Law And Order

[JRK]

Every now and then I ask whether some lucky begger knows of a copy of this iconic series. Long overdue for DVD-ing, this brilliant series will turn to dust unless someone makes the effort.

Any news of a source would be appreciated.

JRK

[vicdakin]

I've got all four instalments of the 1978 Law & Orders on DVD (Copper's, Villain's, Brief's and Prisoner's Tales). They've got timecodes and are rather grainy, but then I think the graininess only adds to their bleak documentary feel. You can also block out the timecodes simply by adjusting your TV aspect ratio.

I'm interested in all obscure Brit TV gear and I'm particularly interested in episodes of Target (Pat Mower) if anyone's looking to trade.

[Pye]

I have to say I think Law and Order is abysmal. It is dreadfully acted and completely over the top.

[Hackett]

Viewed in its day 30 years ago a very powerful drama asking lots of awkward questions. The unkown actors and Tony Garnett's hand in the production gave it a gritty documentary feel. The best of the 4 films for me was "THE BRIEF'S TALE" with Ken Campbell. The Police, Prison Service and even the Villian's have changed over the last three decades but the Judicial system is still as greasy as ever and Ken Campbell's great little characterization still works there.

[batman]

Am I right in thinking that Peter Dean (aka Eastenders Pete Beale) played the villain in this series? If so, then I remember it as being a really excellent drama. This is the sort of stuff they should be releasing on DVD.

[micky389]

Does anyone remember of have a copy of this mini series (I think about 3 episodes) which was broadcast some years ago. ( please note, nothing to to with the present programme of the same name). It was particularly gritty on the subject of police corruption, I believe it might have been written by Jack Rosenthal ? The actor who played the corrupt Inspector Pyall was the same who now plays Charlie Slater in Eastenders.I remember the police complained bitterly about the programmes. Can anyone out there help?
Kind Regards

Mick Isaacs

[harryfielder]

Mark, have a look on IMDB ''Law and Order 1978 and it tells all.....

Aitch,

[aphra]

Originally Posted by micky389 Does anyone remember of have a copy of this mini series.

I have got all four parts of this mini-series and will send you a PM. There's a timecode, but it is very watchable.

[Dave J.L]

Hi all, does anyone know if this mini series from 1978 has ever been released on vhs or dvd,if not does anyone know if it still exists anywhere,some details about this series which caused quite a stir when shown by the BBC in 1978

LAW & ORDER 1978
Drama series about the British juicidal system, dealing with an investigation presented from the perspectives of the police force, the criminal, the solicitor and the prison system

[aphra]

Originally Posted by Dave J.L Hi all, does anyone know if this mini series from 1978 has ever been released on vhs or dvd,if not does anyone know if it still exists anywhere,some details about this series which caused quite a stir when shown by the BBC in 1978

The series has never been released on tape or DVD, nor was it repeated after its initial screening so great was the outcry at the time. I have a set of the four programmes that went to make up the whole. Send me a PM with your e-mail address if you are interested.

[JRK]

I was a member of the Police Force when the broadcast took place, and well remember the furore. It was the time of the OPERATION COUNTRYMAN enquiry into corruption in most enforcement agencies and the legal profession.

It was uncomfortably well informed and a 'must watch' for any serving officer, active criminal, lawyer or prison officer. I felt I knew and had met every one of the police officers portrayed. Portrayed beautifully , Inspector Pyall (excuse spelling) was a masterpiece of truth and understatement by the actor.

All the agencies were up in arms it was far too close.

It is 'criminal' that it is languishing in an archive. I have seen it recently it has lost none of it's power,intensity and gallows humour.

I have tried very hard to pursuade the powers that be to clean up and release the films. they are in good order, should not be a problem. Not interested, entreaties directed at the author have been ignored.

One can always read the book which should be easy to find in paperback. The book is un-put-downable too.

With everything that goes on in the film there was virtually no bad language just superb scripting and acting. IMHO this is the finest police series ever.

[autolycus]

Now available to order on DVD from the BBC!

[HIPPIEDAVE]

If Law and Order is based in UK then must be fictional drama.

[stuart1967]

its being released on april 14th via moviemail

[autolycus]

Blimey, it's even cheaper at Play.com - 12.99 including delivery! I think i'll cancel my order with the BBC.