Everyone in this film is excellent, as is the script. I highly recommend it to anyone, 10 or close to it, despite the fact that it may have a Hollywood ending and not be true to the book. IMO it is not necessary for a film to be 100% accurate to a book to be worthy in its own right.
As a woman who grew up in the 50's, I'd like to offer some insights into the behavior of the characters. At that time working women were at the mercy of their employers, and regardless of their financial need were always paid much less than men because "a man has a family to support." Also, being a single mother (through divorce or, god forbid, never having been married) was practically unheard of, and only widows had social status. So Toby's mother's rush to latch on to the first man who would take her AND her kid is very real, as is her willingness to stick it out through horrible times, being convinced it is the best alternative to what she could offer him on her own, and knowing her chances of finding another husband are virtually nil.
Also, to me it is obvious that the three kids are firmly under their dad's rule and are too scared and demoralized to rebel. Toby is right at the rebellious stage in life, and a hard new "father" coming down on him would produce just that kind of reaction--take this from one who's been there! Add to this the normal reaction of any child (especially an only child) who finds a man coming between him/her and mommy, and you've got a recipe for disaster.
As a woman who grew up in the 50's, I'd like to offer some insights into the behavior of the characters. At that time working women were at the mercy of their employers, and regardless of their financial need were always paid much less than men because "a man has a family to support." Also, being a single mother (through divorce or, god forbid, never having been married) was practically unheard of, and only widows had social status. So Toby's mother's rush to latch on to the first man who would take her AND her kid is very real, as is her willingness to stick it out through horrible times, being convinced it is the best alternative to what she could offer him on her own, and knowing her chances of finding another husband are virtually nil.
Also, to me it is obvious that the three kids are firmly under their dad's rule and are too scared and demoralized to rebel. Toby is right at the rebellious stage in life, and a hard new "father" coming down on him would produce just that kind of reaction--take this from one who's been there! Add to this the normal reaction of any child (especially an only child) who finds a man coming between him/her and mommy, and you've got a recipe for disaster.