James checks out a new friend. |
Susan Hampshire and John Neville as a future "power couple." |
A Forsyte wedding. |
Leo McKern as Rumpole. |
James checks out a new friend. |
Susan Hampshire and John Neville as a future "power couple." |
A Forsyte wedding. |
Leo McKern as Rumpole. |
Rick, you sure are an Anglophile, aren't you? While I've never watched any of the series featured in this 3-part series, I can appreciate the topics that they represent. Some sound like I would like them, so perhaps I'll watch a few over summer break.
ReplyDeleteRick, I have really enjoyed your tribute to British TV series! I loved reading James Herriot's works as a young girl and was delighted to see "All Creatures Great and Small," with the wonderful countryside cinematography and unforgettable cast. I was so saddened when Helen's warm portrayal by Carol Drinkwater ended and must echo your sentiments to stick with the first three seasons.
ReplyDeleteI thought John Neville and Susan Hampshire were marvelous in "The First Churchills," featuring a slice of history I knew precious little about. I was very interested to learn how dear a friend Sarah Churchill was to Princess/Queen Anne until Anne made some poor choices in new friends.
I have not seen the version of "The Forsyte Saga" you describe but did enjoy the Masterpiece Theatre depiction. As it again features the lovely Susan Hampshire I need to check it out.
"Rumpole of the Bailey" is indeed an excellent vehicle for Leo McKern. And I was delighted to see you reference Rumpole's clever description of his wife as "She who must be obeyed." What wisdom!
You have done an exemplary job sharing about these classics of British televison. What an awesome beginning for the Cafe in 2012!
I loved ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL. Lately I've found the episodes on Netflix and have lined them up on my instant queue. It's been a while since I saw them so it will be like watching for the first time.
ReplyDeleteThe only episode I remember is one which broke my heart and left me teary-eyed. But I haven't forgotten it to this day. It's the one where the lonely old man commits suicide when his dog dies. NO one sees it coming. For me, it seemed kind of inevitable. So damn sad so very moving.
Rick, a very enjoyable series of posts. Some of these series I've never seen a single episode of but plan to soon. I have seen probably all of the "Rumpole" episodes, some fairly recently and love them. The series led me to reading all of the Rumpole stories as well as the rest of the wonderful John Mortimer's work--highly, highly recommended, as well as two other mini-series based on his novels, "Paradise Postponed" (starring Michael Hordern--I was surprised to hear he was the original choice for Rumpole, Leo McKern is so indelibly connected with the character in my mind) and "Summer's Lease" with John Gielgud. Both series have many other wonderful actors familiar to admirers of British television. I have seen some episodes of "All Creatures" years ago and found the 1st season recently at the library and loved it. Yvette, when I saw some episodes years ago, the episode you mention was the one that I recalled most vividly too!
ReplyDeleteYvette and R.D., I also remember that episode of ALL CREATURES vividly. Very touching and sad. A lighthearted fave is the one where James is a judge for a dog show at the fair and Tricki Woo is a contestant. I love all these shows. Toto, Susan Hampshire was a revelation for me, havIng only seen her in movies which didn't highlight her thespian skills. R.D., thanks for the recommendations...they sound awesome. Kim, I heartily encourage you to check out these shows.
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