A made for TV movie, this little gem, made under the Hallmark banner, follows a tried and tested formula; young woman engaged to unsuitable suitor realises, after a period of soul-searching and real-life examples of following one's heart, that her future lies in her home town with a good man who will treasure every moment in her company.
Daniel's dutiful daughter is Cate Madighan (Laura Leighton), editor-in-chief of Perfect magazine, returning to her childhood home to settle her late father's estate, despite his having maintained radio silence for the past twenty years. This requires taking time out from planning her wedding to high-powered executive, Stewart (Barry Flatman), who diarises their every move and views their marriage as a business merger rather than the union of soul mates we know Cate deserves.
Thank goodness for the arrival of Conner Bailey (Sebastian Spence) who hits on Cate during her first visit to the local hostelry, unaware that she is Promised To Another. (I should point out that my co-viewers have indicated they would cheerfully throw over any number of fiancés for the chance of getting their mitts on Mr Spence, but that is by the by.)
Cate's PA/confidante Jeffrey (Brandon Firla), accompanies her to the charming backwater, and although he initially balks at the rustic interior decor and is wary of his colleague's attraction to Conner, eventually discovers the joys of the local antique store and hand-crafted soft furnishings. He's also the voice of reason when Cate appears to be settling for cold-blooded New York executive instead of warm-hearted small town attorney.
Local colour is provided by Cate's old friend Fiona (Kelli Fox) and her rambunctious family and Donahue and Cavanaugh (Martin Doyle and Derek McGrath), Daniel's erstwhile band mates whose feud, also of twenty years' standing, threatens to derail the memorial service Cate has planned. Fortunately, a disagreement that seemed to require the services of a professional mediator is finally resolved with a quiet word in the pub, thanks to Conner.
Daniel's Daughter is a simple story of likeable characters, a photogenic, autumnal setting and a happy ending, which in times like these, may be what we all need.
Daniel's dutiful daughter is Cate Madighan (Laura Leighton), editor-in-chief of Perfect magazine, returning to her childhood home to settle her late father's estate, despite his having maintained radio silence for the past twenty years. This requires taking time out from planning her wedding to high-powered executive, Stewart (Barry Flatman), who diarises their every move and views their marriage as a business merger rather than the union of soul mates we know Cate deserves.
Thank goodness for the arrival of Conner Bailey (Sebastian Spence) who hits on Cate during her first visit to the local hostelry, unaware that she is Promised To Another. (I should point out that my co-viewers have indicated they would cheerfully throw over any number of fiancés for the chance of getting their mitts on Mr Spence, but that is by the by.)
Cate's PA/confidante Jeffrey (Brandon Firla), accompanies her to the charming backwater, and although he initially balks at the rustic interior decor and is wary of his colleague's attraction to Conner, eventually discovers the joys of the local antique store and hand-crafted soft furnishings. He's also the voice of reason when Cate appears to be settling for cold-blooded New York executive instead of warm-hearted small town attorney.
Local colour is provided by Cate's old friend Fiona (Kelli Fox) and her rambunctious family and Donahue and Cavanaugh (Martin Doyle and Derek McGrath), Daniel's erstwhile band mates whose feud, also of twenty years' standing, threatens to derail the memorial service Cate has planned. Fortunately, a disagreement that seemed to require the services of a professional mediator is finally resolved with a quiet word in the pub, thanks to Conner.
Daniel's Daughter is a simple story of likeable characters, a photogenic, autumnal setting and a happy ending, which in times like these, may be what we all need.