Reviews Written By: A2Z13QAST1E7Q9provided by Amazon.com |
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 | On The Ballykissangel Trail | |
 | "45 Minutes of Disappointinly Little Substance" | 2007-01-03 |
| This 45-minute behind-the-scenes dvd features brief anecdotes from Kieran Prendiville, the creator and main writer of Ballykissangel, and from the actors who portrayed Niamh, Siobhan, Kathleen, Liam, Donal, Father MacAnally, and Oonagh and Paul Dooley. The actors talk briefly about what it was like doing the series, its success, why they thought it was cancelled, and so on. The focus, however, is very much on the impact the series has had on Avoca (ie. Ballykissangel), what with busloads of tourists and bumper-to-bumper traffic flowing through the town on a daily basis. There is the odd brief comment by a few of the local residents--like the local priest, for example--about the filming of the series and its impact. Equally, the dvd focuses to a large extent on the success of the series internationally, with the actors expressing both pleasure and amazement, as well as the odd attempt to reason why. Interspersed were a good many brief responses from visitors in the streets (mostly foreigners) expressing their love for the show. Usually in a programme such as this, 45 minutes would fly by. I did not find that to be the case here. Unfortunately, there was substantively actually very little. Oh, there were a few interesting anecdotes--like the real Hendley's store carrying on business even while filming was going on (the real customers just used a back entrance), or Dierdre Donnelly (Siobhan) jabbing herself with a needle whilst learning how to handle the animals. There was also a very brief tribute to the late Tony Doyle (Brian Quigley), who died of a heart attack. However, with the actors each expressing similar views regarding the success of the series or its impact on Avoca, and with the many interspersions of visitors praising the series, there was quite a bit of repetition content-wise. Most disappointing of all, however, was the "tour" (if one can call it that) Joe Savino (Liam) takes us on of Avoca. This had the potential to be quite interesting, but it was extremely poorly filmed. As Savino walked through the town and told us what was what, the camera was focused almost entirely on his face, with the occasional arm thrown in as he pointed out a particular landmark. If lucky, the viewer would get a brief glimpse at the landmark to which he pointed, but it was usually filmed too closely to get any real sense of the object's perspective with respect to its location within the town. The final thing worth mentioning are the "15 minutes of bonus interviews" touted on the back cover. With five minutes per actor (and that includes a brief opening and closing segment for each), what one actually gets is a repetition of all the little anecdotes that were interspersed throughout the 45-minute programme by Aine Ni Mhuiri (Kathleen), Deirdre Donnelly (Siobhan), and Joe Savino (Liam). Unbelievably, Savino's segment included that same painful "tour" of Avoca! Though I started off rather enjoying this little dvd, my level of enjoyment tapered off quite rapidly for the reasons mentioned. While it was nice to see a few of the actors chatting about the show, the dvd itself was not well produced and quite amateurishly filmed. The really disappointing thing is that it didn't have to be like this. Ballykissangel was such a sweet series, and with all the participation from Prendiville and so many of the actors, this dvd had the potential to be really good. | ||
 | Enemy at the Door - Series 1 | |
 | "Outstanding British WW2 Period Drama!" | 2006-09-04 |
| Set during WW2 on the German-occupied British Channel Island of Guernsey, just a few miles off the coast of France, Enemy at the Door is a compelling, gripping, riveting period drama. I am not a huge fan myself of military drama in general; however, this series captivated our entire family to the point where we eagerly awaited each successive episode. The series was produced between 1977 and 1980, and it is of the same ilk as Upstairs Downstairs, The Duchess of Duke Street (both of which took place in part during the first world war), and Danger UXB. In short, if you've enjoyed any of those series, you will certainly enjoy this one--whether or not you have a particular interest in military drama.
Like the aforementioned shows, Enemy at the Door deals with the subject of war (and in this case the occupation) from a very human and personal perspective; in short, it is not a show about tactics, manoeuvres, and the war from a military perspective. The series centres around the lives of two families: The Martels and the Porteouses. Firstly, there is Dr. Martel, the local physician who is involved in committee work and bridges the gap between the islanders and the governing Germans. Martel is joined by his wife and his strong-willed, fiercely anti-German daughter, Clare. The Martels also have a son, Clive, a British soldier off fighting in the war. The Porteous household consists of Peter, a young farmer and close friend of the Martels who's eager to do his bit as a loyal Brit despite living in occupied territory, and Peter's wheelchair-bound mother. Each episode is a complete, independent story, though there is, as one would expect, carry through of the underlying stories as the war progresses. Other characters come and go, some to be seen only for one episode. Though the series revolves around the islanders and their plights and predicaments, there are a few high-ranking German officers who are also regulars. Most notably, the man in charge of governing the island, and Dr. Martel's liaison, is Major Richter, a stern but relatively fair man. He's in an unenviable position, forced to make decisions requiring the wisdom of Solomon at times. Then there is the chief of police, Oberleutnant Kluge. A shrewd and very capable bloodhound, he's a hard man who will stand for no nonsense, neither from the islanders nor from the German soldiers. Things get particularly tense, however, whenever the elite German SS get involved, and their presence on the island is represented by the cruel, devious, and hard-as-nails Reinicke. Reinicke is Hitler's man, and whilst Richter, as head of the military unit on the island, is technically Reinicke's superior, Reinicke is dangerous and not a man to be crossed. Ironically, though the enemy of the Germans is technically the native island population, one cannot help feeling that the real enemy of the German military is the SS. Both this boxed set and the second one consist of thirteen 50-minute episodes each, for a total of 26 episodes. The series bears some similarity to the recently produced Island at War, and certainly if you've enjoyed Island at War you will enjoy Enemy at the Door. Further, you needn't worry (as I did) that this series may be somewhat repetitious. There are some similarities, but only initially (ie. in the first two or three episodes). More to the point, although I saw Island at War prior to Enemy at the Door and although I enjoyed the former series (brief though it was), I have no hesitation in saying that I greatly preferred Enemy at the Door. Like Upstairs Downstairs or Danger UXB, what this series may lack in slick production values it more than makes up for in quality. In short, this is an impeccably-acted, compelling, riveting series with tightly-written, well-crafted storylines that keep a person glued to the show from start to finish, and with 26 episodes the series has been given the necessary time to really develop. I only wish there'd been even more episodes made! I recommend Enemy at the Door extremely highly to all fans of the very best in period drama, British or otherwise. | ||
 | Upstairs, Downstairs - Collector's Edition Megaset (The Complete Series plus Thomas and Sarah) | |
| "One of the Best British Period Dramas of All Time!" | 2006-08-17 |
| It is no exaggeration to say that this classic early 70's British period drama is one of the all-time best series of its sort ever produced. With sixty-eight 50-minute episodes, the series covers a time span of nearly 30 years (from early Edwardian England in 1903, through the horrors of the First World War, and on into the Roaring 20s, finally concluding with 1929's stock market crash). The setting is the household of the Bellamy family at 165 Eaton Place, London. Upstairs live Richard Bellamy, MP, and his beautiful, aristocratic wife, Lady Margery. The Bellamys have two adult children, Captain James and Elizabeth, who come and go much like a recurring motif (though recurring nightmare might be more appropriate, for they are the source of much grief (albeit unintended) for their society parents). I don't wish to give the storylines, scandals and surprises away. Suffice it to say that as the series progress, there are lovers, marriages, births and deaths (not to mention the arrival of a beautiful young niece) which impact on the relationships and alter the composition of the group above stairs. Downstairs we are privy to the lives of the servants in the Bellamy household. First and foremost is the devout, inflexible and regimental head butler, Angus Hudson, the staff overlord. Then there is the curmudgeonly but good-hearted cook, Mrs. Bridges. Other memorable characters include the efficient but sheltered head house/parlour maid, Rose Buck; the religious but simple footman, Alfred; his successor, the good-natured Edward, who has an eye for the female staff; the not-overly-bright scullery maid, Emily, and her successor and intellectual equal, Ruby; and Lady Margery's prim and snobbish lady's maid, Miss Roberts. Of course, one simply cannot forget the sassy, vivacious new under house/parlour maid, Sarah (Pauline Collins), who is a real dreamer and schemer and who, like a bad penny, turns up on the Bellamys' doorstep periodically during the first two series, or the new capable-but-just-as-conniving chauffeur, Thomas (Collins' real-life husband, John Alderton), who is nobody's fool! Like the family upstairs, the downstairs "family" too has its share of comings and goings, what with lovers, marriages, deaths, hirings, and firings. This boxed set includes the 1979 spin-off series entitled Thomas and Sarah (thirteen 50-minute episodes), which chronicles the adventures and misadventures of those two memorable miscreants after they leave the Bellamy's employ. Unlike Upstairs Downstairs, which is fairly high drama infused with a spattering comic relief here and there, Thomas and Sarah is very much a comedy-drama. With Sarah's penchant for foreign accents and tale-telling and the conniving and entrepreneurial spirit that both characters embody, the stage is set for some thoroughly enjoyable vignettes. Most of the episodes involve the couple trying their hands (and luck) at something new--like running a match-making agency, working in a boys' school, working as magicians, and so on. For all their efforts, however, they always seem to find themselves skint--and thus the need for another enterprise (and hence another enjoyable episode!). The only thing less than satisfactory is the "conclusion" of the final episode, which left me wondering whether or not a second series was at least anticipated. But that's is a minor quibble, for this is a series to be watched for the sheer enjoyment of the journey. One final dvd bonus is the enjoyable and informative 50-minute 25th Anniversary Special, which was produced around 1998 and includes remembrances by many of the surviving actors (including James, Elizabeth, Rose, Edward, Daisy, and Ruby). In conclusion, Upstairs Downstairs is quite simply an outstanding dramatic series. It is compelling, captivating, and often thought-provoking; and if you enjoy a dramatic series with lots of "goings on," scandal, and so forth, you'll enjoy it all the more! The inclusion of Thomas and Sarah is a delightful, light-hearted, entertaining bonus, and I highly, HIGHLY recommend this boxed set to all fans of the very best in British period drama. | ||
 | Upstairs Downstairs - The Complete Series Megaset | |
| "An Outstanding British Period Drama!" | 2006-08-13 |
| It is no exaggeration to say that this classic early 70's British period drama is one of the all-time best series of its sort ever produced. The series covers a time span of nearly 30 years (from early Edwardian England in 1903, through the horrors of the First World War and the Roaring 20s, finally concluding with 1929's stock market crash). The setting is the household of the Bellamy family at 165 Eaton Place, London. Upstairs live Richard Bellamy, MP, and his beautiful, aristocratic wife, Lady Margery. The Bellamys have two adult children, Captain James and Elizabeth, who come and go much like a recurring motif (though recurring nightmare might be more appropriate, for they are the source of much grief (albeit unintended) for their society parents). I don't wish to give the storylines, scandals and surprises away. Suffice it to say that as the series progress, there are lovers, marriages, births and deaths (not to mention the arrival of a beautiful young niece) which impact on the relationships and alter the composition of the group above stairs. Downstairs we are privy to the lives of the servants in the Bellamy household. First and foremost is the devout, inflexible and regimental head butler, Angus Hudson, the staff overlord. Then there is the curmudgeonly but good-hearted cook, Mrs. Bridges. Other memorable characters include the efficient but sheltered head house/parlour maid, Rose Buck; the religious but simple footman, Alfred; his successor, the good-natured Edward, who has something of an eye for the female staff; the not-overly-bright scullery maid, Emily, and her successor and intellectual equal, Ruby; and Lady Margery's prim and snobbish lady's maid, Miss Roberts. Of course, one simply cannot forget the sassy, vivacious new under house/parlour maid, Sarah (Pauline Collins), who is a real dreamer and schemer, or the new chauffeur, Thomas (John Alderton--Collins' real-life husband), who is nobody's fool! Like the family upstairs, the downstairs "family" too has its share of comings and goings, what with lovers, marriages, deaths, hirings, and firings. The boxed set contains all five series (with a total of 68 episodes). Series one and two cover the Edwardian period from 1903 to King Edward's death in 1910. There is little change in the household throughout these two series, and although the entire series is spectacular, these first two sets are my favourite. Series three covers the period from 1912 to the start of WWI. Series four covers the war (1914-1918), and its depiction of the realities of war from the human standpoint is unsurpassed, making series four a very, very strong series indeed. Series five covers the twenties. In conclusion, this is quite simply an outstanding dramatic series. I would, in fact, go so far as to say that it is required viewing for anyone who enjoys first-rate period drama. But its appeal is broad enough to be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys compelling, captivating, and often thought-provoking drama; and if you enjoy a dramatic series with lots of "goings on," scandal, and so forth, you'll enjoy it all the more! It's a large set, but it's well worth taking a chance on. I simply cannot imagine anyone not enjoying it. Those who've enjoyed Upstairs Downstairs will surely want to check out The Duchess of Duke Street (both of which were produced by John Hawkesworth). | ||
 | Thick As Thieves | |
 | "A Cute, Light Britcom" | 2006-07-05 |
| With theme music reminiscent of something written by the Partridge Family, Thick as Thieves is a light, enjoyable, little-known britcom from the early 1970s. Bob Hoskins stars as George Dobbs ("Dobbsy" as he's known to his mates), a thief who, as the series opens, has just been released from prison--only to find out that his wife, in the interim, has fallen in love and shacked up with his best friend and partner in crime, Stan (played by the late John Thaw (Inspector Morse--who would've been in his early thirties here and who sadly died of throat cancer in 2002)). Problems arise when George returns home only to find that his wife, Annie, has no intention of giving the elbow to Stan, who's been a real handyman during George's absence, doing a lot of repairs and odd jobs that would never have gotten done otherwise; actually, one gets the feeling they wouldn't have gotten done even if George hadn't been in prison! As one can imagine, jealousy rears its head frequently as Stan and George each want to be Annie's number one, and the situations that arise are often of the "three's a crowd" variety. The dvd set contains the entire series, which consists of eight 25-minute episodes. The series, which is serial in nature, was written by veteran comedy writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais (Porridge, Auf Wiedersehen Pet; La Frenais (sans Clement) was the screenwriter for the Lovejoy series). If you are familiar with and have enjoyed Clement and La Frenais' other works (particularly Porridge, which is the only other half-hour britcom mentioned and which is the most similar in style and tone to this one), then you may wish to give this one a try. Some episodes are better than others, of course, but all in all it's well-acted and features a strong (though small) cast. Recommended to fans of British comedy--particularly to those who enjoy the older comedies and who are looking for something they've not seen before. | ||
 | Wire in the Blood - Complete First Season | |
| "British Crime Drama at its Very Best!" | 2006-01-07 |
| Based on the novels by Val McDermid, Wire in the Blood is a gritty, rivetting, suspenseful psychological crime drama; it is also, without a doubt, one of the best series of that genre around. Robson Green (Touching Evil, Reckless, Me & Mrs. Jones, The Student Prince, The Gambling Man, Grafters, Soldier Soldier) stars as Dr. Tony Hill, a clinical psychologist who moonlights as a criminal profiler for the police. Tony is brilliant in his ability to gain insights into the criminal mind, but his brilliance comes at a cost, compensated as it is by an equal degree of social ineptitude. Like an absent-minded professor, Tony has a mind so focused that he easily becomes oblivious to his surroundings and to those around him. It doesn't help matters that he talks to himself or that he finds it helpful to physically act out various aspects of the crime in question--things that are best NOT done in a public place! Though the storylines are very serious--even chilling--the very nature of Tony's character provides the occasional welcome moment of lightness and humour. Those familiar with Robson Green will know that this is the type of character at which he excels--characters which are, at the very least, just a little bit odd. Tony's connection with the police is via Detective Chief Inspector Carol Jordan (Hermione Norris--Cold Feet's Karen Marsden), a shrewd, hard-working cop, who is well aware of Tony's brilliant mind and of his value to the police. There exists almost from the start--and always beneath the surface--a mutual attraction between Tony and Carol, and it is here that Tony most poignantly feels his lack of social skills. There are, at the time of writing, two sets on dvd (with set three due for release in February 2006). Set one contains three episodes (each presented as two back-to-back 50 minute episodes); set two contains four 100-minute episodes. DVD extras on set one are limited to brief text-based bios, but set two consists of interesting and informative interviews with Robson Green, Hermion Norris, author Val McDermid, and the production team. Though this is a series, each episode is movie length, and I would challenge anyone to find a Hollywood crime drama as good as any one of the episodes in this outstanding series. If you enjoy top quality, impeccably-acted, gritty, dark, intelligent psychological crime drama which draws the viewer right in--shows like BBC's Waking the Dead, for example--you will definitely enjoy this series, and I recommend both sets without hesitation. I enjoyed the series so much that I bought McDermid's latest Tony Hill novel, The Torment of Others (2004), which I also thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. Personally, I can't wait for the release of set three, and I hope Koch Vision continues to release future sets as they become available! Very highly recommended! | ||
 | Wire in the Blood - The Complete First Season (The Mermaids Singing / Shadows Rising / Justice Painted Blind) | |
| "British Crime Drama at its Very Best!" | 2006-01-07 |
| Based on the novels by Val McDermid, Wire in the Blood is a gritty, rivetting, suspenseful psychological crime drama; it is also, without a doubt, one of the best series of that genre around. Robson Green (Touching Evil, Reckless, Me & Mrs. Jones, The Student Prince, The Gambling Man, Grafters, Soldier Soldier) stars as Dr. Tony Hill, a clinical psychologist who moonlights as a criminal profiler for the police. Tony is brilliant in his ability to gain insights into the criminal mind, but his brilliance comes at a cost, compensated as it is by an equal degree of social ineptitude. Like an absent-minded professor, Tony has a mind so focused that he easily becomes oblivious to his surroundings and to those around him. It doesn't help matters that he talks to himself or that he finds it helpful to physically act out various aspects of the crime in question--things that are best NOT done in a public place! Though the storylines are very serious--even chilling--the very nature of Tony's character provides the occasional welcome moment of lightness and humour. Those familiar with Robson Green will know that this is the type of character at which he excels--characters which are, at the very least, just a little bit odd. Tony's connection with the police is via Detective Chief Inspector Carol Jordan (Hermione Norris--Cold Feet's Karen Marsden), a shrewd, hard-working cop, who is well aware of Tony's brilliant mind and of his value to the police. There exists almost from the start--and always beneath the surface--a mutual attraction between Tony and Carol, and it is here that Tony most poignantly feels his lack of social skills. There are, at the time of writing, two sets on dvd (with set three due for release in February 2006). Set one contains three episodes (each presented as two back-to-back 50 minute episodes); set two contains four 100-minute episodes. DVD extras on set one are limited to brief text-based bios, but set two consists of interesting and informative interviews with Robson Green, Hermion Norris, author Val McDermid, and the production team. Though this is a series, each episode is movie length, and I would challenge anyone to find a Hollywood crime drama as good as any one of the episodes in this outstanding series. If you enjoy top quality, impeccably-acted, gritty, dark, intelligent psychological crime drama which draws the viewer right in--shows like BBC's Waking the Dead, for example--you will definitely enjoy this series, and I recommend both sets without hesitation. I enjoyed the series so much that I bought McDermid's latest Tony Hill novel, The Torment of Others (2004), which I also thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. Personally, I can't wait for the release of set three, and I hope Koch Vision continues to release future sets as they become available! Very highly recommended! | ||
 | Two's Company | |
| "Absolutely Superb!" | 2005-08-04 |
| Set in London, Two's Company is a thoroughly enjoyable mid-70's britcom about a loud, abrasive, bossy, opinionated but very shrewd and quick-witted American mystery writer named Dorothy McNab who hires a snooty, pompous and equally opinionated, shrewd, and quick-witted butler named Robert. Robert's air of superiority and his disdain of Americans are almost more than Dorothy can bear at times--indeed such insubordination would result in most servants getting the sack. Robert, however, is an extremely capable butler; what's more, he is very possibly the best cook in London--and he knows it. With two such strong--not to mention intelligent--personalities sharing one house, the stage is set for some terrific battles as each tries to outfox the other. This isn't a show that relies heavily on visual humour--so one ought not to expect to find many pratfalls. Rather, this is a show which is satisfyingly witty with lots of delicious verbal sparring. This disc consists of six 25-minute episodes which comprise the complete first series. At the time of writing, there are three series available, with series two and three each consisting of eight 25-minute episodes. All three series are equally superb, and I suggest giving series one a try; if you enjoy it, then go ahead and get the rest of the series, as you'll enjoy them just as much. In short, there's nothing off-colour or offensive here, and personally, this is a series that has quickly become one of our family's favourites--one which we're already in the process of rewatching! It is one of the more intelligent britcoms, and it is one which I would certainly recommend to anyone who enjoys the better-known classic britcoms and is looking for something "new". | ||
 | At Home with the Braithwaites - The Complete First Series | |
| "A First-Rate British Comedy-Drama!" | 2005-06-15 |
| This boxed set contains the complete first series (six 50-minute episodes from 2000) of what is a fast-paced, hilarious, mildly suspenseful comedy-drama. The series centres around Alison Braithwaite (Amanda Redman--New Tricks, Hope and Glory), a middle-aged housewife who wins 38 million pounds on the lottery. The problems begin when she decides not to tell her family, who (save for Charlotte, her youngest daughter) are a materialistic, petty, and less-than-responsible lot. Though somewhat deceitful, her decision is understandable. What we quickly discover, however, is that this is not the only deception or secret kept by a member of this family. Alison's husband (Peter Davison--All Creatures Great and Small, The Last Detective, Campion)--unbeknownst to her or anyone else--has been having an affair with his secretary, whilst eldest daughter Virginia is a flighty, closet homosexual besotted with the next-door neighbour (an attractive but vain, self-centred actress). All this is revealed in the first episode, and as I don't want to give too much away, I will only say that as the series progresses, the deceptions and secrets multiply and the tension builds tremendously. The pace of this series reminds me of a rollercoaster ride. There are times when we coast (and have a chance to catch our breath), but for the most part it feels like we're careening downhill as everything seems to be spiralling out of control. We watched one episode of this series every Friday night, and never have I found it so hard to wait a week to watch the next episode. I have no idea what to expect with the second series, as the first one was so good, but I'm definitely looking forward to seeing it. And to think, I'd never even heard of this series prior to getting it and almost didn't get it! In conclusion, like Cold Feet (another excellent series), this is a modern comedy-drama and not appropriate for family viewing; but though for mature audiences, it's not a dirty show (like so many of the modern comedies put out by BBC nowadays). I highly, highly recommend At Home With The Braithwaites to anyone looking for a really entertaining, fast-paced, well-acted, funny, suspensy comedy-drama. The accents are not heavy, and whether one is a fan of British television in particular or not, it's certainly worth checking out. There are not many shows that are this entertaining, and I personally am very glad I took a chance on it. Very highly recommended! | ||
 | Thomas and Sarah | |
| "A Thoroughly Enjoyable "Spin Off" of a Classic Series!" | 2005-01-27 |
| Fans of Upstairs Downstairs (a series which I highly HIGHLY recommend, by the way) will be familiar with Sarah (Pauline Collins), the vivacious, conniving, mischievous, tale-telling under house/parlour maid who entered the Bellamys' employ in the first episode of that series, and who, like a bad penny, managed to turn up on the Bellamys' doorstep periodically during the first two series. Thomas (Collins' real-life husband, John Alderton) was the Bellamys' capable-but-just-as-conniving chauffeur. With a pregnant Sarah in tow, Thomas left the Bellamys' employ in order to start up his own garage, and we saw the last of those two characters at the end of the second series.
It is a good many months after their last appearance at 165 Eaton Place that this 1979 "spin off" commences. It really goes without saying that it is for fans of Upstairs Downstairs that Thomas and Sarah was made, and if you enjoyed the former series, the latter really is a must see. Unlike Upstairs Downstairs, which is fairly high drama infused with a spattering comic relief here and there, this series is very much a comedy-drama--and it is simply delightful. This series can best be described as a series of adventures and escapades in the lives of Thomas and Sarah, with (for the most part) each episode being a separate and complete (not to mention highly entertaining!) story. With Sarah's penchant for foreign accents and tale-telling and the conniving and entrepreneurial spirit that both characters embody, the stage is set for some thoroughly enjoyable vignettes. Most of the episodes involve the couple trying their hands (and luck) at something new--like running a match-making agency, working in a boys' school, working as magicians, and so on. For all their efforts, however, they always seem to find themselves skint--and thus the need for another enterprise (and hence another enjoyable episode!). The series consists of thirteen 50-minute episodes and features guest appearances by Thora Hird (In Loving Memory, Last of the Summer Wine), Nigel Hawthorne (Yes Minister, The Madness of King George), and Anton Rogers (Lillie, May to December), each of whom appears in an episode. As it stands, the only thing that was less than satisfactory was the "conclusion" (if one can call it that) of the final episode, concerning which I will say only this: There is ambiguity, and it is sufficient to leave me wondering whether or not a second series was anticipated. But please don't be dissuaded from seeing this superb series merely on that account, for this is a series to be watched for the sheer enjoyment of the journey. The conclusion notwithstanding, this was one of the most enjoyable series I have seen, and it had our entire family eagerly awaiting each episode to see what these two endearing miscreants were going to get up to next! It is a series which I recommend unhesitatingly and indeed very highly to fans of Upstairs Downstairs--particularly to those for whom Sarah and Thomas were favourite characters. | ||
 | To the Manor Born - The Complete Series | |
| "An Absolute Delight to Watch and Rewatch!" | 2005-01-06 |
| To the Manor Born is a thoroughly delightful Britcom co-starring Penelope Keith (Good Neighbours, Executive Stress, No Job for a Lady) as the snooty Audrey fforbes-Hamilton, a strong-willed, opinionated, blue-blood. The series opens with Audrey, the Lady of Grantleigh Manor, having been brought down a peg or two by the death of her husband, which has necessitated the sale of the Manor (resulting in her having to take up residence in the pokey little lodge on the grounds of the estate). As if having to leave her beloved Grantleigh isn't humiliation enough, Audrey is miffed by the fact that the new Lord of the Manor is a gauche, noveau-riche grocery store magnet--and a foreigner to boot--named Richard DeVere (Peter Bowles (Rumpole of the Bailey, The Irish R.M.)). Richard is a self-made man who, now that he's got the money, wishes to live the life of a landed, moneyed English gentleman. But he finds there's more--much more--involved than simply buying a beautiful old Manor, as Audrey is only too quick to point out. As a successful, practical businessman, Richard approaches life from a very different perspective than Audrey, who having lived a life of privilege has never had to work a day. The tension in the series arises from the radically different perspectives from which each approaches various local issues that arise, and the result is that the two are at loggerheads more often than not. But though Audrey is quick to criticise Richard's lack of taste and his vulgar, profit-oriented motives, he is a handsome and, for all his "faults", charming man, and we cannot help noticing a certain jealousy on Audrey's part with respect to other women--a jealousy Audrey herself may not even realise exists (and certainly would never admit to!). The most frequent "other woman" whose plans or aspirations are quashed by Audrey is her best friend, Marjory Frobisher, a dowdy, middle-aged spinster who's positively love-struck by Richard. As for Richard, though Audrey is a constant thorn in his side, thwarting his plans and finding fault with him at every turn, we do see in him a growing admiration and fondness despite himself. Though his feelings for her are sincere, it must be said that Audrey is the one person who has the class, the connections, and the ability to enable Richard to achieve the acceptance and respect that he, as the Lord of Grantleigh Manor, so desires. Richard's Czechoslovakian mother (whom Audrey affectionately dubs "Mrs. Pooh") recognises class (and the power and open doors that accompany it) when she sees it, and is constantly trying to coax Richard in Audrey's direction. The DVD set contains all twenty 30-minute episodes (which ran from 1979-1981). Special features include the 30-minute 1979 Christmas special (which should be watched after disc one), plus a 30-minute profile of Penelope Keith (1999), and a 9-minute segment with Peter Bowles discussing the turning point in his career (2000). In 1997, four new 30-minute audio episodes were written for radio (which was apparently the originally-intended medium for the series), all of which are included on the special features disc, and they are really a treat. Unfortunately, the role of Richard was not reprised by Peter Bowles; still, the episodes (which take place at a point in time prior to the last episodes in the television series) are just as good as those in the original series, and I personally had no trouble picturing the scenes and characters in my mind's eye. Finally, there are text-based bios. In conclusion, this thoroughly enjoyable, relaxing series is one of the gentler, cosy comedies, and it's one which I highly recommend to fans of British comedy. | ||
 | Class Act | |
| "A Thoroughly Entertaining British Comedy!" | 2004-12-16 |
| This is a thoroughly enjoyable, not to mention very, very funny British comedy. Two series were made (fourteen 50-minute episodes in all), and they're both here. The episode length may preclude this from being a Britcom, but it is sure to be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys shows typical of that genre. Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous) stars as self-centred, avaricious Kate Swift, a feisty, vain and very unsympathetic aristocrat, who has found herself cash-strapped since being shafted by her husband, Donald (who had his fingers in a number of less-than-legal pies!). You see, Donald has disappeared, apparently leaving Kate to weather the repercusions of his illegal ventures but without, alas, the consolation of the corresponding cash. Kate forms two unlikely alliances. Firstly, there's Jack Booker, an out-of-work, asthmatic journalist with a serious alcohol addiction. Jack is an absolutely hilarious character, a nervous coward whose claim to fame (if one can call it that) is that he revealed his sources. Secondly, there is Gloria, a gutsy, street-wise young Australian burglar who is more than capable of taking care of herself--in short, she's everything Jack isn't! Kate teams up with these two misfits and together they try to find out what happened to her beloved Donald and, more importantly, to his beloved cash. The earlier episodes often involve Kate crossing paths (though swords may be a more apt term!) with Donald's assorted underworld associates. In some cases, they'd like slice of Donald's now-nonexistent monetary pie; in others, it's Kate who wants her (ie. Donald's) share of what she feels is owed. The latter episodes often see Kate coming to the assistance of some friend or relative--even her old nanny. Regardless of the situation, money is at the heart of the episodes, and Kate will do whatever it takes to get her hands on some much-needed cash. In conclusion, this is a witty--at times hilarious--series which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend to all fans of British comedy. | ||
 | The Pallisers - The Complete Collection | |
| "A Superb British Period Drama!" | 2004-12-15 |
| The Pallisers is a 1974 BBC production based on Anthony Trollope's six-volume series of novels which takes place in the mid to late 1800s and covers more than 20 years. Where Trollope's Barchester series revolves around the church, his Palliser series revolves around the world of politics. Throughout the course of the series, one gains some familiarity with the political issues of the time--issues such as Irish tenant rights, the implementation of secret ballots, the abolition of rotten boroughs, the decimalization of the currency, and so on. If you're not particularly interested in politics or political history, you needn't worry, for the issues are not the focal point of the series. The show is primarily about individuals, their relationships with one another, and the scandals and intrigues that arise--we're even treated along the way to a murder and the ensuing court case. The series primarily follows the lives of wealthy Plantagenet Palliser (Philip Latham), a Member of Parliament for the Liberal Party, the heir to a dukedom, and a very serious, conscientious, and morally upright gentleman; and the beautiful, spirited, and wealthy Lady Glencora (Susan Hampshire (The Barchester Chronicles, The Forsyte Saga, The First Churchills, The Grand, The Monarch of the Glen))--a young woman who, as the story opens, is head over heels in love with an avaricious but charismatic gambler, but whose hand is destined (if her guardian has her way) for Plantagenet. I might just mention that each novel is an independent entity, and one can usually tell when one has reached the end of the dramatisation of each one, for there is a sense of closure to that particular story and we often see no more of individuals who were introduced for that story. Having said that, a couple of characters worth mentioning are the new, cash-strapped Irish MP Phineas Finn (Donal McCann), and Madame Max (Barbara Murray), a shrewd, resourceful and wealthy Austrian, both of whom feature prominently throughout much of the series. The series consists of twenty-six 50-minute episodes, and one ought not to expect a slick production like those one has come to expect of 90's efforts. The production is very well done, but it is done according to 1970's standards. In other words, if you're familiar with Upstairs Downstairs, The Duchess of Duke Street, Lillie, and other 70's productions, you can expect the same sort of look and feel here. The only complaint I have (and it's a minor one) concerns the first episode or two which, unfortunately, appear to have been either overexposed or overdeveloped. In short, this is a splendid period drama punctuated with plenty of comic relief, seasoned with a memorable cast of characters, and consummately acted by an all-star British cast. To name but a few: a bewhiskered Derek Jacobi (I Claudius, Cadfael) plays Lord Fawn, a cash-strapped man who has no luck with women. Penelope Keith (To the Manor Born, Good Neighbours) briefly appears in a few episodes as Fawn's domineering sister (just the type of character at which she excels!). Peter Sallis (Last of the Summer Wine's Norman Clegg) portrays the surly, unpleasant Mr. Bonteen. Anthony Andrews (Brideshead Revisited) appears in the later episodes as a grown-up Silverbridge, the Duke's eldest son, with Jeremy Irons (also Brideshead Revisited) as Frank Tregear, Silverbridge's best friend. I highly recommend this captivating, intelligent, and all around enjoyable series (which I for one had never seen before). If you enjoy period drama, it's a safe bet that you'll soon find yourself hooked on this one--our family certainly was! | ||
 | A Fine Romance - Boxed Set | |
| "A Very Enjoyable Light, Romantic British Comedy!" | 2004-12-12 |
| Those who are familiar with As Time Goes By will already be familiar with the writing of Bob Larbey, who also wrote A Fine Romance, and those who've enjoyed As Time Goes By will almost certainly enjoy 1980's A Fine Romance. Though not so well known, this light romantic comedy about two mismatched 40-something lonely hearts bears all the hallmarks of Larbey's classic and engaging style of writing. Briefly, Dame Judi Dench (As Time Goes By's Jean Pargetter) stars as Laura Dalton, a highly competent albeit somewhat shy, nervous and highly-strung translator with a tall, pretty, charming and very happily married younger sister named Helen, who only wants to see Laura as happy as she is. Helen and her husband Phil decide to team Laura up with Phil's friend Mike Selway, but it's a match made more out of desperation than a belief that the pair would be suitable companions. Mike (the late Michael Williams, Dame Judi's real-life husband of 30 years who died of cancer in 2001), is a shy, laid-back but very nervous, unkempt, disorganised, and socially-inept landscape gardener. He also has very little in common with Laura with respect to their likes and dislikes. The humour in the series is gentle, and it gets its "spark" from the tension engendered by the pairing of this seemingly unlikely couple. The set contains the all twenty-six 25-minute episodes of this sweet, charming, relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable series, which I highly recommend to fans of As Time Goes By. Personally, although I did have a slight preference for As Time Goes By when I first saw A Fine Romance, I have found that following a second viewing of the latter series, I now enjoy it every bit as much as As Time Goes By. Both are absolutely delightful series that are a joy to curl up watch time and time again. | ||
 | Thomas and Sarah | |
| "A Thoroughly Enjoyable "Spin Off" of a Classic Series!" | 2004-12-12 |
| Fans of Upstairs Downstairs (a series which I highly HIGHLY recommend, by the way) will be familiar with Sarah (Pauline Collins), the vivacious, conniving, mischievous, tale-telling under house/parlour maid who entered the Bellamys' employ in the first episode of that series, and who, like a bad penny, managed to turn up on the Bellamys' doorstep periodically during the first two series. Thomas (Collins' real-life husband, John Alderton) was the Bellamys' capable-but-just-as-conniving chauffeur. With a pregnant Sarah in tow, Thomas left the Bellamys' employ in order to start up his own garage, and we saw the last of those two characters at the end of the second series. It is a good many months after their last appearance at 165 Eaton Place that this 1979 "spin off" commences. It really goes without saying that it is for fans of Upstairs Downstairs that Thomas and Sarah was made, and if you enjoyed the former series, the latter really is a must see. Unlike Upstairs Downstairs, which is fairly high drama infused with a spattering comic relief here and there, this series is very much a comedy-drama--and it is simply delightful. This series can best be described as a series of adventures and escapades in the lives of Thomas and Sarah, with (for the most part) each episode being a separate and complete (not to mention highly entertaining!) story. With Sarah's penchant for foreign accents and tale-telling and the conniving and entrepreneurial spirit that both characters embody, the stage is set for some thoroughly enjoyable vignettes. Most of the episodes involve the couple trying their hands (and luck) at something new--like running a match-making agency, working in a boys' school, working as magicians, and so on. For all their efforts, however, they always seem to find themselves skint--and thus the need for another enterprise (and hence another enjoyable episode!). The series consists of thirteen 50-minute episodes and features guest appearances by Thora Hird (In Loving Memory, Last of the Summer Wine), Nigel Hawthorne (Yes Minister, The Madness of King George), and Anton Rogers (Lillie, May to December), each of whom appears in an episode. As it stands, the only thing that was less than satisfactory was the "conclusion" (if one can call it that) of the final episode, concerning which I will say only this: There is ambiguity, and it is sufficient to leave me wondering whether or not a second series was at least anticipated. But please don't be dissuaded from seeing this superb series merely on that account, for this is a series to be watched for the sheer enjoyment of the journey. The conclusion notwithstanding, this was one of the most enjoyable series I have seen, and it had our entire family eagerly awaiting each episode to see what these two endearing miscreants were going to get up to next! It is a series which I recommend unhesitatingly and indeed very highly to fans of Upstairs Downstairs--particularly to those for whom Sarah and Thomas were favourite characters. | ||
 | A Touch of Frost - Season 1 | |
| "A First-Rate British Detective Series!" | 2004-05-04 |
| A Touch of Frost is an outstanding British mystery series, and it is high time it was released on DVD. This set contains the entire first series--three 100-minute episodes entitled "Care and Protection", "Not with Kindness", and "Conclusions." At the time of writing, series two is also available (for preordering), and I only hope that the video company will see fit to release the entire series. David Jason (Only Fools and Horses, The Darling Buds of May, Open All Hours, Micawber), who personally is one of my favourite British actors, stars as Jack Frost, a dedicated, single-minded detective inspector with a nose for ferretting out criminals. Frost is a bit like a dog with a bone when he sets his mind on something, and he doesn't worry too much about letting little things like rules, procedures, tactfulness, or even legality get in the way of finding out the truth--if he can get away with it, that is. This is a man whose loathing for the criminal element--for those who hurt or destroy the lives of others--verges on the personal. At the very least, his dedication to duty is more than just a job for him, it's his whole life--his raison d'etre. Certainly, his personal life suffers greatly from his dedication--indeed obsession--with his work. The series opens with Frost's wife on her deathbed. Even in such a situation (perhaps, indeed, because of it--for Frost does not handle personal tragedy well), he is unable to spend the time at his wife's side that is expected. While this may sound rather morbid and depressing, I must emphasize that overall the series is not. Certainly, the crimes that are committed are serious and tragic, but like the Inspector Morse series (a series with which this one compares well), the episodes are punctuated by quite a healthy dose of humour, and like Morse it is primarily character humour. In other words, it arises out of the idiosyncrasies in the inspector's character, which become more apparent as we become more familiar with the character. In Frost's case, apart from his questionable tactics, he's extremely disorderly, and his dedication to his work is matched only by his loathing for paperwork--a trait which often has him at odds with his punctilious boss, Superintendent Mullett. Indeed, Frost is perennially ducking into doorways or skipping out of the office in attempts to avoid the unwelcome confrontations. One thing Frost does not have, unlike Inspector Morse, is a regular "Sergeant Lewis" in tow; rather, he has a different sergeant assigned to him for almost every episode. One aspect which, in my opinion, makes A Touch of Frost such a good series is the powerful punch of irony that usually occurs at the end of each episode. Often one can really sympathise with the killer or at the very least understand his or her motivation. Sometimes we find that it's one trifling incident--someone in the wrong place at the wrong time--or a petty misunderstanding that sets the wheels in motion for a tragic outcome. Often it seems that the bringing of the criminal to justice is the greatest injustice. In conclusion, this is a well-acted and an extremely well-written mystery series--one with quite hard-hitting stories, thus making the comic relief all the more welcome. It is a series which I recommend very highly to fans of British mysteries in particular--if you enjoy shows like Inspector Morse, for example, or have enjoyed PBS's erstwhile Mystery! series, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one. I would, however, go so far as to recommend this series to anyone looking for a superior quality mystery series, British or otherwise. Personally, I've always wondered why it was never made a part of PBS's Mystery! series, for it was certainly worthy of inclusion. | ||
 | Erasure - Hits! The Videos | |
| "A Comprehensive Collection--A Real Collector's Item!" | 2004-03-30 |
| This outstanding two-disc DVD set released in 2003 is really a must-have for Erasure fans. Disc one contains thirty-five videos presented in chronological order (though one can of course "play all" or pick and choose which videos to watch). It commences with Who Needs Love Like That from 1985's debut album, Wonderland, and includes all twenty videos that were on 1992's Pop! VHS (for those unfamiliar with the VHS, it's the same track listing that's on the Pop! CD). It includes all four videos from Abba-esque and twleve videos from the albums Erasure has done since Pop!. For those interested, the final twelve videos are: Always, Run To The Sun, and I Love Saturday (from I Say I Say I Say); Stay With Me, Fingers & Thumbs, and Rock Me Gently (from Erasure); In My Arms, Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me, and Rain (from Rain); Freedom (from Loveboat); and Solsbury Hill and Make Me Smile (from Other People's Songs). Disc two is loaded with extra features, and is every bit as enjoyable disc one. There are six promo "documentaries" made at the time of release of six of Erasure's albums. The "documentaries" are actually interviews with Vince Clarke and Andy Bell with clips of videos or live performances interspersed. The oldest interview is from 1991 (ostensibly to promote Chorus and clocking in at 24 minutes), and it is the only one not to include Andy. The next are from 1992 (Pop! at 30 minutes), 1994 (I Say I Say I Say at 26 minutes), 1995 (Erasure at 15 minutes), 1997 (Cowboy at 4 minutes), and 2003 (Hits! at 27 minutes). The 2003 interview is the only one not to include any video/performance clips. In the interviews, Vince and Andy talk about everything from their song writing, to their views on making videos and touring, to how they teamed up, to their personalities and their relationship with each other, and so on. Personally, I really enjoyed the interviews and am grateful to have them on this set. Disc two also includes their debut performance of Sometimes on the UK's Top of the Pops from 1986; two alternate videos (an acoustic version of Solo Luminous, and a US version of In My Arms); a video from 1990 promoting Aids awareness; and live performances of five songs from five tours (Leave me to Bleed from 1987, A Little Respect from 1988, Supernature from 1989, Waiting for the Day from 1992, and Fingers & Thumbs from 1996). I've never seen Erasure live, and so really appreciated the inclusion of a few clips from their live tours. They've obviously put on some spectacular shows, and Andy has some wild costumes (Vince has his moments too!). It's an aspect of Erasure that one really doesn't get to see much of in the videos, and I think a lot of fans (myself included!) would love to see one of their concerts filmed for DVD release. Finally, there are two bonus "hidden" clips on disc two. In the "Interview" section, press the left arrow and one of the background silhouettes becomes highlighted. Click enter and it plays a live performance Wooden Heart (the old Elvis song). In the "Rare Videos" section, press the right arrow and click enter for an alternate version of Oh L'Amour. Lastly, if you press the up arrow (and enter) whilst on the main menu, it plays the standard version of Who Needs Love Like That. In conclusion, I highly, highly recommend this DVD set to anyone who enjoys the gorgeous, feel-good music of this outstanding, enormously talented British pop duo. It's definitely a collection to be watched and rewatched. I hope these guys will continue to make music for a long time yet--and that they will continue to release DVDs of videos, interviews and live performances in the future for those of us in North America who would otherwise never have a chance to see any of this material! | ||
 | Elizabeth R | |
| "An Outstanding Dramatisation!" | 2004-03-26 |
| Elizabeth R is an outstanding and refreshingly accurate 1972 dramatisation of the life of Queen Elizabeth I. Headed by an all-star British cast, the acting is flawless, the costumes magnificent, the writing first-rate, and the dialogue sumptuous. Existing documents have been utilised for speeches and such, but the same tone or feel has been maintained throughout, resulting in a rich verbal tapestry. The series is presented in six 90-minute episodes, and as for the quality of the DVD set, the BBC has done an exceptional job. The picture is nice and clear, the sound is good, and the disc set is encased in a richly flocked, emerald green slip case. Best of all, however, are the numerous special features. Firstly there is a 30-minute interview with Glenda Jackson (2001) wherein she talks about the role and her preparation for it, about Elizabeth, and lastly about politics (she's been a Labour MP for the last decade or so). Also informative is a 20-minute interview with historian Alison Weir (2001), wherein she talks about Elizabeth, her world, and the accuracy of the presentation. There is a 45-minute A&E biography (1996) on the life of Elizabeth, an audio reading by Jackson of a number of period documents, behind-the-scenes' photos of Jackson in make-up and costume fitting, a portrait gallery with stills of various characters displayed beside portraits of the originals, and a text-based guide to who's who in the cast. A wonderful feature (which I highly recommend viewers take advantage of!) is the audio commentary provided by Alison Weir, which one can turn on while watching the episodes. Weir provides a lot of background information and other tidbits, as well as highlighting areas where liberties have been taken. Born in 1533 to Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth was a woman of formidable intelligence who proved herself to be an extremely capable and dedicated monarch, and Glenda Jackson's portrayal of her from youth through old age is nothing short of a masterpiece. I have seen other actresses in the role but Jackson's portrayal is and (for me) always will be the definitive one. It is sheer perfection--one in which realism (thankfully) is not sacrificed on the altar of vanity. Jackson went so far as to blacken her teeth to mimic the rotting teeth of the ageing Elizabeth; also, she partially shaved her head in order to better resemble the high-foreheaded Queen. Familiar faces to fans of British television include: Robert Hardy (All Creatures, Edward the King), who is magnificent as the dashing Robert ("Robin") Dudley, Earl of Leicester, the life-long love of Elizabeth. The late Michael Williams (A Fine Romance) is highly enjoyable as Elizabeth's "Frog", the Duke of Alencon--the only real contender for her hand. The late Peter Jeffrey is superb as Phillip II of Spain. Robin Ellis (Poldark) is splendid as the young, handsome, highly ambitious but petulant and self-destructive Earl of Essex, whom the Queen rather foolishly favoured--indeed doted on--in her old age. In conclusion, I HIGHLY recommend this series to anyone interested in history or historical biography. Being a 70's dramatisation, it may not have the slick production values of more recent endeavours (ie. it feels at times as though we are watching a play that's been filmed), but don't let that deter you. You'll have to look far to find a more authentic dramatisation or one that is better written or more consummately acted. If you are familiar with and have enjoyed other superb historical productions of the time--shows like I Claudius or The Six Wives of Henry VIII, for example--you will surely enjoy this one! Finally, for those interested in delving a little deeper, I highly recommend Alison Weir's well-researched, captivating book entitled The Life of Elizabeth I. | ||
 | Mapp & Lucia Series 1 | |
| "Delightfully Delicious!" | 2004-03-01 |
| Set in 1930 in the English Cotswolds, this 1984 production (which is presented on two boxed sets with five 50-minute episodes per set) is a slightly quirky British drawing-room comedy revolving around two domineering women, both used to being "top dog" in their respective communities, who end up residing in the same small village of Tilling. Miss Elizabeth Mapp is the current resident, whose position at the centre of her small society is threatened by the flash, air-assuming newcomer, Mrs. Emily Lucas ("Lucia", as she prefers to be called). Geraldine McEwan (Mulberry, Barchester Chronicles) is impeccably cast as the wealthy, elegant, widow Lucia, a woman with a strong personality and a flair for the dramatic. Her vocabulary is peppered with the Italian, a language in which she is only too happy to let others think she is fluent. She provides (at least initially) a little spice, excitement, and mystique for the villagers in humdrum Tilling. But she is also a woman who knows well how to get what she wants, and her grace, smiles, and impeccable manners belie a shrewd and cunning mind. Mapp (Fawlty Towers' Prunella Scales) is a somewhat dowdy, unwealthy spinster, not to mention an insufferable busybody. So it is no wonder she is less than thrilled that Lucia, having decided to leave her home in Riseholme for pastures new, has set her sights on Mapp's terrain. But Mapp, though lacking Lucia's elegance, wealth, and marital status, is not willing to relinquish her position without a fight. Watching the episodes (which are serial in nature) is a bit like watching a game of chess between unequals. In essence, each woman, with an abundance of outward grace and politeness, seeks to establish (or reassert) her position by bringing the other down a peg or two. Lucia is clearly cleverer and at times seems to toy with Mapp as a cat does with a mouse. But Mapp is nothing if not determined and we wonder is she will, after all, succeed in toppling the grand Lucia. As for a few of the other characters: Lucia is joined by her devoted friend Georgie (Yes (Prime) Minister's Nigel Hawthorne), a rather effeminate, toupee-sporting chap who enjoys painting and petit point. She is also adored by Quaint Irene, a trouser-wearing, cigar-smoking, eccentric local artist who doesn't hesitate to speak her mind and thoroughly enjoys watching the sparring match between Mapp and Lucia. There's also the gruff, masculine, and perennially intoxicated Major Benjy, whose habit of summoning servants with a bellowing "quay-hi" does not endear him to them. Mapp's closest friend is a dowdy and rather timid woman named Diva, to whom Mapp is less than kind at times. In conclusion, albeit a tad quirky at times (like the time the two rivals get swept out to sea on the kitchen table!), I would recommend this series to anyone looking for a delightful, relaxing, and gently humorous drawing-room comedy. It is dialogue-based (as opposed to physical) comedy. In other words, if you're looking for pratfalls, action, hard laughs, or a fast-paced, in-your-face comedy, then you'd best look elsewhere. The pace here is leisurely, the dialogue is deliciously witty and intelligent, and the humour wonderfully subtle, with often as much conveyed through body language--be it the raising of an eyebrow, the sharp intake of breath, or the tensing of a muscle--as through words itself. | ||
 | Solitaire Antics Ultimate | |
| "A Superb Programme of Solitaire Games!" | 2004-01-27 |
| If you enjoy playing the solitaire games that come pre-loaded with a pc, this is a real treat. This was my first computer game purchase (and I only bought it because our pre-loaded games became corrupted). I basically wanted to replace that which we'd lost, and I ended up with something I wish I'd bought years ago! I'm no computer whiz, so I was pleased to find installation was a breeze (it took no more than a couple of minutes). Not much is included by way of instructions, but it's surprisingly sufficient--just a little card that tells you how to install if your computer doesn't do so automatically and a few key tips to get you started (just be sure to install the antics when asked!). The 225 games include Freecell, Klondike (ie. regular solitaire) in both three-card flip, one-card flip, and three-card flip Las Vegas versions, Ukranian Solitaire, Agnes, and Spider, to name but a few. One can also create one's own game or play online. I recommend checking out the company's website (masque.com) if you want a more detailed listing of the games included or screen shots of what a couple of the games actually look like during play. I love Freecell, but I'm finding other games I really enjoy too. One nice feature is the ability to choose games that are skill-based, luck-based, two-deck, one-deck, usually winnable, rarely winnable, and so on. A key feature is the fact that you DO NOT have to insert the disc every time you want to play games (unlike some of the programmes on the market!). Another nice feature is being able to set up a "profile" for each player. Everyone has his/her own "playing area" (I've set each with a different coloured background) which tracks his/her own personal statistics, includes his/her own list of favourite games, etc. When one returns to one's area, the game resumes where one left off. A wealth of game options are available, such as: Show all moveable cards (rules are provided for each game, but this is a super tool when learning a new game); one-click smart move (you can always drag the cards, but this does with one click what normally occurs with a double click); check for no more available moves and smart send to foundations (like the pre-loaded Freecell does); 3D perspective; and a cheat option. The speed for card flying is adjustable. There is a choice from 13 card decks (with adjustable deck sizes), and if I've one complaint it's that only two decks are really clear and useful (two others aren't bad, but a couple are quite blurry; then there are tarot, parchment, and reversed (ie. white on black) decks which seem impractical to me). The ants range from cute to humorously nasty as they engage in activities like figure skating, bull fighting, horse jumping, car chases, a western shoot-out, and loads more. They are complete with sound effects (including the odd ant comment--like "ouch" or "look at me"). Illegal moves are met with an ant-voiced "uh-oh". An antic occurs when a game is won and occasionally during play. It is optional, however, and one can turn off the sound and/or the antics altogether. In conclusion, I highly recommend this programme to anyone who enjoys playing solitaire on the computer. It's very easy to use, there's a huge assortment of solitaire games which one can readily customize according to one's preferences, and it's entertaining. Not being familiar with other computer games, I can't really comment on the sophistication of the graphics. But I can say this: It's miles ahead of the pre-loaded solitaire software, and it's something we certainly enjoy! | ||
 | The Onedin Line (Set 1) | |
| "An Outstanding British Seafaring Period Drama!" | 2003-12-29 |
| The Onedin Line is an outstanding 1971 BBC production set in 1860s England. The story is compelling and exciting, full of intrigue, ingenuity, suspense and scandal, and it is one which will appeal equally to men and women. It revolves around James Onedin, a shrewd and ambitious but honourable and fair sea captain. James is a no-nonsense man with a head for business. He is also a risk-taker with big dreams--and he has his heart and mind set on being master of his own merchant shipping line. This is no easy task when one is up against established shipping lines who have no desire to relinquish even a part of their business to an upstart. The establishment, in this case, takes the form of Mr. Callon, James' former employer, and James faces an uphill battle as he attempts to horn in on Callon's business. James has a brother, Robert, a very nervous, cautious man who in many ways is James' polar opposite. A soft-hearted, responsible, and conscientious man, Robert inherited their father's grocery business, and he wants no part in James' grand plans. Robert lives above the shop with his wife, Sarah, and his beautiful but fickle and headstrong sister, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is afianced to one Daniel Fogarty, a swarthy seaman with a devilish temper who is in the employ of James' rival, Callon. But Elizabeth is also the object of much interest on the part of handsome, charming, and wealthy Albert Frazer, the son of a successful ship builder. Certainly, James would love to ally his family with a family of prosperous ship builders. But whom will Elizabeth ultimately choose? This set contains four 50-minute episodes, and so does the second set. I'd never seen this series before; but it is one our entire family absolutely loved from the first episode. One can only hope BFS will release it in its entirety. I enjoy the British productions of the 90s, but I've seen few whose stories even approach the quality of those produced in the 70s (and I speak as one who did NOT see any of the British dramas when originally broadcast in the 70s). Though the production values in the 90s may surpass those of the 70s, the stories in each episode combined with faultless acting on the part of all involved more than compensates. I have no hesitation in saying that if you enjoy other classic British 70s productions--shows like Poldark, Upstairs Downstairs, or the Duchess of Duke Street--you will love this one. Go ahead and get both sets, you won't regret it! Just hope and pray that BFS will continue to release more episodes in the future! Very, very highly recommended to all fans of quality British period drama. | ||
 | Lillie: 4 Volume Gift Boxed Set | |
| "A Thoroughly Enjoyable Historical Biography!" | 2003-12-29 |
| Born Emilie Le Breton in 1853 on the Channel Island of Jersey, Lillie Langtry went on to become one of the most famous women of the late 19th century, and this 1978 series (consisting of thirteen 50-minute episodes) does an admirable job of chronicling her fascinating life. Lillie was gifted with exceptional beauty, and although she and her new husband Edward Langtry (played by Anton Rogers (May to December, Fresh Fields)) were people of very modest means when they moved to London, it didn't take long for Lillie to become noticed. Indeed, Lillie craved London society and did all she could to secure herself a place therein. Becoming a Professional Beauty (the 19th century equivalent of a Supermodel) certainly helped for soon her portraits and photographs were everywhere. (Her friendships, by the way, included the artists Millais and Whistler and the playwright Oscar Wilde (played to absolute perfection by Peter Egan)). It was, however, her relationship as one of the mistresses of Bertie, the Prince of Wales, that really sealed Lillie's position in society. Society, however, failed to hold Lillie's interest for long, and she soon embarked upon a career as an actress, a decision that was to bring Lillie international attention and acclaim--to such an extent that a town in Texas was even named after her! In this series, Lillie is portrayed by the stunningly beautiful Francesca Annis who, at least in my opinion, is simply splendid as Lillie; indeed, so perfect is her portrayal that I cannot possibly imagine anyone else in the role. Having seen pictures of the real Lillie Langtry, both my mother and I have often remarked on how Lillie's beauty pales by comparison with Francesca's--evidence, no doubt, that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, and that which one society considers to be perfection is often very different from that which is considered to be so by another! In conclusion, this is an engaging and entertaining story of a woman who led a very interesting and atypical life. It is perfectly cast and extremely well-acted, and I highly recommend it to anyone with a love for either period drama or historical biography. For those interested in delving even deeper into this fascinating woman's life, I highly recommend Laura Beatty's highly acclaimed biography entitled Lillie Langtry--Manners, Masks and Morals (a 1999 UK publication). | ||
 | Berkeley Square | |
| "A Splendid British Period Drama!" | 2003-12-26 |
| If you enjoy British period dramas in general--shows like Upstairs Downstairs, The Grand, or The House of Elliot, for example--you'll surely enjoy this splendid 1998 period drama set in 1902 London. The series covers the lives of three young nannies and the families for whom they work--all of whom are situated in Berkeley Square. Firstly, there is pretty but prim, proper and straight-laced young Matty Wickham, the new nanny for Tom and Harriet, the children of the St. John family (pronounced SINjin). However, all is not domestic bliss in the household, as Mrs. St. John (Hermione Norris--Cold Feet's Karen) is busily engaged in an adulterous affair with dashing Captain Mason (who also happens to have an eye on Isabel, the beautiful but empty-headed young niece of the Hutchinson family). The head nanny to the children of the Hutchinsons (consisting of young Bertie and his baby brother Charlie) is cold, nosy, unkindly Nanny Simmons. Her new assistant is a beautiful young Irish woman named Hannah Randall (Victoria Smurfit--Ballykissangel's Orla), a woman whose secrets include an illegitimate baby of her own. Luck (with a little less-than-honest assistance from Hannah!) has landed her the position, but can she keep it under the ever-watchful eye of Nanny Simmons? Finally, there is the Lamson-Scribener family, consisting of the Earl, his young American second-wife and their baby, Ivo, who is the charge of elderly, carmudgeonly, no-nonsense Nanny Collins. Collins' new assistant is a naive-but-good-hearted country girl named Lydia Weston, the daughter of tenant farmers on the Lamson-Scribeners' country estate. Lydia's newfound life is threatened, however, when the Earl's adult son Hugh arrives home. This is an absolutely splendid, thoroughly captivating period drama with plenty of tension and suspense. However, because the story deals with three households and the interplay between them, it is a little more challenging initially to keep track of who is in the employment of whom! As a result, I recommend not having a break of more than a couple of days at most between episodes. (Believe me, you'll find it difficult waiting for the next episode anyway!). The series consists of ten 50-minute episodes, and although the last episode does serve to wrap up each of the stories, we are left with a few kernels which were likely designed to serve as a springboard for a further series of episodes, had one been commissioned. I know I'm not alone in hoping the BBC will someday revive this series (they've done so with many others in the past). In conclusion, I highly recommend this series to all fans of British period productions. Frankly, though, I don't think a penchant for period productions is prerequisite to enjoying this series. If you're looking for a good, clean, captivating dramatic series (of any era), you may want to consider checking this one out. | ||
 | The Bounder | |
| "An Enjoyable Little Britcom (4.5 stars)" | 2003-12-21 |
| The Bounder is a cute early eighties' britcom starring Peter Bowles (To the Manor Born, Rumpole of the Bailey, The Irish RM) which was, in fact, written for him by series' writer Eric Chappell, with whom Bowles had worked previously on Only When I Laugh. If you're familiar with any of Chappell's other offerings, like Rising Damp or Home to Roost, for example, you will be familiar with his style of writing, and if you've enjoyed either of these two series, you will almost certainly enjoy this one. Fourteen episodes were made, of which the first seven (with a duration of just under 25 minutes each) appear in this boxed set. Bowles plays Howard Booth, a convicted embezzler just released from prison. Howard, a posh, luxury-loving, smooth-talking layabout, immediately turns up on the doorstep of his sister Mary and her serious-minded, law-abiding husband Trevor (George Cole) and ends up moving in--temporarily (ahem) of course! Howard immediately takes a shine to Laura, the attractive widow next door--a shine which turns to a positive gleam when he finds out she also happens to be wealthy. Of course Howard cannot tell her of his rather embarrassing past (particularly as she was herself a victim of his embezzlement scheme!), so he simply contrives a story--something which seems to be a bit of a habit with him! The episodes consist of Howard getting himself entangled in one lie or scheme after another, be it in an attempt to raise money (illegally, of course), to redeem himself in Laura's eyes (unsuccessfully, of course), to save face, and so on. Howard has a fairly easy time ingratiating himself with Mary, but Trevor is nobody's fool. So it's rather comical whenever Trevor ends up in humiliating situations thanks to Howard. All of Howard's schemes end up comically backfiring on him, but none does so more perfectly than when he has Trevor hire a private detective to dig up dirt on Laura's new love interest in the last episode. I wish I could say more, but I don't want to give anything away--suffice it to say that I look forward indeed to the release of the rest of the series! If you're a fan of Britcoms in general and particularly if you've enjoyed Peter Bowles in some of his better-known roles, I think you'll enjoy this one. All in all it's a cute, entertaining, and very enjoyable little series which features a strong cast. Certainly, it's one which I enjoyed and look forward to watching again. | ||
 | Yes Minister - The Complete Collection | |
| "An Lovely Collection Set of an Outstanding Britcom!" | 2003-11-20 |
| It is high time this outstanding britcom (plus its sequel, Yes Prime Minister) was released in its entirety on DVD, but it was well worth the wait for the BBC has done an outstanding job. It contains all twenty-one 30-minute episodes (which ran from 1980 through 1982) in a beautifully packaged four-disc set. The quality of the picture is very crisp and clear for a 20-year-old production (I know I'VE never seen it look so good!), and the DVD extras are a real treat. This is an intelligent, extremely well-written series--a satire of the inner workings of government. Sources within the government provided the writers with all the fodder they needed, and it is highly accurate in its depiction of the corruption, politics, red tape, and manipulation that forms an integral part of the administration of government (ANY government, mind you--which is what gives this series such universal appeal). Indeed, Margaret Thatcher, herself a fan of the series, referred to it as being a "closely observed portrayal of what goes on in the corridors of power." The series opens with Jim Hacker (played by the late Paul Eddington (Good Neighbours), who sadly died of skin cancer in 1995 at age 68), who has just won the parliamentary seat for his riding (his party has won the election), being appointed as the new Minister of Administrative Affairs. Now that he's in a position of power (or so he thinks!), Hacker has high hopes for making some positive changes--things like instituting an open government policy, linking honours to economies for civil servants, and so on. But he's thwarted at every corner by he who wields the real power--the cunning, quick-witted, hilariously verbose and extremely manipulative civil servant, Sir Humphrey Appleby--the DAA's Permanent Secretary (the late Nigel Hawthorne (The Madness of King George, Mapp & Lucia)). Lastly is Hacker's Private Secretary, Bernard Woolley (Derek Fowlds (Heartbeat)). Bernard is a likeable, pun-loving, unassuming character with conflicting loyalties. He is himself a civil servant, and though there are times when he'd like to assist Hacker in achieving his goals, he must exercise extreme caution in doing so lest Sir Humphrey find out! DVD EXTRAS include a splendid 42-minute profile of the late Nigel Hawthorne who, having battled cancer of the pancreas for eighteen months, sadly died on Boxing Day 2001. He was 72. The profile was filmed over four months in 1999, during the period when Hawthorne was preparing to play King Lear for the RSC. The series provides a brief bio with photos and snippets of other productions in which he's been involved. Derek Fowlds, Helen Mirren (his co-star in The Madness of King George), Jimmy Perry & David Croft (writers of Dad's Army), and Trevor Bentham (Hawthorne's partner of 22 years) all provide contributions, but the vast majority are from Hawthorne himself. He touches on many of the themes which are elaborated on in his splendid autobiography entitled "Straight Face"--things like his uneasy relationship with his father and his homosexuality. The final features are "A Short History of Yes Minister" (1999) which features Fowlds, Hawthorne, and series' co-writer Jonathan Lynn (it's only 5 minutes but very informative); and a brief 3 1/2 minute interview with Jonathan Lynn from 1981. Lastly are text-based bios of the main and many supporting actors. This lovely collection set is truly a must-have for fans of the series. It is a unique, extraordinary britcom (a personal favourite of mine!)--one that is sure to appeal to anyone who enjoys the best in British comedy. I would also, however, recommend it unhesitatingly to anyone simply looking for an intelligent, brilliantly written, and impeccably acted series--British or otherwise. Highly, HIGHLY recommended! | ||
 | Are You Being Served Collection 1 (Series 1-5) | |
| "A Must-Have Collection for Fans of this Classic Britcom!" | 2003-11-18 |
| At long last the entire series of this classic Britcom (ten series from 1973 through 1985) is available on two DVD boxed sets. Commencing with the black-and-white pilot, set one covers the entire first five series (thirty-four 30-minute episodes from 1973-1977). Incidentally, these are all the series to feature curmudgeonly Mr. Grainger, head of menswear; sadly, Arthur Brough died (aged 73) before series six got under way. The BBC has done a fantastic job with these DVDs--the quality of the picture is awesome, the sets come complete with the Christmas specials (positioned chronologically in the order originally broadcast), with the icing on the cake being the DVD extras. The series revolves around the staff of Grace Brothers' Department Store--particulary the staff of menswear and ladieswear. The ladies' department is headed by the pompous, air-assuming Mrs. Slocombe (Mollie Sugden). She's a bit of a man eater (or would be could she get her hands on one!) and is forever fretting about Tiddles, her um pussycat! Her junior is sexy Miss Brahms (Wendy Richard), who is constantly fighting off the advances of Mr. Lucas, the menswear junior. In between Mr. Lucas and Mr. Grainger is Mr. Humphreys (John Inman). With his mincing gait, outrageous costumes, and familiar cry of "I'm free," he's my personal favourite--though how can one really choose between this lot as they are ALL superb! Of course one cannot forget the subtly lecherous floorwalker, Captain Peacock, a pompous ex-army officer (or so he claims). One gets a sense that this is probably the only position of authority he's ever had, and he milks it for all its worth, barking orders at his underlings at every opportunity. His favourite target is the rough, bawdy maintenance man, Mr. Mash (replaced by Mr. Harman in the fourth series), a militant trade unionist who loves to goad Cpt. Peacock (and who probably makes more money than he does too!). And who could forget Mr. Rumbold, the bald-pated, jug-eared department head (like Mollie Sugden, Nicholas Smith was very good-natured in allowing his physical appearance to be the basis of so much humour!); or Young Mr. Grace, the elderly and extremely frail but hilariously lustful store owner (Harold Bennett was 74 when the series began!). DVD extras consist of three 30-minute profiles (John Inman (1999), Mollie Sugden (1998), and Wendy Richard (2001)), each of which provides a brief bio, snippets from the various television productions in which the actor has been involved, remembrances from fellow actors (on the Inman and Richard profiles these include writers Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft plus all the surviving members of the original AYBS cast with the exception of Nicholas Smith). John Inman's forte is pantomime, and his profile includes snippets from some of the pantos he's done. Mollie Sugden's profile includes remembrances by actor William Moore (her late husband), and the focus, careerwise, is shared between AYBS and The Liver Birds (her two biggest series). Wendy Richard's profile is the only one that is narrated, and it contains in a nutshell much of what one finds in her delightful autobiography "Wendy Richard...no 's'". Careerwise, it focuses on AYBS and Eastenders (the two main series she's done). It's the most personal of the three, and a special treat is hearing a snippet of Mike Sarne's 1962 song "Come Outside" which featured Richard and was responsible for launching her career. The final feature is "Are You Being Confused?", a text-based dictionary of British slang. With scripts liberally laced with double entendres, innuendos and puns, and a cast of characters made all the more memorable by some of the most capable actors in British comedy, this is character comedy at its best. It's an outstanding collection of a true Britcom classic which I highly recommend. I also highly recommend Richard Webber's excellent tribute book "Are You Being Served? A Celebration of 25 Years" (a 1998 UK publication). | ||
 | Fool's Gold - The Story of the Brink's-Mat Robbery | |
| "One Mean Bean!" | 2003-10-24 |
| In November 1983, in what was the biggest heist in Britain's history to date, gold bullion worth 26 million pounds sterling was stolen from a security warehouse in London. Fool's Gold, a 1992 British LWT film starring Sean Bean (Sharpe, Essex Boys, Extremely Dangerous, Bravo Two Zero, Lady Chatterley), tells the story of the heist and, more to the point, of what happened afterward. The theft was committed by a ruthless, brutal gang of career criminals orchestrated and lead by Micky McAvoy (Bean). By way of background, McAvoy was a workhorse for a group whom I can only describe as British mafia. He aspired to strike out on his own--to run his own show, so to speak--and decided on the security warehouse for his maiden heist. Though the theft is a matter of public record, I don't wish to reveal too much about the characters or the repercussions for those unfamiliar with events. Suffice it to say that these were small-time crooks and it was McAvoy's first job as head man--and it was a pure coincidence that the Brinks-Mat gold happened to be in the warehouse the weekend of the robbery. As a result, McAvoy finds himself faced with an even bigger problem than the theft: What does one do with 26 million in marked gold? The film is 104 minutes, and special features on the DVD include a Profile of Sean Bean and Daring Heists of the Twentieth Century, both of which are text-based. As for the film itself, like most British productions it benefits enormously from repeated viewings, and I found I got a lot more out of it (and hence enjoyed it far more) the second time around. The story is well told and the film impeccably cast. Bean (donning a Cockney accent here) excels in roles that require strong characters (be they good guys or bad ones), and his performance here is flawless. Worth mentioning is Trevor Byfield's absolutely splendid portrayal of McAvoy's best friend Jimmy Kimpton (the only major character who, though based on a real person, was fictional). He's a man on the horns of dilemma throughout. In conclusion, this is a story about a brutal and daring theft, but it is also a tale in which the mettle of loyalty and honour among thieves are tested against one of the basest motivators, that being greed. I would recommend this film to fans the true crime genre in general, or to fans of Sean Bean in particular. If, for example, you've enjoyed Bean's other hard-edged films dealing with life in the underworld of gangsters--films like Essex Boys or Extremely Dangerous--you'll likely enjoy this one. | ||
 | Lost for Words | |
| "Simply Outstanding!" | 2003-09-27 |
| There are very few films which I would call exceptional, but this 1999 British gem is without a doubt one of them. It is based on author Deric Longden's story of his relationship with his independent, determined, spunky mother and of his coming to terms with her increasing disability after she suffers a stroke, and it stars two wonderful British actors. Pete Postlethwaite (Sharpe's Obediah, Brassed Off) puts in a first-rate performance as Deric, a caring son trying to do his best by his mum. Mrs. Longden is a real treasure (she's such a character!), and she's portrayed splendidly by the late Dame Thora Hird (Summer Wine's Edie Pegden, In Loving Memory), who tragically passed away in 2003 a few days after suffering a stroke herself. She was 91. This may sound like the basis for a melodramatic, weepy film (as indeed I feared it was going to be before I saw it). Certainly, the subject is one which could so easily have been maudlin and depressing (as most Hollywood renditions would have been), but it is actually anything but. The Brits are wonderfully adept at handling touchy subjects (like death and disability) and are not afraid to infuse them with humour. The result is an endearing, heart-warming, upbeat film which, despite its subject matter (or perhaps because of it), celebrates a life. You will be wiping away the odd tear, certainly, but that spark of humour manages to be maintained--right to the end. Indeed, it's the juxtaposition of such monumentally serious issues with subtly comical (or at the very least endearing) moments that make those moments all the more humorous (not to mention welcome). The film is only 75 minutes or so in length, but there is more quality packed into that short time span than most films could even hope to achieve in 2 or 3 hours. Personally, I found it to be so immensely satisfying that, having watched it on television, I immediately sought it out on video. It really is that good a film and one which I recommend extremely highly--indeed unconditionally--to anyone looking for a thoroughly enjoyable, clean film of exceptional quality that is consummately acted. Indeed, what more can one ask! | ||
 | This Is Where I Came In - The Official Story of the Bee Gees | |
| "The Definitive Biography" | 2003-07-10 |
| The Bee Gees were one of the most significant bands of the 20th century, and this 2001 biography is an absolute gem. It was the first DVD I bought, and it's the only programme for which I have both the DVD and the video. The video (which is 100 minutes) was originally broadcast on A&E and is fantastic and certainly worth getting if you don't have a DVD player. But the DVD, which is a slightly different mix, is a full 2 hours, with the additional footage (which was cut from the video and television broadcast) sprinkled throughout. Included primarily are additional minutes of archival video footage, but additional bits from interviews and bits of background information have also been tucked in here and there. The DVD also offers a couple of worthwhile special features. Firstly, there's the video for the single "This Is Where I Came In"; and secondly, there is an additional 30 minutes or so of interviews with Barry, Robin and Maurice that did not make it into the presentation. These are just snippets (a minute or two on a mishmash of topics), but they are certainly worth checking out. As for the presentation itself, a full one-half of the video/DVD is dedicated to chronicling the Gibbs' early years, and there is plenty of archival footage from home videos and early television performances. In addition to chronicling the rollercoaster path their career has taken, the presentation includes loads about their personal lives--from their marriages, divorces, and children's births to the tragic deaths of their brother Andy and of their dad. The video/DVD features interviews with each of the three brothers, with their mum Barbara, with Robin's wife Dweena, with Maurice's wife Yvonne, with Robert Stigwood and various other individuals in the music industry. What really makes this presentation sparkle are the many, many excerpts from their enormous body of music that play in the background. In conclusion, this is an outstanding visual biography of an extraordinarily talented trio of brothers--one that is both rich in content and beautifully presented. The poignancy one feels near the end of the video/DVD is only heightened by our knowledge of the tragic death of Maurice Gibb less than two years after it was made, and it is sadly ironic that this biography has served to mark the end of an era. With it we have been given a rare and special look into the lives of three brothers with a rare and special talent who wrote, recorded and performed some of the most beautiful music the world has ever heard. This is the definitive biography of the Bee Gees--a keepsake that will be cherished and enjoyed by both serious and casual fans alike, or indeed by anyone whose lives have been made just a little richer by the music of the Brothers Gibb. Extremely highly recommended. | ||
 | Framed! | |
| "A Good British Psychological Suspense Thriller (4.5 Stars)" | 2003-05-08 |
| This 1992 British psychological suspense thriller was written by Lynda La Plante, writer of Prime Suspect and Trial and Retribution, and I think most fans of PBS's erstwhile Mystery! series should enjoy this film, which is captivating and satisfying but not as hard-edged as the other two series mentioned. For those unfamiliar with Lynda La Plante in particular or with British productions in general, this is not an action-packed thriller with plenty of the shoot-outs and car chases that one comes to expect from Hollywood productions. Certainly, there is some action and there is plenty of suspense, but it is entertainment of a more cerebral nature wherein the viewer watches with an active mind. Indeed, you'll be thinking about the show long after it ends as you try to piece together in your mind just what exactly happened. Briefly, and without giving anything away, Timothy Dalton splendidly portrays Eddie Myers, a wily criminal who some time ago had grassed on his accomplices in a bank robbery but managed to escape from custody before the trial. Although the money had never been found, a corpse turned up which had been identified as being Myers. The film opens when Larry Jackson (David Morrissey), a young police officer on holiday in Spain, spots someone who he is certain is Myers. Myers is picked up, and having thus feathered his cap, Jackson is given the honour of being Myers' shadow while he is, once again, in custody. And so begin the mind games, for Jackson's task is get into Myers' mind. But is Jackson getting into Myers' mind, or is Myers getting into Jackson's mind? That is the issue, and like watching a cat toying with a mouse, the film moves at a pace that allows the viewer to witness the progress that each character makes (or thinks he makes). In conclusion, I found this to be a good, solid psycological suspense thriller in which one really didn't know who had the upper hand, who was the winner, and who the loser until the very end. And even then we are not entirely certain. Most British productions benefit from repeated viewings (making them, in my opinion, good value for money), and this one is certainly no exception. Recommended to fans of British suspense dramas in general, and particularly to fans of PBS's Mystery! series. | ||
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