Reviews

Classy British studio bound TV drama from the 1960's. Although shot on videotape and in monochrome, this series' quality still shines through. Made nearly 15 years before Dallas, this series proved over 3 seasons that wheeler-dealing could be gripping without lapsing into soap opera.

Patrick Wymark, Peter Barkworth and Clifford Evans all shine with the glamour provided by Barbara Murray.

Alfred Burke, prior to taking on the role of "Marker" in Public Eye, is also excellent.

At time of writing, the first series of 13 episodes are available on region 0 (pal) DVD from Network.

The second series is due out in the next few weeks.

Although considered lightweight when compared to later works, this (to date) most recent adaptation of Dickens' first major work is still a delight.

Nigel Stock was born to play this role after decades of creditable character parts and a short-lived lead as Owen M.D. a spin-off from the BBC soap opera, The Newcomers (1967-1971). Another notable performance is from Patrick Malahide as Mr Jingle.

At the time it was a revelation, as Malahide was then principally known for his role of Chisholm in the Euston Films series Minder. Almost stealing the show from both Stock & Malahide however is Phil Daniels as Sam Weller, unsuprising as Weller is one of the stand out characters in Dickens' novel. Daniels however manages, to give his portrayal an added flourish, proving that he was more talented than his roles to that date had revealed. Jack Davies' adaptation is creditable, as is the direction from Brian Lighthill, although the original broadcast format of twelve 30 minute episodes diminished the impact on audiences. I would have preferred less episodes of longer duration. The BBC Video presentation released in the late 80's edited all but the opening & final titles (plus the excellent narration from Ray Brooks), reducing the running time to 5 hours.

To date, this remains the best adaptation and deserves a DVD release, hopefully with all Ray Brooks' narration restored.

Written by Richard Gordon of Doctor books fame (Simon Sparrow et at). This was an excellent series of six half hour comedies. A second series was never commissioned suprisingly, as this view of some of the last bastions of the British class system would have been lapped up by US TV stations. However looking at it now, (although never repeated, I still have five of the six episodes on grainy LP VHS), it was shot on video and the majority of the cast were nearing, if not in, their dotage. Not exactly the demographic of the Friends generation!. The principal cast of William Gaunt (The Champions, No Place Like Home) and Richard Vernon (Duchess Of Duke Street, Something In Disguise) were perfect and the semi-regular appearance of Christopher Benjamin (Danger Man, The Prisoner) brought flamboyance to counter the upright leads. Not in the top 100 sitcoms list featured recently on BBC 2, this is a forgotten gem that, if still in the BBC archives deserves a second airing. In light of the recent success of the Alan Clark Diaries featuring a fondly remembered bumbler, perhaps BBC4 can give these fictional bumblers another chance?.

One of the last comissions from (Sir) Lew Grade's ailing ACC company (ATV-ITC renamed). Broadcast in prime time on sunday nights during the summer of 1981. This charming, if unchallenging series pre-dates the feel-good drama genre that now dominates sunday nights in UK terrestrial TV schedules.

The series was a spin-off from the Shillingbury Blowers TV-movie. Trevor Howard was no longer present but guest cast included Lionel Jeffries, John Standing & Mona Washbourne.

No big names in the main cast, although Diane Keen always delights, Robin Nedwell showed more promise than he was usually allowed to and Jack Douglas, playing it straight for once, is convincing as the dour widower. A mention must go to the regular appearance of Linda Hayden, an actress in my opinion cruelly underused by the profession.

The principle location will be familiar to devotees of ITC and other 60's cult series. Remember the Murdersville episode of the Avengers?, well Little Storping In The Swuff & Shillingbury are one and the same!.

Beautifully filmed on 35mm Film stock and all in golden hues. Why was it not recommisioned? Poor ratings?, no international sales? ACC about to fold? who knows. It would be another decade before The Darling Buds Of May and others would catch the audience's imagination with a similar kind of family entertainment.

In closing, in the light of current trends, can someone at Carlton blow the dust off this little gem and release it on DVD at their earliest opportunity!.