Liz Williams

I bought this DVD over the net from the BBC shop as I love British costume dramas. The story was new to me but I have since read much about the background of the author and the story's relativity to English History. I loved this series. The soundtrack at times had to be adjusted...music too loud.... voices hard to understand, well since the production is over thirty years old I guess that's to be expected, but in all I thoroughly enjoyed it. The costuming was excellent. So often in 1970's and 80's TV productions the costuming and hairstyles can be not in keeping with the era portrayed. I resented having to resume normal life in between episodes, and looked forward to when I could steal more time to watch another disc, four in all. None of the actors was familiar to me, (except a very young Patsy Kensit) but all played a good part. The male leads were not particularly handsome, but the actresses were all beautiful and believable. A love story at times, violent at other times, and very unfair towards women of the time in the pre WW1 episodes. So many characters to keep up with that I will have to view this series again when I can find the time. Since I have failing eyesight for reading, watching these epics on my big screen TV is so rewarding when the production is well done. So, well done to all involved in this 1979 production and to the BBC for restoring it and giving me the opportunity to see it now since I did not have that opportunity the first time around. In my opinion, well worth the 639 minutes it takes to watch. Enjoy.