Very funny and ultimately very moving portrait of long-lost sisters reuniting. Throw in dysfunctional families, daytime tv shows and pseudo-glamour "a la" California and you find yourself thoroughly engaged in this gently-paced made for tv movie. Julie Walters is superb, Victoria Wood delivers a surprisingly subtle performance, and Celia Imrie and Thora Hird are hilarious in their slightly eccentric roles. Don't miss this one!
10 Reviews
That magical combination of Wood and Walters.
Sleepin_Dragon28 February 2016
Margaret is a down to Earth Northern Waitress, she goes to a live stage show, Magic Moments, where she is surprised to be reunited as the long lost sister of the glamorous queen of soap Pat. Pat is naturally devastated to be associated with a woman who's hair you could go trick or treating in. The pair go on a journey of discovery, family secrets are unearthed, and bridges are built.
I remember the Screen one and Screen two dramas quite fondly, some were hard hitting, some were packed with tense drama, some were a bit slow, then came Pat and Margaret. To this day, one of my favourite one off dramas, it managed to be sensationally funny, moving, heartwarming, beautifully acted, it was a true forgotten gem.
Gloriously performed, Victoria and Julie are one of the finest acting duos I can think of (and I don't just mean comedy,) I wish the pair would do more work like this. Celia Imrie, Duncan Preston and Thora Hird are all just magical, they combine wonderfully to produce laughs and tears. Hird is so subtly nasty in her treatment of Jim.
Thora Hird delivers that magical line 'not on the eiderdown.'
9/10
I remember the Screen one and Screen two dramas quite fondly, some were hard hitting, some were packed with tense drama, some were a bit slow, then came Pat and Margaret. To this day, one of my favourite one off dramas, it managed to be sensationally funny, moving, heartwarming, beautifully acted, it was a true forgotten gem.
Gloriously performed, Victoria and Julie are one of the finest acting duos I can think of (and I don't just mean comedy,) I wish the pair would do more work like this. Celia Imrie, Duncan Preston and Thora Hird are all just magical, they combine wonderfully to produce laughs and tears. Hird is so subtly nasty in her treatment of Jim.
Thora Hird delivers that magical line 'not on the eiderdown.'
9/10
Delightful film
cockezville29 December 2021
I discovered this film on Amazon Prime and watched it on a whim. So glad I did as I always enjoy Julie Walters , and was not familiar with Victoria Wood, as she is not that recognized in America. Although, I did not find the film particularly funny, I did enjoy it immensely.
A little dark for Vic
Sabrejetp7 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Unlike some of the other people who have commented I don't find this side-splitingly funny. That's not to put it down, and it is very funny in parts, but Victoria Wood fans all know that Vic can pack in more JPH (jokes per hour) than most comedy writers put in a 13 part series. But to me this has a dark and poignant side that I've not seen in her other stuff.
Of particular note is Thora Hirds' character, with her subtle manipulation and very cruel treatment of her son, (played by Duncan Preston) I found this quite chilling. As always with Victoria the dialogue is spot on but the kind of abuse that this 'its for your own good' mother is indulging in is written so well, and played so well by Thora Hird it leaves a lasting mark.
In some respects this is the best thing Victoria Wood has ever done, she is just so talented in so may different ways: she can parody almost anything and that's wonderful but wait she does drama as well. Lets have more like this please.
Of particular note is Thora Hirds' character, with her subtle manipulation and very cruel treatment of her son, (played by Duncan Preston) I found this quite chilling. As always with Victoria the dialogue is spot on but the kind of abuse that this 'its for your own good' mother is indulging in is written so well, and played so well by Thora Hird it leaves a lasting mark.
In some respects this is the best thing Victoria Wood has ever done, she is just so talented in so may different ways: she can parody almost anything and that's wonderful but wait she does drama as well. Lets have more like this please.
Victoria Wood's genius at it's very best.
conchiedalquist27 October 2015
I absolutely adore this movie. It's Wood and Walters at their very very best. The chemistry, the flow, the timing, it's perfection pure and simple. As famous Hollywood soap actress Pat flies in to the UK from LA to promote her autobiography on a TV show, little does she know that the producers have a surprise for her. Among the studio audience watching the taping of the show is a group of motorway service staff who have hired a coach to enjoy a day out. As Pat waits in the wings for the presenter to introduce her, she is horrified to discover that instead of discussing her book, a family reunion is taking place instead as Pat's long forgotten sister Margaret is announced as being an audience member. With both sisters stunned at the announcement Pat goes into full professional mode and comes out smiling, arms open to hug Margaret. The moment the cameras stop rolling it's another story. She doesn't want to know her, or speak to her and rejects her totally. Fate plays a hand as the sisters are forced to work together to find their dreadful mother Vera who abandoned them as young girls, when a nosy journalist keen for a bit of scandal starts digging into their backgrounds ! The usual players one associates with a Wood production are all here. The fabulous Celia Imrie, Duncan Preston, Ann Reid are wonderful with Thora Hird in particular deserving of praise for her role as the odious mother of Margaret's boyfriend Jim. Heartily recommend to anyone who has yet to see this. A modern up to date remake if done well could be a huge success such is the strength and excellence of the story.
A Feast of Fun
taita27 December 2000
Thoroughly enjoyable, classic Victoria Wood. This woman is extremely talented. I have long enjoyed her stand-up comedy shows on the TV, and her half hour skits. She is surrounded by a wealth of talent in her circle of friends as well, with most of them turning up in her work. Celia Imrie is a favourite and in this production plays an enchanting, somewhat dithery, pregnant PA to Julie Walters Soap Icon.
Anne Reid is another VW regular along with Duncan Preston, these both had marvellous roles. Julie Walters does what she does well and has done before in a Victoria Wood production, the VIP star who must have all the adoration and accolade due her. When she and the frumpy frizz haired Margaret meet on live TV it is not an event welcomed overly much by either. Pat wants to send Margaret home, and indeed Margaret wants to go back to her roadside café and mates, but events are taken out of their hands and they must spend the next few days together during which time they get reacquainted.
The side issues are Margarets relationship with Jim her illiterate boyfriend who still lives very much under the thumb of his mother (Thora Hird) and Pat and Margarets mother who needs to be found by them before the press catch up with her. Throw in Celia Imrie and her hormonal aberrations and it is a feast of fun. Victoria Wood had written Celia Imrie into the script and then found out she was pregnant so changed the dialogue accordingly.
Anne Reid is another VW regular along with Duncan Preston, these both had marvellous roles. Julie Walters does what she does well and has done before in a Victoria Wood production, the VIP star who must have all the adoration and accolade due her. When she and the frumpy frizz haired Margaret meet on live TV it is not an event welcomed overly much by either. Pat wants to send Margaret home, and indeed Margaret wants to go back to her roadside café and mates, but events are taken out of their hands and they must spend the next few days together during which time they get reacquainted.
The side issues are Margarets relationship with Jim her illiterate boyfriend who still lives very much under the thumb of his mother (Thora Hird) and Pat and Margarets mother who needs to be found by them before the press catch up with her. Throw in Celia Imrie and her hormonal aberrations and it is a feast of fun. Victoria Wood had written Celia Imrie into the script and then found out she was pregnant so changed the dialogue accordingly.
Fantastic stuff
cmqp17 March 2003
I adore this film. Sometimes I've found Victoria Wood's work too female-oriented, but this is just outstanding, bittersweet entertainment with a wonderful cast and virtually faultless script.
The premise is that two sisters were separated at a young age and totally lost touch. Now, 25 years on, the older one, Pat (Julie Walters), has fought her way to the world of American soaps, and achieved international fame and a huge fortune. Margaret (Wood), though, hasn't fared as well and works in a motorway cafe, lives in a bed-sit and has a faltering relationship with an illiterate mummy's boy. All fairly grim.
They are reunited unexpectedly on a TV show called Magic Moments, and neither is ecstatic about each others' company. Pat especially is furious and scared by the unwelcome nostalgia, and is extremely cruel about her dowdy sister. However, they slowly develop a bond as a common mission to find the mother who abandoned them and forced them apart unites them.
The characters are beautifully drawn, especially the late Thora Hird as the over-bearing, interfering mother of Margaret's decent boyfriend Jim. Wood and Walters are fantastic, and have worked together so often that their rapport comes naturally. Celia Imrie and Duncan Preston, both regular features of Victoria Wood's work, are excellent in support.
I can't think of many more moving British comedy-dramas than this one, which is so cleverly written performed with such class and enthusiasm. There are loads of laughs and moments of pathos, and the ending leaves you with exactly the kind of feel-good buzz you want. Superb.
The premise is that two sisters were separated at a young age and totally lost touch. Now, 25 years on, the older one, Pat (Julie Walters), has fought her way to the world of American soaps, and achieved international fame and a huge fortune. Margaret (Wood), though, hasn't fared as well and works in a motorway cafe, lives in a bed-sit and has a faltering relationship with an illiterate mummy's boy. All fairly grim.
They are reunited unexpectedly on a TV show called Magic Moments, and neither is ecstatic about each others' company. Pat especially is furious and scared by the unwelcome nostalgia, and is extremely cruel about her dowdy sister. However, they slowly develop a bond as a common mission to find the mother who abandoned them and forced them apart unites them.
The characters are beautifully drawn, especially the late Thora Hird as the over-bearing, interfering mother of Margaret's decent boyfriend Jim. Wood and Walters are fantastic, and have worked together so often that their rapport comes naturally. Celia Imrie and Duncan Preston, both regular features of Victoria Wood's work, are excellent in support.
I can't think of many more moving British comedy-dramas than this one, which is so cleverly written performed with such class and enthusiasm. There are loads of laughs and moments of pathos, and the ending leaves you with exactly the kind of feel-good buzz you want. Superb.
Pat and Margaret
Prismark1020 May 2023
Victoria Wood never did much straight acting. This Screen One production from 1994 was a rare outing.
Taking aim at the tabloid press and famous actors who make it big and whitewash their past.
This is a tale of two long lost sisters. Margaret Mottershead (Victoria Wood) works as a cook at a motorway service station.
Patricia Bedford (Julie Walters) is the star of top US soap Glamor. An international star, she whizzes into London to promote her book on a live television show.
Little knowing that the long lost sisters will reunite. It wrecks Patricia's carefully constructed persona and that does not include humble beginnings from Lancashire.
Margaret is left bewildered. Rebuffed by Patricia who does not want a long lost frumpy northern working class sister. She is soon disliked by her work colleagues when a tabloid journalist does a hatchet job on both sisters.
Now Patricia having to accept Margaret for appearances sake. Both go looking for their mother Vera before the journalists find her. During the course of their journey, the sisters finally bond.
Only to find a hard bitten selfish mother who cared only about herself than her children. Patricia admits to Margaret she was thrown out of her home at 15 for getting pregnant. Then fight her way to the top in a competitive industry.
This is a waspish bittersweet tale. Patricia seems to be part inspired by Joan Collins. Victoria Wood who wrote the story, surround herself with her core troop. Celia Imrie as a PA, Duncan Preston as Margaret's illiterate boyfriend.
It is a world that inspired Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV as well as her later sitcom Dinnerladies.
Taking aim at the tabloid press and famous actors who make it big and whitewash their past.
This is a tale of two long lost sisters. Margaret Mottershead (Victoria Wood) works as a cook at a motorway service station.
Patricia Bedford (Julie Walters) is the star of top US soap Glamor. An international star, she whizzes into London to promote her book on a live television show.
Little knowing that the long lost sisters will reunite. It wrecks Patricia's carefully constructed persona and that does not include humble beginnings from Lancashire.
Margaret is left bewildered. Rebuffed by Patricia who does not want a long lost frumpy northern working class sister. She is soon disliked by her work colleagues when a tabloid journalist does a hatchet job on both sisters.
Now Patricia having to accept Margaret for appearances sake. Both go looking for their mother Vera before the journalists find her. During the course of their journey, the sisters finally bond.
Only to find a hard bitten selfish mother who cared only about herself than her children. Patricia admits to Margaret she was thrown out of her home at 15 for getting pregnant. Then fight her way to the top in a competitive industry.
This is a waspish bittersweet tale. Patricia seems to be part inspired by Joan Collins. Victoria Wood who wrote the story, surround herself with her core troop. Celia Imrie as a PA, Duncan Preston as Margaret's illiterate boyfriend.
It is a world that inspired Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV as well as her later sitcom Dinnerladies.
Brilliance from Victoria Wood
malpasc-391-9153808 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Victoria Wood was a huge comedy talent and is sorely missed.
This 1994 TV film is absolutely fantastic and features many actors she often liked to use in her productions - Julie Walters, Celia Imrie, Duncan Preston and so on. They just work brilliantly with the characters and scripts Victoria wrote.
For those who haven't seen Pat and Margaret, the story follows motorway services waitress Margaret Mottershead who goes with her colleagues and friends on a trip to London to watch a "Surprise Surprise" style TV show. Little does she know that she is going to get the surprise of her life when she is called down from the audience to be reunited with her long lost sister, a glamorous soap star from the US, Pat Bedford.
At first Pat rejects Margaret and even denies that they are related. As the film goes on details of a tough and unloving childhood come out, as well as the reason Pat ran away in the first place. This might sound quite dark and serious, but Victoria Wood's excellence in comedy writing manages to lighten the mood. The film flows really well and has some amazing comic scenes away from the main plot. Thora Hird is one to look out for in some of these scenes which she manages to steal with a look or just a few words. The ending of Pat & Margaret is wonderful and actually quite uplifting.
For those who know Victoria Wood's work well, you'll notice the beginnings of what perhaps was the influence for her later BBC sitcom Dinnerladies - many of the same cast, and a fairly similar kind of location and setting.
Victoria Wood was known to be a perfectionist, and for good reason - she produced outstanding comedy and drama. This is no exception.
This 1994 TV film is absolutely fantastic and features many actors she often liked to use in her productions - Julie Walters, Celia Imrie, Duncan Preston and so on. They just work brilliantly with the characters and scripts Victoria wrote.
For those who haven't seen Pat and Margaret, the story follows motorway services waitress Margaret Mottershead who goes with her colleagues and friends on a trip to London to watch a "Surprise Surprise" style TV show. Little does she know that she is going to get the surprise of her life when she is called down from the audience to be reunited with her long lost sister, a glamorous soap star from the US, Pat Bedford.
At first Pat rejects Margaret and even denies that they are related. As the film goes on details of a tough and unloving childhood come out, as well as the reason Pat ran away in the first place. This might sound quite dark and serious, but Victoria Wood's excellence in comedy writing manages to lighten the mood. The film flows really well and has some amazing comic scenes away from the main plot. Thora Hird is one to look out for in some of these scenes which she manages to steal with a look or just a few words. The ending of Pat & Margaret is wonderful and actually quite uplifting.
For those who know Victoria Wood's work well, you'll notice the beginnings of what perhaps was the influence for her later BBC sitcom Dinnerladies - many of the same cast, and a fairly similar kind of location and setting.
Victoria Wood was known to be a perfectionist, and for good reason - she produced outstanding comedy and drama. This is no exception.
Walters and Wood: A great combo!
gee-1510 April 2022
This film written by Victoria Wood and starring Wood and pal, Julie Walters, is about two sisters long separated who come together after many years. Walters plays a snobbish temperamental actress and Wood plays a frumpy fish and chips worker. It's definitely not overplotted as the narrative meanders between the two characters and their friends and coworkers. Ultimately, Pat and Margaret go searching for the mother that both neglected and abandoned them (for reasons I won't go into here). Pat and Margaret predictably bond but their gradual reconciliation, while heart warming, is decidedly unsentimental. But the prize of this movie is the writing. Pop in at any point in the film and you'll be delighted with how unique Wood's writing style is: it's funny, articulate and very niche. If you're not British and haven't been exposed to Wood's humor before, you'll probably be a little lost. Wood, sadly gone now, had a deserved reputation for sharing the spotlight with her fellow actors and you see this tendency in the film. Interestingly, this leads to my only criticism: Wood is so generous that we end up spending almost too much time away from the two main actresses and more time than necessary with side characters. But it's an excellent film that I wish more could see.
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