Woman's Hour - Weekend Woman's Hour

Highlights of this week's Woman's Hour programmes with Jane Garvey. Including: Actress Michelle Pfeiffer on her latest film Cheri, which explores the luxurious world of the courtesan in Paris at the turn of the 19th century. Many of the courtesans in this period became so famed for their beauty, wit and expertise in the art of love-making that they were able to amass large fortunes from the Dukes and Princes who sought their favours. Michelle plays one of the most successful of the courtesans. Coinciding with the 250th anniversary in 2009 of the birth of the feminist and thinker Mary Wollstonecraft, Jenni Murray discusses what influence the author of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman has on today's feminists. Jenni talks to writer Fay Weldon about the lasting impact of The Women's Room, the novel for which late Marilyn French is best remembered. Published in 1977, it sold some 20 million copies worldwide, and told the story of Mira, who escaped a dull and restrictive marriage for a university education. It contained the famous line 'All men are rapists' and has been voted one of the tope five most influential books in a Woman's Hour poll. There are a record number of legal disputes over family inheritance. Sheila McClennon hears from listeners whose families have been torn apart by money. She also hears what is the best course of action is to avoid future fall outs. As one male judge is about to retire from the US supreme court - are there any women who should replace him? Plus award-winning soprano Kate Royal.