Rating: 
Summary: A Thoroughly Charming & Delightful British Comedy-Drama
Review: Those who enjoy Peter Bowles' roles in the ever-popular Rumpole of the Bailey and To the Manor Born will surely enjoy his role in this lovely series set in Ireland of the late 19th century. Bowles stars as Major Sinclair Yates, a retired English army officer who accepts a position in Ireland as a Resident Magistrate. His role here is reminiscent of Guthrie Featherstone in the Rumpole series, although Yates is a more multi-dimensional character, and his ineptness is due largely to an unfamiliarity with the customs and ways of life of the Irish.Major Yates is joined by his fiancee/wife, Philippa, who is extremely tolerant both of life in a foreign country and of the comical predicaments in which the Major finds himself. Then there are the servants at Shrilane, the Yateses' less-than-pristine country home: Mrs. Cadogan is the no-nonsense (albeit highly humourous) housekeeper, whose every sentence is laden with the most elaborate of metaphors; Peter, Mrs. Cadogan's simple-minded nephew, is the stable lad; and finally Julia and the inept Bridgit are the two maids. The real show-stealer in this series is the Major's new landlord, Flurry Knox (Bryan Murray), a clever, quick-witted and jovial young man who constantly rides the finest line between legality and illegality. Flurry is joined by his able albeit permanently inebriated cohort Slipper, played superbly by Niall Toibin (Ballykissangel's Father Macanally). The cast is rounded out by Mrs. Knox, Flurry's strong-willed and eccentric grandmother; Lady Knox, Flurry's pompous aunt; and Sally, Lady Knox's beautiful daughter. This boxed set contains six 50-minute episodes. The series (at least thus far) is certainly more comedy than drama, and the episodes more often than not involve the Major ending up in an embarrassing and/or compromising situation (usually thanks to Flurry) from which he must somehow extricate himself--with his honour intact, if possible. In conclusion, this is a warm and thoroughly charming series set in an Ireland that has long since disappeared. Like Ballykissangel, the humour is gentle and suitable for the enjoyment of the entire family. The only thing that takes a little getting used to are the Irish accents, for they are (unlike Ballykissangel) as thick as treacle. But it is well worth the effort, as this really is a most enjoyable series. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys good British comedy-drama.
Rating:
Summary: Tally Ho! Flurry Knox and Major Yeates. AT LAST.
Review: When Sinclair assumes the post of Resident Magistrate, his conservative British longing for an orderly, peaceful posting in the provinces is shattered by high shenanigans and hilarious mischief-making by the Resident Irish. The help given to the bemused and befuddled Englishman is enough to send a weaker soul packing back home. Sinclair weathers the storms, the Irish humor and even manages to "get a clue" eventually. The video is wonderfully true to the book, and the casting of characters is perfection, from the Hon. Major himself (and the lovely and practical Phillipa) to Himself the Hon. Flurry Knox. The humorous episodes are set in the glorious Irish countryside. It is delightful not only to the mind and funny bone, but also to the eye. And the Fox Hunting scenes are terrific. And for those who say the stories are "almost" believable, I must say that I met the incarnation of Flurry Knox in Adair,Ireland a few years ago: complete with curly hair, puckish mouth and twinkling, blue-green eyes fringed with dark lashes, he was on this day hunting with "the County." He trotted up to a group of ladies at a check. He removed his top hat with a flourish, bowed graciously and welcomed us to Ireland. He dismounted in front of my horse, cocked his darlin' head, commenting, "And I see you've dropped your handkerchief." As he bent over to retrieve it, I replied with a giggle and a blush, "Thank you, but it belongs to that gentlemen over there." Whereupon he straightened up, adjusted his frock coat, winked at the ladies, and with a smile that sent a flurry of emotion through every feminine heart, mounted his horse and rode away, leaving the New York hanky to be trampled as the hounds gave voice. Anyone who loves sport, BBC productions, humor, Ireland, irresitable characters and even "the law" will find this video a must. In fact after having remembered details so that I could write this review, I am signing off to order another copy as a gift.
| 
