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A Slice of Life
by Francine Brokaw
Miss Potter
Beatrix Potter has been a part of children’s literature for over a century. She published her first book by herself in 1901. Then she found a new publishing company – Frederick Warne & Co, who took a chance on “the bunny book.” In 1902 they published The Tale of Peter Rabbit, which became an instant bestseller, and the rest is history.
This movie focuses on the life of Beatrix Potter and her defiance of the social norm of the day. When most women were searching for a husband, Beatrix was searching for a publisher. London was a city of social standings, and her parents wanted to secure a place in the proper social tier for Beatrix and her brother. But she was more interested in writing her stories and drawing and painting her little animal characters – who became her closest friends. Always the storyteller, these little characters were part of her life and always in her thoughts.
Her new editor, Norman Warne, was fascinated by her stories, and by Beatrix herself. And lo and behold, Beatrix, the woman who affirmed she would never get married, fell in love with Norman. Unfortunately, since he was a lowly “tradesman,” her parents were against the marriage. They wanted a higher social status for their daughter. But love is something that cannot be regulated – even by parents.
Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit is known to most of the world, and especially to children. Every one of her characters has a great personality instilled in them by this imaginative woman. “The animals are my friends,” she said. They were every bit a part of her life as flesh and blood people.
Beatrix bought some property in the Lake District of England, where she had always spent summers with her family. When developers threatened to subdivide the area and build it up, which would take away the serene atmosphere, she proceeded to purchase more land, and when she passed away in 1943 (at age 77), she donated the 4,000 acres to the National Trust to be preserved. So not only did she leave her wonderful stories for everyone to enjoy for years to come, she also left the land to be enjoyed by those in the area.
Renee Zellweger stars in this charming tale of Miss Beatrix Potter. Ewan McGregor and Emily Watson also star, along with Peter Rabbit and all the delightful characters created by Beatrix, who at times come to life on the screen, adding the perfect touch of whimsy to this enchanting movie.
Beatrix Potter has a large following and there is a Beatrix Potter Society, which prides itself on being the caretakers of all things Beatrix Potter. This film will no doubt increase the number of people interested in the woman and her work.
© 2006 Francine Brokaw
All pictures ©The Weinstein Co. Photo: Alex Bailey. All Rights Reserved.
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