The Barchester chronicles (1982)

[faginsgirl]

I`ve just started watching this series, I`ve never seen it before. What a great story! I feel I must read the novel (s?) now.

A great cast, Nigel Hawthorne is making my skin crawl .

[mrs_emma_peel]

I remember Nigel Hawthorne saying what a brilliant actor-newcomer and huge talent Alan Rickman was ... and complimented him on his sublime and immense performance as the sly, sanctimonious and scheming Obadiah Slope ... what a wonderfully perfect name for such a memorable character.

Geraldine McEwen is an excellent proudly arrogant Mrs Proudie.
In Slope and Mrs Proudie - I think Alan Rickman and Geraldine McEwen both had their finest roles and performances to date ... I cannot imagine any other actor-pairing ever surpassing their stunning Slope/Proudie performances.

Nigel Hawthorne is magnificent as the volcanically explosive Archdeacon Grantly ... in his incandescent rage, venom and loathing of the 'bestial Slope ...'

A splendid cast ... I recall that Arthur Lowe was originally cast to play the Rev Septimus Harding but because of his sudden death was replaced by Donald Pleasance - a quiet and calm, nicely judged performance.

I think it's one of BBC2's finest classic series.

Emma

Archdeacon Grantly ...
'Slope is the most thoroughly bestial creature that ever I set my eyes upon ...'

[didi-5]

And this series contains a lovely understated performance from Donald Pleasence. I really enjoyed it when I watched it last year. Alan Rickman, Nigel Hawthorne, Geraldine McEwan, all really odious characters, brilliantly portrayed.

[Freddy]

A wonderful series, Sunday tea time iirc and Mrs Peel has put it brilliantly into words. So much talent and of course the adaption by Alan Plater.

Mention also must be given to Maggie Jones who played the aptly named Mrs. Quiverful (she was very married with numerous children) who went on to play Blanche in Coronation Street.

Paul