WelshGoat Reviews

Monarch of the Glen (2000–2005)

Enjoyable Viewing

[8/10 · 17 July 2007]

It is somewhat ironic that I didn't start watching the original screening on BBC1 until the fourth season and have therefore had to catch up via UKTV Drama. Having said that I thoroughly enjoyed this easy paced drama and will still sit and catch episodes regularly. It had all the ingredients of great Sunday night fare, scenery, love interest, comedy and decent acting. It did make me chuckle at the way both Archie and Paul got through so many love interests throughout the series and there was some deja vu with Stella's character who was obviously a re-run of Justine. I might add that it would have been much better if Katrina hadd ended up as Mrs Archie but maybe that's a question of taste (would a toff marry the hired help?) Having said that the series never lost it's inherent charm. Worth catching on Cable when you can.

Juliet Bravo (1980–1985)

Solid Police series

[8 May 2006]

This series was THE Police drama of the early eighties and in many ways managed to be groundbreaking and traditional. It relied on the tried and tested format of studio interiors and location film but also addressed in its time a number of emerging crime issues. The big issue initially was the fact that the Insp was female and yet due to excellent performances from both leading women it was their professional ability that shone through. It did pull some punches and was the first primetime Saturday night series that I recall that dealt with the effects of heroin that was rampant in Britain at the time. Dodgy as it seems my fondest memory is of Anne Cateret stood in her tights ironing her Police skirt. Many a male fan would agree!

Eye of the Needle (1981)

A forgotten little classic

[8/10 · 27 April 2006]

When this film was made Sutherland was still a major star and yet this movie was quickly confined to late night slots on BBC2.By 1981 when this film was made the big WW2 film was decidedly out of fashion and as a result were largely ignored by the public. (Another example was Yanks, 1979). This would continue to be the case until arguably Private Ryan in '97. This is a shame as Sutherland produces a truly menacing performance in this film which maintains the suspense of the piece to its conclusion. It's at its best in the claustrophobic atmosphere of the Scottish island. Cazenove is excellent as the crippled pilot and his bittern's at missing out on RAF glory is brilliant. I was unaware of Nelligan before this film but she is impressive in every way! Ultimately the film hinges on the relationship between these three and the war remains predominantly in the background. The violence, by modern standards, is mild and I would encourage anyone to have a look at this movie at some stage.

Waking Up in Reno (2002)

If only

[6/10 · 27 April 2006]

Having watched the movie for the first time I was left thinking that this film could have been so much better. It lacked the crucial cliffhanger moments that make a good comedy/drama great. Having said that it does have a great central cast and all four main characters do their best with what they've got. Richardson and Theron make a great job of being Southern white trash. However, none is overly stretched and with a better script this could have been a truly memorable offering. But then again who could resist Theron shouting, "I'm ovulating, I'm ovulating," even if she was sticking a thermometer in her ear at the time!

Judge John Deed (2001–2007)

Martin Shaw is a God

[6 April 2006]

Let's be honest a generation of men would like to be the characters he portrays and a generation of women would let them. Brilliant entertainment of which highlights include the constant humiliation of Sir Ian Rochester and Sir Monty Everard. One thing I have noticed is that both his ex wife and ex father in law are very discreetly helping Deed in some small but crucial way whilst publicly yearning for his downfall. Great fun to watch and can you blame him for taking advantage of so many willing women? It's hard to believe that Martin Shaw is rapidly approaching 60. I think everyone enjoys the perpetual relationship he has with Jo Mills but let it never become settled as this would signal the end of the show.

1914 All Out (1987 TV Movie)

Nostalgic look at the effects of the Great War

[7/10 · 6 April 2006]

I remember this appearing in the schedules with quite a bit of publicity in the late '80's as a Saturday evening offering. It was a nostalgic look at the effects of war on a northern rural village. The first army volunteers leave in a blaze of glory and they include Tom Houghton and the village Doctor. Later Tom returns on leave and explains to his family that a big push is planned to end the war (Somme). During this push he is killed and the focus shifts to his younger brother who then courts Tom's great love. He in turn returns from war confident that he is a better bowler than their arch rivals' star Sebastian only to learn from his father that he too has been killed. The film ends with a poignant look at the village cenotaph in modern surroundings with the name of some of the character upon it. Not a challenging drama but effortless viewing.

The Rainbow (1988)

Great Adaption.

[9/10 · 28 February 2006]

I remember this adaption quite clearly and it was made at a very convenient time. It was a featured text in our English Literature exam and I recall writing with great enthusiasm about the book and it's plots! It was a well acted piece and a fantastic vehicle for the (by now) underrated talents of the lead Imogen Stubbs. It also featured a couple of actors who would go on to be recognisable through work in TV especially Colin Tarrant who was later in The Bill. The sexual elements of the story were well handled and the scene involving the seduction of Ursula by her teacher was especially poignant. Kate Buffery was my fantasy woman for ages afterwards. It's a shame that given the number of channels the BBC has that this adaption has not been repeated or released on DVD. It is superior to Ken Russell's adaption in all ways and would win a new generation of fans if repeated today.