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Are there any movies that feature Victorian workhouses, prisons or orphanages?

38 replies

Greensleeves · 05/04/2022 19:28

I'm writing a novel which involves all of these institutions, and I'm surprised at how few popular movies there seem to be that have these settings.

I've seen Alias Grace, Affinity, Wilde, A Little Princess, Oliver Twist and The Trials Of Oscar Wilde. Can anyone recommend anything else? It doesn't have to be any good! Grin Purely for research purposes, and because my neurodiverse brain can only deal with things I'm currently obsessed with.

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ManyATime · 05/04/2022 20:29

‘Thursday’s Child’ based on the Noel Streatfeild novel and made in 1972. Possibly on YouTube or available from Germany. Some of it is set in an orphanage.

Bran21 · 05/04/2022 21:16

Magdalene sisters

Tulip1985 · 05/04/2022 21:23

@Bran21 that film had a profound effect on me. Was so bloody sad.

MissClementine · 05/04/2022 21:33

The Alienist on Netflix, set in New York at end of 19th century. It’s a bit gruesome but may be interesting for you.

ItsMutinyontheBunty · 05/04/2022 22:15

Did you know there’s a National Trust property that’s an old workhouse? It’s set up with many of the rooms as it would have been and they recently refurbished the infirmary too. It’s at Southwell near Newark and it’s well worth a visit.

Greensleeves · 05/04/2022 22:19

@ItsMutinyontheBunty I do know about it, and am desperate to go, but I can't afford it at the moment. Grrr. It's on my to-do list, though!

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CuteOrangeElephant · 05/04/2022 22:20

Scarlett and the Duke has an episode about a woman being locked up in a mental institution. You don't see the inside though.

HotPenguin · 05/04/2022 22:25

Far from the madding crowd has a workhouse.

1990s · 05/04/2022 22:35

Shutter Island? Not UK based though.

OopsPoops · 05/04/2022 22:54

Not a film per se but the Catherine cookson adaptations are on uktv for free and often feature workhouses etc. And call the midwife reference workhouses too

Palavah · 05/04/2022 23:53

Quacks was very good!

yourestandingonmyneck · 06/04/2022 12:35

Doubt, starring Meryl Streep. Some sort of Catholic orphanage I believe?

Greensleeves · 06/04/2022 21:16

Doubt is one of my favourite films, I think it's a masterpiece. Heartbreaking, though.

Thanks so much for all the recommendations Flowers

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