A Woman of Substance

The made-for-television adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman of Substance stars Jenny Seagrove (ages 15 to 49) and Deborah Kerr (ages 50 to 79) as Emma Harte, a character who grows from maid to internationally feared and respected businesswoman. The all-star cast also includes Liam Neeson, Barry Morse, and Barry Bostwick. In part one, subtitled "Nest of Vipers," Emma is discharged from her job after a desultory affair with her employer's son (Peter Chesolm). In part two, subtitled "The Secret is Revealed," Emma heads to Leeds, where she starts a small business. Her enterprise blossoms beyond her wildest dreams, and she eventually becomes the wealthiest woman in the region. In part three, subtitled "Fighting for the Dream," Emma expands her business activities beyond the small town of Leeds and seeks vengeance on the aristocratic family that has wronged her. She also falls in love with handsome Major Paul McGill (Barry Bostwick).