The Beiderbecke Affair [1985] | ![The Beiderbecke Affair [1985]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YQVN3H2CL._SL75_.jpg)
 enlarge | Directors: David Reynolds (iii), Frank W. Smith
Actors: James Bolam, Barbara Flynn, Terence Rigby, Danny Schiller, Dudley Sutton
Studio: Cinema Club
Category: DVD
Buy New: £69.99
New (1) Used (2) from £38.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  6 reviews
Sales Rank: 31930
Format: Pal
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: Parental Guidance
Number Of Items: 2
Running Time: 300
Discs: 2
EAN: 5014138299040
ASIN: B0000C24EH
Theatrical Release Date: January 6, 1985
Release Date: November 10, 2003
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand NEW & Guaranteed [Region 2, DVD] Dispatched in 24-hours, International delivery. Buy with confidence from Cult Stores Ltd: we are a UK, VAT, Limited Company. Look at our zShops page for details and full catalogue.
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...
Alan Plater's masterpiece. May 8, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The dialogue is the key to the brilliance of this series - original, witty, absurd and quirky with wonderful wordplay. The plot unfolds beautifully but it's the lovely performances fuelled by the great writing that make it special. I loved the sense of place and the run-down feel of the schools, allotments, multi-storey car parks, churches and town halls and, of course, the van. It is difficult to fault but for me the later one-off programmes failed to match the first series and disappointed my high expectations.
A Quiet Paradigm Leep June 21, 2005
8 out of 9 found this review helpful
Well our two schoolteachers do something that all the "Queen's Horses" cannot. The notion that you cannot provide exquisite chuckle humour mixed with a cacophany of intrigue and low key excitement whilst kicking the "Bix Beiderbecker" out of authority makes a wonderful release from the then and now, of the antics of both politics (the story line for politcal intrigue and corruption which is universal and cyclical) and greed amongst those we are meant to trust but don't and hence the wonderful and farseeing writing of Alan Platter.I only wish that he would update another and continuous series with that of present day corruption in the political arena and all the woes of social and ecological decline. We might get that kick in the pants which all the messages the Greens are encouraging us to change our ways in a manner which society will encompass and take our responsibilities seriously. The B/B trilogy is undisputably one in the most fundamental ways in which life in the UK could become more honest, fun and intriguing if everyone stopped being frighetend of everyone else. Please much more of the same!
Fab, down to earth, intelligent TV. With a Jazz soundtrack! November 3, 2004
17 out of 17 found this review helpful
The mean streets of 1980's Leeds play a comedy backdrop to this off the wall, but homely personal TV favourite. I cannot recommend it too much. The trio of Beiderbecke series explore serious very relevant issues, but do it alongside gentle comedy, romance, and the mystery of what connects everything back to Bix Beiderbecke the Jazz musician. Alan Plater writes three dimensional, quirky, surprising but satisfying parts for all his actors. And there is a great soundtrack.A perfect antidote to the modern day soaps and cookie cutter rehashed rubbish that sits smugly across our modern day TV schedules. Remind yourself that TV used to be capable of intelligence and originality.
At last The Affair To Remember! October 6, 2003
32 out of 32 found this review helpful
The emergence of DVD is at last allowing TV's archives to be plundered for real gems like this offbeat comedy thriller. With the release of this and 'A Very Peculiar Practise' viewers are being given a chance to once again enjoy series made without the input of the focus groups and the influence of the destructive ratings wars. A time before the era of endless programmes about doctors, vets and lawyers.
Alan Plater creates real people, flawed, humourous, even sometimes dull and allows his plot to meander over six episodes into an examination of local politics, corruption, relationships and jazz.
Barbara Flynn and James Bolam are excellent in the lead roles, ably supported by Terence Rigby and Sue Jenkins. Its offbeat, low key and a real treat. You won't be sure what happens next and you won't care because you'll be enjoying it too much.
Extras aren't needed because at this price and 300 minutes of 'The Beiderbecke Affair' you have real value for money. Imagine 'The Long Goodbye' meets 'Last Of the Summer Wine' with a Kenny Ball soundtrack. Do indulge yourself and buy it.
A superb comedy drama in the best British tradition! Great. April 2, 2000
17 out of 19 found this review helpful
James Bolam at his best as the underdog teacher, finding romance, of sorts with another teacher, a mystery, some spy games, and a couple of "local heros" big Al and little Norm. As good as telly drama gets. Worth watching all three series, the Afair, the Tapes, and the Connection.
|
|
|
