Pride and Prejudice (1998 BBC)

I am currently listening to the audio version of this book, but I want to recommend the film produced by BBC Television in association with A&E Network. I have probably watched this film a half dozen times; admittedly, I can recite lines along with the cast. Until recently, I had never read the book, but [...]

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Monty Python’s Flying Circus

“And now for something completely different…”  The legions of Monty Python fans out there will be quick to recognize this quote, and I repeat it here because Monty Python’s Flying Circus is so very different!  Monty Python (as the creators of this show are known) features the writing, performing, and artistic talents of Graham Chapman, [...]

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The Vicar of Dibley

The Church of England ordained its first female ministers in March of 1994. Before that year was out, while churchgoers were still adjusting to this new development, The Vicar of Dibley debuted on BBC. Their old vicar has passed away, and the residents of the fictional village of Dibley are eagerly awaiting the arrival of [...]

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As Time Goes By

It’s the early 1950s.  Lionel is an army officer, and Jean is an army nurse.  They meet.  They fall in love.  Then Lionel gets shipped to Korea.   Communication lines break down, and their relationship ends.  End of story?  Nope.  It’s just the beginning.
As Time Goes By begins forty years later, when this lucky pair is [...]

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Coupling

The basic premise behind this series should seem familiar to American viewers.  Six twenty-somethings (3 men, 3 women), each with their own entertaining eccentricities, experience the highs and lows of life and love, sharing all their adventures in the milieu of their mutual friendship.  Sounds a lot like Friends doesn’t it?  Well, it  is…but it’s [...]

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BlackAdder

I’m trying to write this post, and all that keeps running through my head is the catchy theme song to this silly series.  The words change on a regular basis, but the tune remains basically the same…and since I watched several BlackAdder episodes over the weekend to prepare myself for blogging, the chorus line is [...]

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Fawlty Towers

Fawlty Towers is British comedy at its very best. It features John Cleese as Basil Fawlty, the owner and manager of a hotel he has a knack for mismanaging on many levels. He is rude to his guests, he is inept at doing the most basic things (like hanging a picture), and when called [...]

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Keeping Up Appearances

Keeping Up Appearances is one of my favorite British sitcoms about one Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “Bouquet” to her), a pretentious social climber who never fails to get herself into one sticky situation after another. There is much for her to worry about (and for us to enjoy) as she tries to climb that [...]

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Yes, Prime Minister

Yes, Prime Minister is one of my favorite British sitcoms that features lots of political satire , witty humor and fun power plays. This show, which ran for 2 seasons in the 1980’s, is ranked 3rd in the Top 20 comedy shows and 9th in the top 100 television programs by the British Film [...]

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