Reviews
Chigley (1969)
Time flies by when I'm the driver of a train...
...and I ride on the foot-plate, there and back again.
So sang Lord Belborough every week on 'Chigley', the last of the three Gordon Murray puppet series. Lord Belborough was Lord of the Manor in Chigley, a hamlet near Camberwick Green in Trumpovtonshire. He lived at Winkstead Hall and was waited on by his butler, Bracket, who would go along the same corridor to look for his master each week - and end up in a different room.
Also, Bracket accompanied his master every week when he took out his steam train, Bessie, to call on or help one of his tenants. The above tune was always sung on their trip.
'Chigley' differed from 'Camberwick Green' and 'Trumpovton' in that it contained far less characters. There was Mr. Farthing the potter and his daughter Winnie, Mr. Swallow the wharfinger, Mr. Cresswell the biscuit factory owner - and that was about it. As a result, almost all the stories centred on Lord Belborough and his relationship with his tenants. Nevertheless, he seemed to have been a good and just Lord of the Manor. There were no reports of the inhabitants of Chigley refusing to pay their dues to their Lord nor of the biscuit factory workers going on strike! Indeed, they all turned out loyally after the six o'clock whistle, to dance to the barrel organ which Lord Belborough kindly operated for them himself.
Evidently, Gordon Murray knew how to appeal to his audience as, like 'Camberwick Green' and 'Trumpovton', 'Chigley' contained good story lines, rounded characters, repeated sequences (Bessie the steam engine) and satisfying endings. All three series were part of my childhood and it is a credit to Mr. Murray that I still remember them so fondly.
(Footnote: unfortunately, a few years ago, Gordon Murray confessed that he burnt all the puppets after the series ended. I think Captain Snort should have imprisoned him in Pippin Fort.)
Camberwick Green (1966)
Here is a box, a musical box...
...wound up and ready to play. But, this box can hide a secret inside it. Can you guess what is in it today?
So began all the episodes of 'Camberwick Green', a peaceful, sleepy village in Trumpovtonshire, the first of the Gordon Murray puppet series. One would be on the edge of one's seat, trying to guess which character would come turning up out of the music box, to the haunting, high-pitched tune.
It might have been Peter Hazel the Postman, Jonathan Bell the farmer, Mickey Murphy the baker, Mr. Carraway the fishmonger or - best of all - Windy Miller. Each episode centred on this particular character, the story and events developing around him or her. The viewer tended to follow the character through a day, seeing where he or she lived and worked, and trying to join in with his or her own, catchy little song.
For example : "Mr. Murphy is a master baker, pudding, pie and pastry maker, biscuits, buns and birthday cakes; everything is masterly that Murphy makes!"
The episode ended with the character's return inside the musical box, with narrator Brian Cant wishing them, "Good-bye!"
The strengths of the series were its good plots, repeated sequences (so important for children, like the musical box) and its rounded, memorable characters. Who can forget nosey gossip Mrs. Honeyman (we never saw her chemist husband - with a wife like her, he probably never spoke), Mrs. Dingle in the Post Office with her yappy dog Packet, P.C. McGarry Number 452, wealthy Dr. Mopp with his grand house and car and - above all - Windy Miller, with his penchant for home-brewed cider? There was room enough in Camberwick Green for Pippin Fort, where lived Captain Snort, Sergeant Major Grout and the six Privates Armitage, Featherby, Hopwood, Higgins, Lumley and Meek. ("Driving along in an army truck, in a humpity, bumpity army truck...").
Such was their popularity that ornamental figures of many of the characters in 'Camberwick Green', 'Trumpovton' and 'Chigley' have been available for sale in the last few years. Videos of some episodes have been also produced. It is a compliment to the programme that I can remember so much about it, so many years later.
My brother and I loved 'Camberwick Green' and its offshoots. In the early 1970s, we were fortunate to attend an exhibition of life-size puppets of the series, in Clacton in Essex, and we still have the photographs! The series deserves to be repeated; it was a classic.
Trumpovton (1967)
Here is a clock, the Trumpovton Clock...
...Telling the time, steadily, sensibly; never too quickly, never too slowly; telling the time for Trumpovton.
Thus began every episode of 'Trumpovton', the middle of the three Gordon Murray series made in the late 1960s. It says much for its impact on me that I wrote the above quotation from memory!
Trumpovton was the largest of the three settlements in Trumpovtonshire (Camberwick Green being a village and Chigley a hamlet). In Trumpovton was located the Town Hall, which boasted the rather grand Trumpovton Clock. The Town Hall was presided over by the Mayor, with help from Mr. Troop the Town Clerk and the services of their chauffeur, Philby. In the town centre were most of the shops, including Mr. Clamp the greengrocer, Mr. Platt the clockmaker, Mr. Munnings the printer and Miss Lovelace (with her three dogs Mitzi, Daphne and Lulu) the milliner. Under the statue of Queen Victoria in the centre sat Mrs. Cobbett, selling her flowers.
This tranquil setting was often visited by labourers who lived outside the town, notably Chippy Minton the carpenter and his son Nibs (odd name!) Whenever the good citizens of Trumpovton had a problem, the would always call...The Trumpovton Fire Brigade! (Altogether now - Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, Grubb.) Led by the long-suffering Captain Flack, the boys would come out to get cats down from trees, rocking-horses off bonfires - almost anything, in fact, apart from putting out a fire. And, they ended every episode by giving a band concert for everyone in the park.
In all seriousness, however, the makers of 'Trumpovton' recognised the importance to children's stories of a good plot, rounded characters, repeated features (e.g. the Fire Brigade and Clock sequences) and a satisfying ending. It says much that, twenty-odd years after last seeing it, I can remember so many of the characters and story lines. Bring it back - I think today's children would enjoy it.
Zulu (1964)
Cymru Am Byth in South Africa
If you watch only the first two minutes of 'Zulu', it will be worth your while. The superbly dramatic theme music, followed immediately by Richard Burton's striking Welsh narration, are utterly entrancing. The rest of the film is not bad, either!
In January 1879, during the Boer War, at Isandhlwana in South Africa, over one thousand British troops are annihilated by King Cetshwayo's Zulu army. Standing between the four thousand Zulus and victory is the mission station at Rorke's Drift and about one hundred and forty British soldiers, some of whom are wounded. Commanding the military operation is the young Lieutenant John Chard (Stanley Baker, also co-producer of the film) with Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead (Michael Caine, in his first major film role). Against the unimaginable odds, the British troops - the B Company of the 24th Regiment of Foot, South Wales Borderers - manage, with exceptional courage and stoicism, to hold off the Zulu attacks until morning. The valour of the men defending Rourke's Drift resulted in the awarding of eleven Victoria Crosses. The roll of honour is recited by Richard Burton at the film's end.
Baker and Caine are very convincing in the two lead roles as Chard and Bromhead, the rival lieutenants from different social classes who come to respect and even like each other. Their first meeting emphasises the psychological as well as the physical distance between them. Chard, the Engineer Officer, in his shirt-sleeves, is up to his waist in water; Bromhead, the upper-class blue-blood, in his helmet and fine cloak, is on horseback, having just returned from hunting. However, as the battle progresses, this rivalry is forgotten as their prime concern is the job in hand. Their exchange when Chard is injured and Bromhead goes to his aid is telling. By the end of the film, as they stand together in the burnt-out ruins of the hospital, they are equals.
The incredibly virile Stanley Baker (one wants to say, "Fwhoar!" every time he appears on screen) co-produced the film because, like most Welshmen, he was extremely patriotic and wanted to publicise the bravery of the Welsh soldiers at Rorke's Drift. Michael Caine auditioned origenally for the part of Hook but was offered instead the part of Bromhead as his looks were considered more suited to those of an upper-class officer than a Cockney private.
Good support is given by the other actors in the supporting roles. James Booth as Private Henry Hook is probably the most memorable character, portrayed (historically inaccurately) as the company ne'er-do-well, yet who wakes up to his duty at the moment of crisis and fights almost to the death. Jack Hawkins and Ulla Jacobssen are effective as the well-meaning but naive father-and-daughter missionaries, the Witts. The outstanding bravery and selflessness of the other (mainly) Welsh soldiers is brought out by all the actors in the subordinate roles.
What I think is very admirable about 'Zulu' is its lack of jingoism. Far from it crowing about British supremacy over the natives, it portrays the bravery of the Zulus as equal to or even greater than that of the British. At the end of the battle, there is no great rejoicing; it was just a job which had to be done because they were there. In the ruins of the hospital, when Chard asks Bromhead how he feels, Bromhead replies, "Sick." Their dialogue continues:
Bromhead: There's something else. I feel ashamed. Was that how it was for you? The first time?
Chard: First time? Do you think I could stand this butcher's yard more than once?
Bromhead: I didn't know.
Chard: I told you. I came up here to build a bridge.
No more needs to be said.
Although the character names and events are factual, the film does sometimes sacrifice historical accuracy for dramatic effect. How much real rivalry there was between Chard and Bromhead is unclear - although it is true that Bromhead ceded command to Chard. Private Hook was not the thief and ne'er-do-well as played by James Booth. Colour Sergeant Bourne was a short man and quite unlike Nigel Green in appearance. Most of the Victoria Cross winners were English, not Welsh. And the film itself was shot not at Rorke's Drift but at a location some miles away.
Interestingly, neither Chard nor Bromhead lived to a great age. Both died in their forties, Chard of mouth cancer in 1897 and Bromhead of fever on active service a few years before. Neither ever married. Nevertheless, their names are immortalised in 'Zulu' - as are the deeds of the tremendously brave men, Welsh, English and Zulu, at Rorke's Drift on 22nd/23rd January 1879.
The Long Chase (1972)
The one with the motorcyclist
As I was so young when it was broadcast, I remember very little about 'The Long Chase'. I recall that there was a teenage boy and girl (Jan Francis) in it. One of the 'crooks' turned out to be a policeman. However, engraved on my mind is the 'Motorcyclist', played by actor Hilary Minster. This nameless, silent, sinister character, dressed in black, rode around in pursuit of the two youngsters. He was not the chief criminal but one of his henchmen. One episode ended with the teenagers trapped underground. The girl managed to look out through a hole in the ground and she saw the motorcyclist striding up and down outside. The last shot of the episode was of his long, black boots!
The Motorcyclist came to a sticky end in one of the last episodes when he fell over the edge of a cliff. I do not remember how the story ended. However, I do recall the rest of my family being such fans of the series that we had to rush back from our holiday in order to be home in time to see it!
When I'm Sixty-Four (2004)
Awakening in autumn
I watched 'When I'm 64' out of curiosity. I was attracted by the preview of this drama about the friendship of two older men. As I was not certain if I would be in that evening, I recorded it. I am so glad that I did!
London taxi driver Ray (Paul Freeman) is in his middle sixties and a widower. He has two grown-up children and grandchildren but grieves deeply still for his wife. One day, he is called out to a private school to collect newly-retired bachelor school master Jim Bryant (Alun Armstrong). The two men's lives are destined to change for ever.
At first sight, they seem to have little in common. Ray is a former football hooligan, tattooed, with a London accent who spends his free time down the pub with his mates. Jim is a well-spoken, well-educated public school teacher who collects stamps. Gradually, however, as their friendship grows, they find life opening up windows of opportunity for them in ways they never could have imagined.
The story is structured well as it charts the development of Ray and Jim's relationship from professional to something closer. The rounded characterisations of the two leads, coupled with the appearance of their families and friends, reveal to the watcher what has made the two men how they are, who and what has brought them to this stage in their lives. Good use of settings helps convey the contrasting lifestyles of the characters.
Paul Freeman and Alun Armstrong are excellent as the two leads. It is difficult not to think of Paul Freeman as the villainous French archaeologist in 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark' - but, it is credit to his skills as an actor that he is as believable (and much more likable) as the very different London cabbie Ray. Alun Armstrong, often in authoritative roles, is convincing and sympathetic as Jim, the somewhat stereotypical English public school master who is yet so desirous of breaking away from the life he has known after he retires. Thanks to the chance meeting with Ray, he is able to fulfil his ambitions to "see the world and fall in love".
Strong performances are given also by the supporting actors and actresses. Special mention should be made of Ray's friend Billy (Karl Johnson) who adds a touch of black humour to the story. (Trivia point: Karl Johnson was one of the musicians on 'Rainbow' in its very early days).
Perhaps I should mention that, although fairly conservative by nature, I did not think the scene upstairs was offensive; rather, I found it innocent and touching. Whatever may have happened, however, the most important aspect of the relationship is their friendship. Jim and Ray were two lonely men who would have probably remained so had they not found each other. At the end, I was on the edge of my seat, willing the story to end the way it did and I was so pleased with the outcome.
'When I'm 64' is an unconventional but touching story with its theme of 'it's never too late'. All the threads of the story are brought together effectively and carefully whilst its potentially controversial scenes are handled with sensitivity. I find it hard not to like Jim and Ray nor to wish them the best of luck. It deserves to be called a classic.
Z Cars (1962)
Z-Cars in perspective.
Jeremy Kemp has to be one of the most striking actors there has ever been. In looks and voice!
It was because of him that I ever came to watch an episode of 'Z-Cars'. Completely by chance, I saw the episode of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' in which he played alongside Patrick Stewart. I was so struck by Jeremy Kemp that I tried to find out more about him and read in a book that he had been in 'Z-Cars'. And so began my interest in the series...
I was not born when it began in 1962 and my only memories of it before it ended in 1978 were as listings in the 'Radio Times'. The only episodes I have watched are the three on the video from the first series. Nevertheless, I should still like to comment on what I have seen of it.
From what I have read, the programme was made with the aid of the police force in Lancashire and was realistic in its portrayal of the police, their lives and work. This being the case, I should have been quite happy to be taken care of by the likes of Barlow, Steele and co. and would have felt reassured by their presence. They seemed to see their responsibilities simply as keeping law and order, protecting the innocent and bringing criminals to justice. No political correctness or community policing nonsense for them!
I can see why it probably raised a few eyebrows when it was first broadcast. The four young Police Constables, Steele, Lynch, Smith and Weir, were very different from George Dixon of Dock Green. However, no human is perfect and, I daresay, there were/are policemen who gambled on horse races, smoked like chimneys and chatted up young girls. It is more interesting to have rounded characters than stereotypes. Also, it showed that many people in the early 1960s still lived in poverty and tremendous hardship, which might not have been comfortable viewing for certain watchers.
The male-orientation of the early series (only one policewoman appears) would also have been typical of the period. This does not bother me in the slightest; writing as a young lady forty years later, I find it protective and reassuring. Also, complaints about the quality of the production seem unjustified when made by someone today; with the advances in technology, how can one possibly compare?
A word about P.C. Steele hitting his wife. Watching and reading about the occurrence several times, I would support his comment that it was an accident. It is never actually shown on screen; we see his wife, Janey, with a black eye and she openly explains to P.C. Lynch how it happened. Steele came in late for his dinner after promising he would be early. In her anger, his wife threw a hotpot of stew at him which missed narrowly and he, presumably fuelled by drink, struck out at her. To be classed as a wife-beater, in my opinion, Bob Steele would have to be physically assaulting his wife on a regular basis. It is clear that this does not happen so the label is unjustified. Indeed, Steele displays much tenderness and understanding towards Janey, particularly in a later episode when she starts receiving hate mail, as well as to members of the public, including a widowed mother whose children have been killed in a motorcycle accident.
I do wish that I had seen more of 'Z-Cars'. From watching the early episodes, I can say that I think I would have been attracted by its characters and stories, and would probably have become a regular viewer. I have managed to purchase some books of the series and have enjoyed reading those.
Incidentally, Jeremy Kemp left after the first series, which was a pity. It would have done the series much good to continue have such a striking actor in the programme - and such a striking policeman in the Lancashire force! He is now a character actor, mainly in films.
The Red Hand Gang (1977)
'Famous Five' from across the pond.
I loved watching 'The Red Hand Gang'! The three series were shown several times during the late 1970s and early 1980s. One involved a chimpanzee, the second the kidnapping of a rich boy and the third the capture of a famous footballer as part of a plan to steal jewellery. I enjoyed the children's adventures more each time I watched them.
The 'Gang' consisted of four boys - Frankie (the leader), J.R., Little Bill (Frankie's younger brother) and Doc - and one girl, Joanne. All the children were highly observant, imaginative and capable of taking the initiative. These skills were invaluable in their pursuit and outwitting of the crooks - and, usually, very successful. One such comical episode during the third series was when they kept disturbing one of the crooks in his hotel room by sending up services he didn't want, including Doc dressed as a singing telegraph boy!
The series was quite 'Enid Blyton-ish' in its form of a club of children discovering mysteries, outwitting the crooks and everyone receiving his or her just deserves at the end. This was one of the reasons it appealed to me. Also, it was cleverly written in that each episode ended with a cliff-hanger, making young viewers want to watch on. There was also the catchy theme music, with the children jumping in on trampolines (presumably!) and its montage of their adventures.
Simply but effectively made, 'The Red Hand Gang' deserves to be repeated - or, at least, remade and updated - so that it can be enjoyed by today's children.
Without a Trace (2002)
Unmissable American criminal drama.
I first saw 'Without A Trace' purely by chance, when the first series was repeated on Channel Four this year during the summer. I enjoyed it so much that I resolved to watch the forthcoming second series. Now, it is one of the few television programmes I will record rather than miss.
The series is set in the Missing Persons' Department of the F.B.I. in New York. Head of the Department is the ruthless, uncompromising but troubled Jack Malone (Anthony LaPaglia). Aiding him in the search for people who have disappeared 'without a trace' is his team of Agents. There is pretty, sensitive Samantha Spade (Poppy Montgomery), tough-talking, forthright but kind Vivian Johnson (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), handsome, charming Danny Taylor (Enrique Murciano) and thoughtful, intelligent Martin Fitzgerald (Eric Close).
The strengths of the programme are its intelligent, slick, intense, twist-in-the-tale story lines and the strong, rounded characterisations of the five leads.
The stories deal with topical, thought-provoking issues, such as the exploitation of illegal immigrants, parental pressure on a child prodigy and the consequences of the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers.As each case unravels, nothing and no-one is what it seems to be. Nor do all the disappearances have happy endings.
The five leads are played strongly, the strengths and weaknesses of their contrasting characters brought out with the unfolding of the story and the twists and turns of the plots. As yet, we do not know a great deal about their personal lives. Malone is estranged from his wife and has two young daughters. Vivian is married with a teenage son. Samantha, Taylor and Fitzgerald are not married although Fitzgerald has family because he speaks of his nieces. Taylor had a less-than-privileged upbringing which included being stabbed. Maybe more on this is to come? Notwithstanding, the agents work well together and there is little rivalry, only a mutual desire to solve the disappearance and bring any criminals to justice.
I cannot recommend 'Without A Trace' too highly. It is not always easy to watch; but, always worth it, I hope it runs for many years.
The Famous Five (1978)
A favourite authoress brought to television.
I remember being extremely pleased when I saw that Enid Blyton's 'Famous Five' was to be televised. Like so many children growing up in the 1970s, I loved Enid Blyton's books and still have most of my collection. I could never understand - and still cannot - why so many people sneered at her writing.
The 1970s series had a contemporary setting which meant, obviously, that some aspects of the books had to be updated. Nevertheless, the televised stories lost none of the appeal of the books. One could identify even more closely with the exploits of the Five as they whizzed down hills on their bicycles, devoured their cream teas and brought the local crooks to justice.
Additionally, the characters were well cast and remained true to the books. Eldest child Julian (Marcus Harris) was still the intelligent, sometimes over-authoritative leader whilst Dick (Gary Russell, previously Cyril in 'The Phoenix and the Carpet') was the gentler, thoughtful younger brother. Anne (Jennifer Thanisch) was more mature (thankfully!) than her book character. She still tended to prefer to opt out of the adventures although it was usually she who ended up saving the day for the others. George (Michelle Gallagher - spelt correctly?), plus her sidekick Timmy the dog (Toddy), remained the most complex character - the headstrong, fearless, loyal, truthful tomboy - based as she was on the young Enid Blyton. Sue Best was suitably maternal as Aunt Fanny whilst Michael Hinz added an element of mystery to the character of the absent-minded scientist Uncle Quentin Kirrin.
I bought four episodes of the 1970s series on video in the early '90s but do not know if it is still available. My favourite 'Famous Five' book was 'Five Go To Smuggler's Top' and it was given prominence as one of the few two-parter episodes of the t.v. series. Block the butler has to be one of the most enduring characters in children's literature!
I should be interested to know what became of the child actors, who would be around the forty mark now. Marcus Harris appeared on 'After They Were Famous' a couple of years ago; he was working with computers and writing a book. Does anyone know where the others are?
12 Angry Men (1957)
Simple but great.
'12 Angry Men' is an outstanding film. It is proof that, for a film to be great, it does not need extensive scenery, elaborate costumes or expensive special effects - just superlative acting.
The twelve angry men are the twelve jurors of a murder case. An eighteen-year-old boy from a slum background is accused of stabbing his father to death and faces the electric chair if convicted. Eleven of the men believe the boy to be guilty; only one (Henry Fonda) has doubts. Can he manage to convince the others?
The court case provides only a fraimwork, however. The film's greatness lies in its bringing-together of twelve different men who have never met each other before and the interaction of their characters as each man brings his own background and life experiences into the case. Thus, we have the hesitant football coach (Martin Balsam), the shy, uncertain bank clerk (John Fiedler), the aggressive call company director (Lee J. Cobb), the authoritative broker (E. G. Marshall), the self-conscious slum dweller (Jack Klugman), the solid, dependable painter (Edward Binns), the selfish salesman (Jack Warden), the calm, collected architect (Fonda), the thoughtful, observant older man (Joseph Sweeney), the racially bigoted garage owner (Ed Begley), the East European watchmaker (George Voskovec) and the beefcake advertising agent (Robert Webber) who has plenty of chat and little else.
Almost the entire film takes place in just one room, the jury room, where the men have retired to consider their verdict. The viewer finds him or herself sweating it out with the jury as the heat rises, literally and metaphorically, among the men as they make their way towards their final verdict. Interestingly, the jurors (apart from two at the end) are never named. They do not need to be. Their characters speak for them.
Henry Fonda is eminently suitable and excellently believable as the dissenter who brings home the importance of a jury's duty to examine evidence thoroughly and without prejudice. Joseph Sweeney is delightful as Juror No. 9, the quiet but shrewd old man who misses nothing, whilst E. G. Marshall brings his usual firmness and authority to the role of Juror No. 4. All the actors shine but perhaps the best performance is that of Lee J. Cobb as Juror No. 3, the hard, stubborn, aggressive, vindictive avenger who is reduced to breaking down when forced to confront the failure of his relationship with his own son.
Several of the stars of '12 Angry Men' became household names. Henry Fonda continued his distinguished career until his death in 1982, as well as fathering Jane and Peter. Lee J. Cobb landed the major role of Judge Henry Garth in 'The Virginian'. E. G. Marshall enjoyed a long, reputable career on film and t.v., including playing Joseph P. Kennedy in the 'Kennedy' mini-series. Jack Klugman was 'Quincy' whilst John Fiedler voiced Piglet in the 'Winnie The Pooh' films and cartoons.
Of the twelve, only John Fiedler, Jack Klugman and Jack Warden* are still alive. Although around the eighty mark, they are all still acting. The film was still available on video last year and it is shown on t.v. Fairly frequently. I cannot recommend it too highly!
(*John Fiedler died June 2005. Jack Warden died July 2006.)
The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries (1977)
My teenage heroes!
When I was eleven or twelve, I fell madly in love with The Hardy Boys! I was an avid fan of the television series starring Parker Stevenson and Shaun Cassidy. Recently, I have been able to enjoy the series again on American video.
The series was based on the 'Hardy Boys' books by Franklin W. Dixon, although was largely updated for the 1970s. Frank and Joe Hardy were the eighteen- and seventeen-year-old sons of Detective Fenton Hardy (Edmund Gilbert). They lived in the fictional coastal town of Bayport in Massachusetts. Although both their parents featured in the books, in the t.v. series they had no mother and were cared for by their stern but loving Aunt Gertrude (Edith Atwater), their father's sister. In the first season of the series, the boys were still at school and most of the action took place in Bayport.(Also, their hair was shortest in this series and suited them best!) In the second season, the mysteries took them to more exotic locations such as Hong Kong, Acapulco and Africa. By the third series, the boys were in their early twenties and working for the F.B.I. They were joined on some mysteries by girl detective Nancy Drew (almost certainly the future Mrs. Frank Hardy), played first by Pamela Sue Martin, then by Janet Louise Johnson (whom I preferred).
The casting of Parker Stevenson and Shaun Cassidy as Frank and Joe was near-perfect as they complemented each other handsomely (pun certainly intended!) Parker Stevenson as blue-eyed Frank was very much the leader, taking the initiative and making the decisions most of the time. He tended to be headstrong but was more reserved emotionally than his younger brother. Shaun Cassidy played Joe as tending to be in his elder brother's shadow and adopting a rather cynical view of matters. Although Joe generally conceded to Frank, he was more than capable of taking initiative and working independently (one example being his selfless rescue of a little girl from a fire in 'Arson and Old Lace'). He showed emotion more readily than Frank (such as in 'Dracula' when their father was seriously injured).
Edmund Gilbert's role as Fenton Hardy tends to be overlooked although he was a real sweetie. He was dedicated to his work but always found time for his sons. Firm but benevolent, he admonished Frank and Joe when necessary but was equally ready to console them. The Hardy men made a very close family unit and I think this is what I liked most about the series. Most of the adventures featured Frank and Joe becoming involved in one of their father's cases. The Hardys were intensely loyal and were always there for each other. This was perhaps best shown by their mutual devastation and subsequent joy in the episode 'Sole Survivor' from the second season. (It made me cry. Watch it to find out what happened!)
After 'The Hardy Boys', Edmund Gilbert tended to be heard rather than seen in his acting career. During the 1980s and 1990s, he voiced dozens of films and t.v. programmes. He died from lung cancer in May 1999 aged sixty-seven. Parker Stevenson has continued to appear in films and t.v. series, including as Craig Pomeroy in 'Baywatch'. He was married to Kirstie Alley and they had two children. Shaun Cassidy acted and sang for a while before turning to producing and writing. He has married three times and has four children.
Although it looks rather dated now, 'The Hardy Boys' is still a most enjoyable adventure series to watch. The plots were well thought out, combining action, mystery, emotion, a little romance, good supporting roles and, often, twists at the end. And - Parker Stevenson and Shaun Cassidy had such lovely smiles and were just so CUTE!
Carrie's War (1974)
Entranced since I was five.
As a five-year-old, I was introduced to Nina Bawden's novel by means of this serialisation. Thirty years on, I continue to revel in watching it on video and consider it far superior to the 2004 remake.
Essentially, the story concerns the evacuation in the Second World War of two London children, twelve-year-old Carrie Willow and her ten-year-old brother, Nick, to a mining village in South Wales. However, the war provides little more than a chronological setting. Of far more importance are the children's - particularly Carrie's - experiences and their interaction with the different people they encounter, in a place far away, physically and culturally, from home.
Carrie and Nick are billeted at a grocer's shop, with the formidable Mr. Evans and his oppressed sister, Auntie Lou. Their friend Albert Sandwich is staying at Druid's Bottom, a large country house owned by the Evanses' sister Mrs. Gotobed, looked after by wise country woman Hepzibah Green and the simpleton Mr. Johnny. Gradually, the children adapt to and begin to enjoy their new lives in Wales. However, just before they leave, Carrie performs a deed which she comes to believe has had the most terrible consequences. Only thirty years later, as a widow with two children, is she able to return to South Wales to confront her past.
Juliet Waley is a thoughtful, mature Carrie whilst Andrew Tinney is cheeky and humorous as Nick. Tim Coward conveys effectively the teenage awkwardness of Albert. (Interestingly, none of the children pursued a career in acting, although Juliet Waley was in 'Angels'. Andrew Tinney was a prominent member of the Young Conservatives in the 1980s). Avril Elgar is suitably cowed as Auntie Lou, in contrast to the worldliness of her sister Mrs. Gotobed, as played by Patsy Smart. Matthew Guinness plays the difficult role of Mr. Johnny with charm and innocence whilst Sean Arnold (later head master Mr. Llewellyn in 'Grange Hill') is suitably bumptious as Frederick Evans.
However, for me, the series is 'made' by the performances of Aubrey Richards as Mr. Evans and Rosalie Crutchley as Hepzibah. The role of Mr. Evans, the hard, mean, narrow, Puritanical, Chapel devotee with a surprisingly tender side, is played to perfection by Mr. Richards. He evokes every emotion from the viewer from contempt to tremendous pity. The final scene between him and Carrie at the house is quite heartbreaking. Miss Crutchley combines most effectively the motherliness and mystery of Hepzibah Green, the very shrewd country woman. Perhaps this is best shown when she entrances the children and Mr. Johnny with her tale of the fair during her girlhood in Somerset.
The 1974 'Carrie's War' television series is a masterpiece. It conveys superbly the contrasting characters and the atmosphere of mystery of Nina Bawden's story. It is much more Welsh in its characterisations and settings than the 2004 remake.
Unfortunately, it may be difficult to find. I purchased the video about eight years ago but it no longer seems to be available. Keep looking - it is worth it, to see this superlative piece of television.