LIKE its predecessor Jean de Florette (which was shown last week), Manon des Sources (Pearl, 11.35pm) is full of sumptuous photography, Provencal landscapes and spectacular performances.
Gerard Depardieu does not reappear, but there is the bonus of Emanuelle Beart as the beautiful young shepherdess of the title.
She is given very little to do except be an object of desire, but she is at least easy on the eyes.
Manon des Sources is an admirable though traditional piece of entertainment.
It starts 10 years after the death of the hunchback Jean de Florette (Depardieu in part one), during which time his old land has been turned into a profitable carnation nursery.
Together Jean De Florette and Manon earned eight Cesars (the equivalent of French Oscars).