but this is no way a vanity project. It is clearly a labour of love by all concerned to illustrate the circumstances of Alison's attempts to find answers to her husband's behaviour throughout their relationship.Other reviewers (notably Originalisa and Robert Stirling) have offered extensive comments on the production values and performances by various cast members which I for one heartily endorse. I have been a keen follower of Ruth Wilson's career since her appearance as the eponymous Jane Eyre and have hardly ever known her to make a wrong step in the parts she has undertaken over the years - my enthusiasm for her portrayal of Alison Lockhart in The Affair knows no bounds and the same applies to her work in Luther. She excels yet again here.I don't think there are any obvious "Routemaster" moments in Mrs Wilson apart from probably a reference to the Marylebone Crown Court - my personal memory of representing clients there in the early 1960's was that it was a Magistrates Court only. I seem to remember that Crown Courts generally only came into existence in 1971/2 but this is a very minor quibble.All in all this is a highly recommended watch which will stand up to more than one viewing.As Robert Stirling says I previously confirmed the running time as 2hrs 49mins. The subtitles are English HOH only and there are no extras.

Ruth Wilson is brilliant (as always) in the dramatisation of her Grandmother's disturbing married life. Just when one truth opens to her another shocking revelation comes along. The fact that it's true and hardly fictionalised adds to the interest. Captivating throughout.

Ruth Wilson was very brave to take the role her own grandmother, especially as this grandmother had such a traumatic existence, but doesn't this make for such brilliant drama? No one else could have brought such pathos and effectiveness to this most difficult of parts: a woman betrayed by the man she loves and in ways almost inconceivable in their audacity.The story is set from the Second World War, the young Alison meeting a dashing intelligence office (the bulk of the story is told in effective flashback) who, from the start is not who he appears to be, and, beguiled by his charm and affection, is seduced into his life, bearing two children, and eventually marrying him to become the Mrs Wilson of the title. It would be churlish to describe the rest of the plot. Suffice to say the complex tale of secrets and lies is continually surprising, even jaw-dropping.Ruth Wilson is perfect in the character, and supported by great actors around her: Iain Glen as the secretive husband, Keeley Hawes, Patrick Kennedy, and Fiona Shaw all contributing to the outstanding quality of this drama. This series is not to be missed - and to think that it's all true!

Brilliantly acted by one of my favourite actresses - Ruth Wilson - this is an atmospheric journey about one woman's discovery concerning who here husband really was. Something of a fantasist, he left a trail of heartbreak and deceit that shattered the worlds of those who loved and trusted him. Alison Wilson's entire perspective on life, love and family was upturned as more and more lies unfolded. I love the way the younger generation came through and offered so much support and understanding. Despite his deceit and possibly madness, those who came after him were commendable. Really loved this... left a lingering sadness and admiration too...

Tragic reality, transcended and surpassed by the courageous Alison, who wrote her memoirs and allowed the revelation of this heavy family secret. A revelation of the salutary secrets, which broke the psycho-genealogical adage that "family secrets prevent the family from being created".

This film thankfully has subtitles.I really enjoyed it. Ruth Wilson's acting was amazing, I really "lived" her experiences with her. A brilliant film in every way. I'm so glad I saw it. A real eye opener with lots to keep you guessing. Just watch it !!

This film, which I originally saw in three parts on BBC First, is a great story, marvellously played by Ruth Wilson, who is play acting her own grandmother. A psychological and historical drama which actually happened. Highly recommended.

Really enjoyed this film so much so that I have ordered the book it was taken from. I had not heard about this story before so was a bit on the edge of my seat wondering what on earth would be next.