Lord Peter Wimsey - Five Red Herrings [1975]

Those for whom this series forms hazy memories of childhood might be surprised at its somewhat stagy, lingering interior shots, the spartan paucity of music, the miserly attitude towards locations, especially foreign ones, and the rather genteel, leisurely pace of these programmes, besides which Inspector Morse seems like Quentin Tarantino in comparison. It seems that initially the BBC was reluctant to commission the series and ventured on production with a wary eye on the budget. The Britain depicted by Sayers is, by and large, populated by either the upper classes or heavily accented, rum-do-and-no-mistake lower orders, which some might find consoling. However, the acting is generally excellent and the murder mysteries are sophisticated parlour games, the televisual equivalent of a good, absorbing jigsaw puzzle.

There were five feature-length adaptations in all. "Five Red Herrings" is the last and perhaps the least of the series, involving a trout fishing holiday interrupted by the death of a local artist. --David Stubbs

The period feel is further enhanced by excellent attention to detail, from the typical ornaments on Wimsey's mantelpiece to the wonderful motor-vehicles such as Wimsey's beautiful Bentley (although it should have been a Daimler according to the book) effortlessly negotiating a pend not much wider than the car. One minor quibble; while it is understandable that Wimsey's car would always be kept immaculate, would the equally-authentic local bus have been quite so spotless as it plied its trade?

A final character which has to be mentioned is the wonderful Galloway scenery; this programme, due I believe to studio-workers' industrial action, was filmed entirely on location, if not at the exact locations in the book, then very near to them. I hope that the Dumfries & Galloway Tourist Board have taken note of the magnificent views of Kirkcudbright and the surrounding countryside and are able to use it to promote the area. Without doubt this will attract many visitors who wish to follow the trail of the Five Red Herrings.


Good, but what was wrong with the book?   January 11, 2002
 2 out of 6 found this review helpful

A sad reminder of the way in which screenwriters justify their pay by butchering books. Obviously bits need to be cut for length, but this is made worse by adding extensive scenes not in the book, and changing the plot (as well as revealing key elements far earlier than in the book). The voice of Ian Carmichael is perfect, but he is too old for Lord Peter. However, despite these imperfections, it is still an excellent story, fairly well told, and well worth buying for DLS enthusiasts.


BRILLIANT DONT YE KNOW.   September 20, 2001
 7 out of 9 found this review helpful

LORD PETER TAKES A BUSMANS HOLIDAY IN THIS BRILLIANT OUTING ADAPTED FROM THE NOVEL BY DOROTHY L SAYERS.IAN CARMICHAEL IS CHARMING AND WITTY AS LORD PETER ACCOMPANIED BY HIS BUTLER AND SIDEKICK BUNTER IN THE HUNT FOR THE MURDERER OF AN UNPOPULAR LOCAL ARTIST.JOIN THEM TO DISCOVER THE TRUE KILLER FROM THE FIVE RED HERRINGS.