A Woman of Substance 1985
“A truly heartrending dynastic saga of poverty, passion and power”
What is A Woman of Substance?
The television series "A Woman of Substance" is a biographical drama that follows the life of a woman from her early days as a kitchen maid to her later years as a respected businesswoman and grandmother. The story begins at the start of the 20th-century and spans several decades, detailing the woman's journey from humble beginnings to establishing a successful business.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1985
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 3
- Runtime
- 95 minutes
- First aired
- Jan 2, 1985
- Last aired
- Jan 4, 1985
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- GB
- Networks
- Channel 4
- Genres
- Drama
- Updated
Where to watch
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 3 episodes and an average 95-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
The television series "A Woman of Substance" is a biographical drama that follows the life of a woman from her early days as a kitchen maid to her later years as a respected businesswoman and grandmother. The story begins at the start of the 20th-century and spans several decades, detailing the woman's journey from humble beginnings to establishing a successful business. With a small shop as the starting point, the woman expands her operations and invests in the textile industry in Leeds, which is experiencing growth during this period. The series explores her rise to prominence and her eventual establishment as a respected figure in the community.
Should you watch it?
“From kitchen maid to empire‑building matriarch, Emma Harte’s saga spans a century.”
- Epic multi‑generational storytelling
- Strong central performance
- Rich period setting
- Pacing is deliberate, which may feel slow for some viewers
Watch it if you enjoy sweeping historical dramas about ambition and family legacy.
The series contains mature themes of poverty, ambition, and power, suited for adult audiences.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 3 episodes
- E1 Episode 1 Jan 2, 1985
- E2 Episode 2 Jan 3, 1985
- E3 Episode 3 Jan 4, 1985
Frequently asked questions
What is the premise of the series?
It follows Emma Harte’s rise from a kitchen maid at the start of the 20th century to a respected businesswoman and grandmother by the 1980s.
When does the story take place?
The narrative begins in the early 1900s and continues through the 1980s.
What genre does the show belong to?
It is a drama presented as a dynastic saga of poverty, passion and power.
Who is the central character?
The series centers on Emma Harte, whose life and ambitions drive the plot.
What themes are explored?
The story examines poverty, ambition, family legacy, and the pursuit of power.