The BBC Dramatization of Honore de Balzac's Novel About the Fury of a Woman Scorned.

In this acclaimed drama seen on Masterpiece Theatre in the 1970s, Margaret Tyzack (The Forsyte Saga) stars as Balzac's furious spinster with Helen Mirren (Prime Suspect) as the beautiful young siren who helps her lure men to their ruin.

Born plain and poor, Bette Fischer endures her lot, until her wealthy cousin's family steals her only treasure - the young sculptor she has taken under her wing. Joining forces with the ambitious, greedy, and alluring Valeria Marneffe, Bette vows to have her revenge and sets out to ruin the family be exploiting the sexual appetites of the men and the naiveté of the women.

Also starring Colin Baker (Doctor Who), Thorley Walters (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy), and Ursula Howells (The Cazalets).