After her marriage crumbles, Sarah Thompson tours Europe where she is captivated by William, the Duke of Whitfield. In time, William insists on making Sarah his wife. They settle in a chateau in France and begin a family. ... more »World War II interrupts their happiness and alters their future when Sarah is left at home with a small child and another on its way. When the war finally ends, in a gesture of goodwill, the Whitfields start buying jewelry from war survivors, which eventually leads to a successful jewelry store business. But conflicts abound after William dies, as Sarah struggles to control her children?s rivalry. As Sarah strives to keep the family and the business together, a man from her past teaches her that it may be possible to love again.« less
A real jewel but get ready to spent close to 4 hours watching this parts 1 and 2!
Movie Reviews
Top-Notch Adaptation of Danielle Steel's Better Novel
J. J. Carew | Green Bay, WI | 12/20/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I was 13, I began reading Danielle Steel novels. Most follow the same path and offer few variations. So when Jewels was released, I did not buy it right away. Then I saw the miniseries on TV and knew it HAD to be part of my library, both video AND book library.Why? For one, Anthony Andrews is the perfect fit for his role. For fans of Andrews, one only has to remember that he played King Edward VIII in The Woman He Loved and what an excellent job he did in that role. He was also stunning in The Scarlet Pimpernel and Ivanhoe, and period pieces seem to suit this well-trained actor. Annette O'Toole is also well-cast as the strong-willed American woman who falls in love with the man in line for the crown (granted, he is 13th in line for the throne).The story provides all the Steel conventions, but it does not seem old-hand when staged in this movie. Even if you are not a fan of Steel's work, the story is compelling.Other Danielle Steel adaptations pale in comparison to Jewels. This is by far the best adaptation of her work. The blossoming of love, the separation of war, the agony of loss, the trials and tribulations of parenthood, the reinvention of one's self, the survival of one family. Great entertainment!"
Another Wonderful Performance By Anthony Andrews!!
J. J. Carew | 08/21/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I watched this movie only to see the performance of Anthony Andrews, whom I've been a huge fan of ever since I saw him as Sir Percival Blakeney in "The Scarlet Pimpernel"(1982). Although I have to say I was not entirely impressed with the performance of the heroine, Anthony and the rest of the supporting cast is wonderful, and the story is a wonderful romance, akin to the later novels in the "Anne of Green Gables" series as we watch the original courtship, the war that imprisons the hero and nearly destroys the family, and the gradual metamorphisis of the "cute little kids" into characters as worthy of our attention as their parents. And, I have to say it once more..this movie is a must if only for Anthony's performance!!!!!"
A wonderful story...So many decades, characters, events!
J. J. Carew | 08/28/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The amazing thing is my husband loved this one, too! We hated to see it end!"
Two stars -- both for Anthony Andrews
D. Navas | 10/13/2006
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I sincerely only watched this movie for Anthony Andrews (ever since I saw him in Scarlet Pimpernel, I've tried to see all of his movies -- by the way, that is a movie everyone should see!), so this review might be a bit biased.
Coming from a person who has not read the underlying material, I will review this movie solely on its entertainment value to me. The beginning was wonderful. The love story was beautiful, seemed real, and even brought tears to my eyes. Anthony Andrews was superb as usual, and Annette O'Toole did a good job as well.
But in my opinion, that was it. If the movie would have ended right there along with William, I would have rated it 4 stars. The second half of the movie was more of a soap opera, and I tired of seeing how many years were passing by. Was there really a need to show everyone's story! It may have worked for the book (have not read it), but the movie just seemed long and unfocused.
If you are an Anthony Andrews fan like myself, watch only the first half, and then perhaps just rewatch Brideshead Revisited -- now there's a good mini series!"
Anthony Andrews is Superb!
D. Navas | 06/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This movie is a must for all Anthony Andrews fans. The movie is full of emotion and has a powerful story line. Annette O'Toole's performance is also outstanding. You really care about these two characters and what is happening in their lives. Don't dismiss this story an "just another love story", it is much more than that. The acting by these two is awesome. I highly recommend this movie."