The Beiderbecke Collection Complete ((+CD))

Advantages: Intelligent, witty, charming, relentlessly entertaining...and lots of jazz
Disadvantages: Sequelitis

...There is, despite rumours to the contrary, still alot of good television about. Admittedly most is secreted away at silly o'clock, but it's there if you look hard enough. There is, however, a distinct lack of great television about, and rewatching Alan Plater's Beiderbecke trilogy only strengthens that argument. Available as a box set, 'The Beiderbecke Affair', '...Tapes' and '...Connection' is a marathon watch, but a complete joy from beginning to end. If the second and third instalments seem a little disappointing in comparison to 'Affair' then it's no bad thing, it only illustrates how very strong the original outing was. Adapted for television from his own novels, Plater charts the story of average sized Trevor Chaplin (James Bolam) as he sails unfazed through a series of increasingly bizarre adventures. He is accompanied... Read review

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Advantages: Good characters and storyline
Disadvantages: No special features

...I don't think many people in their early 20s can claim to have seen The Beiderbecke Affair, but I originally came across the VHS cassettes in my mothers video collection! This series was first broadcast in 1985 and is an adaptation from the book of the same name by Alan Plater. I would describe it as a mild comedy, especially something to watch after as stressful day or if you need cheering up. Trevor Chaplin (James Bolam) and Jill Swinburne (Barbara Flynn) are no ordinary school teachers; Jill, an English teacher is standing for the council as a conservation candidate; Trevor, a woodwork teacher is a child at heart who likes nothing better than to listen to jazz musician Bix Beiderbecke (hence the name of the series) in his unkempt flat. Their friendship started when Trevor began driving Jill to school and back after her divorce... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Good characters and storyline
Disadvantages: No special features

...The less than ordinary school teachers Jill Swinburne (Barbara Flynn) and Trevor Chaplin (James Bolam) are back in the final series of this gentle comedy. (See: The Beiderbecke Affair and The Beiderbecke Tapes) The Beiderbecke Tapes was quite different to The Beiderbecke Affair, but The Beiderbecke Connection reintroduces all the characters I had grown to love in the first series: Big Al, Little Norm and the now promoted Det. Insp. Hobson PhD to name but a few! Again, the series is an adaptation from the book of the same name by Alan Plater and was first shown in 1988. Things are slightly different now that they have first-born, although marriage isn't exactly an issue in their easy-going but unbreakable relationship! More havoc ensues, this time Jill has an unexpected visitor while the two play host to a lodger as a big favour for Big... Read review

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