Florence Nightingale [DVD] [1985]

This is a beautifully made biopic of the woman who revolutionized nursing with her compassion and common sense regarding basic hygiene and sanitation. The film was made for TV back in the 1980s and the 4:3 aspect ratio of the DVD is the original one of the production. So don't let that detail put you off and don't waste time looking for a widescreen verion. It's a rather lenghty film with a run time of over 2 hours, but it's engaging throughout and feataures a wonderful cast preventing it from ever feeling too slow or too long. Jaclyn Smith looks lovely and delivers a very solid performance in the title role.Much time is given to Florence's home life as a young woman on the estate of her aristocratic family, her initial interest in nursing and her romance with the too-good-to-be-true Richard Milnes, played by the ever enjoyable Timothy Dalton. While the romance is likely much fictionalized, it's lovely to watch on the screen, even if it's hard to understand how any woman could possibly reject such a wonderful suitor - the man is supportive of her in every way, he is wealthy and he looks drop dead gorgeous.The second half of the film concentrates on what Florence Nightingale is famous for: her nursing skills and her compassion. The film becomes much darker and more serious now, as Florence goes to Turkey with her nurses to care for the wounded of the Crimean War. We see the horrendous conditions she encounters in the hospital when she first arrives and we witness her battles with the people in charge when she wants to implement changes and introduce some form of sanitation before, at long last, she finally gets any aknowledgement for her work.The DVD is very nice. The picture quality is fine and the sound is good. English subtitles are available for those who may need them.

a Very good story of Florence Nightingale (the Lady with the Lamp) about the oncoming of nursery in a time of social dividing, and oncoming feeling for more socialistic thoughts, longing for changementsHygienic circumstanses and medical treatment was very poor at that time during the Crimean War. Good acting!Finally, the International Red Cross, established by Henri Dunant was really an increasing need..The only sad thing of this product; there are no multilingual subtitles. only English, but was no problem for me to follow the whole story!

The film is based on a historic figure FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE, aka "The lady with the lamp" highlighting her priviate life, personal sacrifices and the historic achievements in nursing, improving care for the sick and injured, that continues to saves lives today. Starring American actress Jaclyn Smith in the title role, and dashing Timothy Dalton as the love interest together with other well known actors/actresses including Jeremy Brett, Claire Bloom, Lesley Dunlop, Brian Cox; and Julian Fellows (writer of tv's Downton Abbey series). I once read a review which is true in that during the whole movie Jaclyn Smith's nationality doesn't enter your mind (nor for that matter her famous tv role in the original Charlie's Angels). A great performance. Jaclyn does a great job as the English heroin who revolutionised nursing care. Have watched this movie several times on tv. It's probably a 'made for tv' movie - dont let that put you off. I've enjoyed it so much I wanted to own it on DVD. An excellent, moving film. Recommended

Quite an emotional film that you can enjoy watching more than once. Certain to get you reading up on Miss Nightingale's phenomenal achievements in the field of nursing.

Great film of Florence Nightingale's story.

A very good biopic of her life. Her courage and forward thinking for her times comes across well, as does the predjuice she had to fight against and the horrors of war and medical ignorance of her times. Well worth watching. Highly recommended. UPDATE - on 2nd watching de-rated from 5 star (excellent) to 4 star (very good).

An exciting drama on the service and achievements of Florence Nightingale. Having to fight every bit of the way against military doctors and traditions, she brought changes to the nursing and treatment field in a time when women and their opinions were totally trashed. A true heroin and a light of hope for many.. The acting is good but not outstanding. A serious drama for en enlightening evening.

This is the one that redesigned the hospitals in Brittian. Romantic drama style. Terrible conditions in the basement. Wandering around with a lantern caring for the patients as the folks back home must have fondly remembered in the press propaganda about the war. Great 4:3 aspect film.