'Timeless' BBC period drama adaptation is 'better than the original'

Fans have hailed this forgotten BBC period drama as being "better than the source material", and it is free to stream right now.

Lady Chatterley's Lover is a British historical romantic drama television film that premiered in 2015 on the BBC. It stars Holliday Grainger, Richard Madden and James Norton and is an adaptation by Jed Mercurio of D. H. Lawrence's novel of the same name, which was published in 1928. Lady Chatterley's Lover is part of a series of four literary adaptations by the BBC, including Laurie Lee's Cider With Rosie, L. P. Hartley's The Go-Between and J. B. Priestley's play An Inspector Calls.

The film's synopsis reads: "In 1913, a woman marries into wealth. When her husband returns from the Great War disabled and needing constant care, the woman finds her passion and lust when she meets a handsome former miner, meaning she must choose between two different futures."

The film adaptation has been referenced as being the best of the various versions to exist. One fan even described it as "being better" than the original book. They said: "An adaptation that is better than the source material. Lady Chatterley's Lover removes the cringe factor of the novel and, using fantastic actors such as Richard Madden and Holliday Grainger, manages to create a more compelling story. The characterisation and plot development were somewhat rushed due to the run-time, but it's an overall enjoyable watch for anyone who enjoys period dramas."

Another reviewer said: "The scenery is gorgeous! The fashions are beautiful! I liked this film. A great remake of a timeless story."

One fan wrote in their review: "Jed Mercurio's adaptation, exploring the class system in this version was brilliant. Richard Madden's portrayal of Oliver Mellors and his sexual escapades with Connie was tastefully done. I thoroughly enjoyed the cinématographe."

"The on-screen chemistry between Lady Chatterley & Mellors, portrayed by Holliday Grainger and Richard Madden respectively, had me hooked from their very first meeting. I found myself willing them to be together and was almost brought to tears on numerous occasions in the last 40 or so minutes of the show," another added.

Lady Chatterley's Lover is available to stream on U.