The Queen’s Gambit. US. Netflix

What a gem this show is! It didn’t hurt that the young Beth looked pretty close to the way I looked as a 9-year-old and in the same time frame (yes, I was a child of the ‘50s). Based on a 1983 novel written by Walter Tevis, these seven episodes encompass main character Elizabeth Harmon’s life from the 1950’s through 1968. After losing her mother due to a car crash (her father was out of the picture by that time), Beth is sent to an orphanage. Initially an outcast, she eventually makes friends with fellow orphan Jolene. She also learns how to play chess, her teacher being the custodian, Mr. Shaibel. From these humble beginnings, Beth becomes a master chess player. Her journey from the orphanage to a prestigious chess tournament in Russia involves adoption, addiction, and ultimately self-discovery. The cast is primo, the atmosphere spot on. And there’s positive message through it all. Wonderful.

🎥 🎥 🎥 🎥+

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