Cinder Path

Beaten down by years of mistreatment by his abusive father, Charlie McFell's (Lloyd Owen) enduring struggle to overcome his past, live up to his responsibilities, and recognize the depths of his own integrity is not easy, but audiences will find it remarkably rewarding. With all the features of a great television miniseries--murder, blackmail, revenge, heartbreak, betrayal, courage, vindication, and true love--what's remarkable about The Cinder Path is that there's nothing cheesy about it. This high-caliber production features strong acting, well-written characters the audience will care about, amazing Edwardian costumes, vivid western front trench warfare reenactments, Dolby digital sound, and a scene index. Charlie overcomes a dangerous secret, a hollow marriage of convenience with the haughty Victoria (Catherine Zeta-Jones), the challenge of running his family's Northumberland farm, and finally the rigors of military boot camp as he is called to serve in World War I. He struggles to vanquish his own ghosts and become the man no one thought he could be. Based on the popular novel by Catherine Cookson, this made-for-television production will please a wide variety of viewers, from fans of PBS and BBC-style programming to anyone who likes a love story with a happy ending. --Tara Chace