Norman Collin's novel, while not perhaps perfect has come one of my favourites and reflects an early war time London that could be regarded as a forerunner to the grimy 1960s kitchen sink dramas. The Thames Television adaptation is more faithful to the original story and should have been repeated / rebroadcast along with other 'Best Seller' adaptations of the late 1970s and early 1980s - especially considering the number of tv channels that now dominate our airways 24hrs daily.
I have finally located a 3 dvd box set of the complete 7 episode series online.
4 Reviews
brilliant
mhmhely8 January 2016
this is a far better version of Norman Collins' novel than the awful film (even if it did star Alistair Sim) put out in 1948.
the TV series covered the whole of the book, from Christmas eve 1938 to late 1940,and was faithful to the plot. the film concentrated mainly on the murder by Percy Boon, and distorted the plot to the extent of inventing a role for Mr Squales (played by Sim) as a witness at the trial, and inventing a romance between Doris Josser and the police detective in charge of the case.
it is a terrible shame it has not been released on DVD. perhaps whoever now holds the copyright will agree to its release, as I and (I am sure) many others would welcome a chance to see it again (especially because I missed the last episode!)
the TV series covered the whole of the book, from Christmas eve 1938 to late 1940,and was faithful to the plot. the film concentrated mainly on the murder by Percy Boon, and distorted the plot to the extent of inventing a role for Mr Squales (played by Sim) as a witness at the trial, and inventing a romance between Doris Josser and the police detective in charge of the case.
it is a terrible shame it has not been released on DVD. perhaps whoever now holds the copyright will agree to its release, as I and (I am sure) many others would welcome a chance to see it again (especially because I missed the last episode!)
Finally tracked down the DVD of all seven episodes on UK Rarities. It was every bit as good as I remember.
Johnrowan521 September 2018
I watched every episode when this was first shown on television in the 70's and loved it. I also think it is better than the film.
With all the retro channels now on the television you would think one of them would re-run it.
Underated classic
kevin_the_pirate23 October 2018
Loved this when it first aired on tv back in 1977. Far superier to the 1948 film from which much of the story and characters were missing. It had a great cast which included Patricia Hayes who was brilliant as Connie Coke. Please someone release this on dvd.
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