Too much of the Botts - only the daughter really featured in the stories with her ongoing quest to become an Outlaw. And in the original story Aunt Augusta was naive. If there was a shaking head smilie, I'd use it!
beautfully cast....apart from Robert who doesn't seem to be anything like how I remember him
Wasn't he 17 years old in the books, and a really moany teenager? I recall he was always saying things like, 'No one ever cares about me and how I feel!' That was my recollection, though I've not read one of the books in over 30years, and haven't seen the TV adaption being shown this Christmas.
However in both episode 1 and 3, I thought Ethel's skirt was too short for the period.
Did they really have short skirts in the early 50's?
You are right. If skirts like that had been around in the early1950s the mini would not have been such a sensation ten years later.
Unless Ethel were about to play tennis or going to the beach she would not have worn such a short skirt in that period. Never mind, I do not mind seeing a little more leg at the expense of period detail.
The woman who dropped her aitches was surely Mrs Bott, Violet Elizabeth's mother? Though I think it was more her husband that did that - but he wasn't really socially aspirational.
Absolutely loved this. Brought back such lovely memories of my own childhood in the 50's - and yes, we did go out all day and everyday and play in woods etc. And the summers were always sunny!
I read the books in the 50's as well (well, all those that had been written up to then) and my brother and I used to adore William. I have never been fond of all the versions up to now - they never measured up to my own memories of the books, but in this version I think all the outlaws, but particularly the child playing William are so believable and so is Violet Ezliabeth.
Oh, very well done, BBC! But such a shame you buried it in the morning schedule.
this is a delightful programme, shame its been hidden away a bit i wouldve preferred to see it on a Sunday after the ridiculousness of Christmas & New Year was over
Loved watching this with the kids; terrific casting - and as an added bonus, the Bot's mansion is where we go to a chilli festival every year (Warren Clarke should get a medal for going into that pond, it's full of carp as big as Jaws!!)
Loved watching this with the kids; terrific casting - and as an added bonus, the Bot's mansion is where we go to a chilli festival every year (Warren Clarke should get a medal for going into that pond, it's full of carp as big as Jaws!!)
If it's Bennington Lordship Gardens,in Herts, the real owner is Sarah Bott.
The woman who dropped her aitches was surely Mrs Bott, Violet Elizabeth's mother? Though I think it was more her husband that did that - but he wasn't really socially aspirational.
So even the people who have enough free time to watch it will still have to hunt around the schedules.
Which idiot at the Beep okayed not only this kind of timeslot, but for it to be moved around so even those who can see it might miss it anyway?!
I think the BBC saw this as primarily a childrens show, and if you accept that a daytime slot over the Christmas holidays makes sense. However, I think the potential audience is as likely to be adults who enjoyed the books as kids, and the slot was therefore misjudged.
I never have any sympathy with people who complain about missing things because they're moved around the schedules, I'm afraid. Read the listings, and you'll know when it's on. Only when the time is changed from what appears on the listings do I feel there's any cause for complaint.
Wasn't he 17 years old in the books, and a really moany teenager? I recall he was always saying things like, 'No one ever cares about me and how I feel!' That was my recollection, though I've not read one of the books in over 30years, and haven't seen the TV adaption being shown this Christmas.
I don't remember Robert from the books as quite like that. He was clearly quite young, though I don't think his age was clearly stated in any story I read, but he liked to pose as being much more mature and sophisticated than he was.
One thing they've changed from the books is this notion that Robert can't get a girlfriend. In the books he had a regular string of girlfriends, just like Ethel did boyfriends - though neither of them seemed to be able to sustain a relationship for long.
By the way, isn't the actress playing Ethel in this adaptation a babe? Absolutely gorgeous!
I never have any sympathy with people who complain about missing things because they're moved around the schedules, I'm afraid. Read the listings, and you'll know when it's on. Only when the time is changed from what appears on the listings do I feel there's any cause for complaint.
Nice.
Some people are too busy to be chasing their favourite programmes around a newspaper/EPG every bloomin' day.
Once, shows used to stick to the same timeslot. Why can't they just do that now?
What time is the final episode on today? I wish it was on at a better hour :mad:
Episode 4: 'William Holds the Stage' 12.25 - 12.55
Tomboy Dorinda has moved into the village, and William seems to approve of this rat-catching, frog-stuffing girl. The impending Shakespeare competition seems the perfect opportunity to impress her, but when Dalrymple gets the part of Hamlet, William and his faithful Outlaws are spurred into action. With Rebecca Front, Daniel Roche, Daniel Ryan, John Sessions, and Denis Lawson (I like Denis as the headmaster)!
Comments
So even the people who have enough free time to watch it will still have to hunt around the schedules.
Which idiot at the Beep okayed not only this kind of timeslot, but for it to be moved around so even those who can see it might miss it anyway?!
Good family entertainment.
However in both episode 1 and 3, I thought Ethel's skirt was too short for the period.
Did they really have short skirts in the early 50's?
Wasn't he 17 years old in the books, and a really moany teenager? I recall he was always saying things like, 'No one ever cares about me and how I feel!' That was my recollection, though I've not read one of the books in over 30years, and haven't seen the TV adaption being shown this Christmas.
Unless Ethel were about to play tennis or going to the beach she would not have worn such a short skirt in that period. Never mind, I do not mind seeing a little more leg at the expense of period detail.
The woman who dropped her aitches was surely Mrs Bott, Violet Elizabeth's mother? Though I think it was more her husband that did that - but he wasn't really socially aspirational.
Wasn't that Diana Dors??
I read the books in the 50's as well (well, all those that had been written up to then) and my brother and I used to adore William. I have never been fond of all the versions up to now - they never measured up to my own memories of the books, but in this version I think all the outlaws, but particularly the child playing William are so believable and so is Violet Ezliabeth.
Oh, very well done, BBC! But such a shame you buried it in the morning schedule.
As a singleton in my 40s it's not meant for me but is charming TV.
And the Teacher is very funny....Wales...:)
If it's Bennington Lordship Gardens,in Herts, the real owner is Sarah Bott.
But I used to read the books and listen to the tapes when I was younger and loved it! A nice bit of nostalgia
It is Bennington Lordship! Both me and my mum recognised it!
Diana Dors played Mrs Bott in the 1970s series.
I think the BBC saw this as primarily a childrens show, and if you accept that a daytime slot over the Christmas holidays makes sense. However, I think the potential audience is as likely to be adults who enjoyed the books as kids, and the slot was therefore misjudged.
I never have any sympathy with people who complain about missing things because they're moved around the schedules, I'm afraid. Read the listings, and you'll know when it's on. Only when the time is changed from what appears on the listings do I feel there's any cause for complaint.
I don't remember Robert from the books as quite like that. He was clearly quite young, though I don't think his age was clearly stated in any story I read, but he liked to pose as being much more mature and sophisticated than he was.
One thing they've changed from the books is this notion that Robert can't get a girlfriend. In the books he had a regular string of girlfriends, just like Ethel did boyfriends - though neither of them seemed to be able to sustain a relationship for long.
By the way, isn't the actress playing Ethel in this adaptation a babe? Absolutely gorgeous!
Nice.
Some people are too busy to be chasing their favourite programmes around a newspaper/EPG every bloomin' day.
Once, shows used to stick to the same timeslot. Why can't they just do that now?
Episode 4: 'William Holds the Stage' 12.25 - 12.55
Tomboy Dorinda has moved into the village, and William seems to approve of this rat-catching, frog-stuffing girl. The impending Shakespeare competition seems the perfect opportunity to impress her, but when Dalrymple gets the part of Hamlet, William and his faithful Outlaws are spurred into action. With Rebecca Front, Daniel Roche, Daniel Ryan, John Sessions, and Denis Lawson (I like Denis as the headmaster)!
:cool: