Secrets (1995)

The story is set about a century ago. The main character is a 13-year-old girl named Anna, an only child. Her family is visited by a young man; when he has left, it becomes clear that one of the servants, Edwina, has become pregnant by him and the drama begins. The servants are fired and the baby is taken away from Edwina by Anna's parents, who turn out not to be able to make children (which gives Anna food for thought) and want to have a sister for their daughter. Subsequently, Edwina collapses because she can't see her baby anymore, but Anna sympathizes with her and takes the baby with her to Edwina's place. And so on.

This, of course, sounds quite 'soapy', and it is. However, this TV-film is better than you would expect from such a plot. Usually I am often annoyed while watching a soap-like film or series, but this film seems to be of a higher level: the cast was not as bad as in an average soap opera (except Shae D'Lyn, who plays her role of Edwina far too sentimental) and the story line was interesting enough to keep watching, though it was not by any means spectacular or great. A pleasant surprise after all.

6/10