A Woman of Substance

A Woman of Substance

Year: 1000

Runtime: 285 mins

Language: English

Director: Don Sharp

Drama

An emotionally charged dynastic saga tracing Emma Harte’s rise from a kitchen maid at the turn of the twentieth century to a respected businesswoman and grandmother by the 1980s. Beginning with a modest shop, she relentlessly expands her retail empire, diversifies into Leeds’s booming textile industry, and builds a legacy of poverty‑to‑prosperity, passion and power.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – A Woman of Substance (1000)

Trace every key event in A Woman of Substance (1000) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Emma's teenage beginnings at Fairley Hall

Emma begins as a teen servant at Fairley Hall in rural Yorkshire, living with her father and brothers. The work exposes her to both hardship and ambition that will drive her later rise. These early days seed her resolve to build a business empire.

early 20th century Fairley Hall, Yorkshire
2

Emma becomes pregnant by Edwin Fairley and seeks a new life

Emma becomes romantically involved with Edwin Fairley and learns she is pregnant. Edwin refuses to marry her, pushing Emma to face a difficult future on her own. Following Blackie O'Neill's advice, she moves away and presents herself as married to a sailor to protect her prospects.

early 20th century Yorkshire (Fairley Hall)
3

Emma relocates, meets the Kallinskis and Laura Spencer, starts new work

Seeking a fresh start, Emma relocates and keeps the pregnancy quiet. She meets Abraham Kallinski, who offers her a job in his textile business, changing her fortunes. Through Laura Spencer, she moves into a new circle, starts a job at Thompson's Mill, and soon gives birth to her daughter Edwina.

early 20th century Armley, Leeds
4

Emma's shop empire begins in Armley

Emma struggles initially but becomes a shrewd entrepreneur. After two jobs for a year, she rents a shop in Armley selling fabrics, clothing, and luxury foods. The business quickly grows, and she expands to three stores, marking a decisive turn from employee to business owner.

early 20th century Armley, Leeds
5

Gerald arrives, Emma marries for protection, and has Kit

Edwin's vile brother Gerald arrives, threatening to expose Emma and end her child’s existence. Emma refuses to surrender her child and, for safety, marries her landlord Joe Lowther. They have a son named Kit, adding a new branch to her growing family.

early 20th century Armley / Fairley Hall area
6

Emma partners with the Kallinskis; WWI strikes; tragedy for Laura

Emma forms a formal partnership with Abraham Kallinski and his family. Her private life remains troubled as Joe is killed in the Battle of the Somme and Laura dies in childbirth, leaving Emma to raise Bryan. These losses begin to harden her resolve to weather future storms.

1916-1917 UK; WWI era
7

Emma falls for Paul McGill; marriage to Arthur Ainsley; twins born

Emma falls in love with Australian Army officer Paul McGill during the war. After Paul returns to his wife, Emma marries Arthur Ainsley and they have twins, Robin and Elizabeth. Paul returns again, and after revealing he had tried to write, Emma and Paul's liaison continues; she eventually divorces Arthur after Daisy is born.

late 1910s - early 1920s England
8

Emma buys the Fairleys' holdings and plans a park

Now rich and powerful, Emma buys the Fairleys' holdings including Fairley Hall, with plans to demolish it for a public park. This act cements her rivalry with the Fairley family and reasserts her control over the region. The acquisition shows how far she has come from humble beginnings.

1930s-1940s Yorkshire, Fairley Hall
9

Paul's return trip to Australia; car crash and suicide

In February 1939, Paul travels to Australia to ask for a divorce. He is nearly killed in a car crash but survives; he dies within a year and leaves a revised will granting Emma and Daisy the bulk of his assets. He then commits suicide following these revelations.

February 1939 Australia
10

Emma sustains her empire through the war years

Emma endures the shocks of war and personal losses while continuing to grow her business empire. Her children marry and start their own families, expanding the Harte fortune despite the upheavals. Her resilience cements her status as a formidable business powerhouse.

1939-1940s UK
11

Generations grow; Paula emerges as heir

Emma's descendants multiply: Edwina, Kit, and Robin have children; Elizabeth has four; Daisy has two, including Paula. The family lineage expands the Harte fortune and keeps the legacy alive across generations. The seeds planted by Emma bloom into a sprawling dynasty.

Mid-20th century UK
12

80th birthday and will reshuffle; Paula inherits Harte's

Back in 1970, Emma gathers her family for her 80th birthday and reveals a radical will. She disinherits her children, leaving everything to her grandchildren, with Daisy receiving the house and her father's sapphires. Paula is named heir to the Harte's Department Store chain, and the others accept £1 million each while promising not to contest.

1970 Yorkshire estate

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 16:00

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A Woman of Substance Summary

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A Woman of Substance Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Woman of Substance

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Woman of Substance

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