Customer Reviews

The Barchester Chronicles

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

There must really be a god; the commercial release of the BBC production of Anthony Trollope's "The Barchester Chronicles" is answer to this heathen's prayers. I watched this presentation on A&E (having missed the PBS program) in the mid-1980s and managed to make a very poor tape of the program. Since that time I wished intently that The Barchester Chronicles would become commercially available before I die. Now it is on DVD! (and obviously I'm not dead either) This BBC presentation is one of the best things I have ever witnessed either on stage, big screen or small screen.
Although the ads to this DVD emphasize that Alan Rickman has a leading role, (he IS wonderful) he is NOT the only superb actor in this film; he is just one of many! Everyone in this presentation gives an outstanding performance. As stated before Alan Rickman is wonderful as the slimy Mr. Slope (really Slop; however, he added the "e"!)-watch how he moves like a snake which the character is!) His sparing partner is Geraldine McEwen. They start off as "chums" but by the end of the story they are bitter enemies. Their "duals" will have you on the floor with laughter. Geraldine is most frightening as the bishop's wife (actually she is the REAL bishop and has all of the power because her husband has no spine and is given to numbing migraine headaches brought on by his wife-the bishop's role is played delightfully by Clive Swift). One of my favorite actors, the late great Nigel Hawthorne plays the "about to explode at all times" Archdeacon who tries to keep things as they are while the Clergyman (Rickman) and the ferocious Bishop's wife (McEwen) are determined to change things to their own benefit. (Proof that Sir Nigel was a great actor is to be had by comparing his performance as the Archdeacon in Barchester with his fabulous performance as Georgie Pillson in "Mapp and Lucia"; you won't think it's the same person that is playing both roles--he was amazing!!)In the midst of all of these goings on is the calming presence and moral fortitude of the clergymen (Warden) as played by Donald Pleasence.
I've named just a few of the actors and the characters they play. There is much much more!! There is a host of great actors giving superb performances including Susan Hampshire.
Don't be deterred by what could be perceived as a little "slowness" in the first episode; it's just "laying the groundwork" for the "riot" that is to come. Believe me it will be one of the greatest things you have ever seen. The production, camera work direction and most of all the acting is truly awesome!
Now, I can truly die happy! The Barchester Chronicles has been finally released commercially and I'm thrilled as you will be if you buy his DVD!

ADDENDUM TO THE ABOVE REVIEW:

The DVD picture and sound quality of The Barchester Chronicles is superb!! Having seen the original presentation, I truly feel that the quality is far superior. It makes me really appreciate today's Technology!

BBC & Trollope's fascinating look at corruption in the Church of England

Based on the book by Anthony Trollope, "The Barchester Chronicles," is a fascinating and satirical look at corruption in the Church of England, and the reformers who wish to make changes, and end up getting more than they bargained for.

Reverend Septimus Harding (Donald Pleasence), a decent, gentle and caring man who values music and it's relation to God above all else, is the clergyman in charge of Hiram's Hospital. John Hiram, a rich and influential man, has died decades before, leaving money for the forming and management of a men's hospital, intended for worn out old men to take refuge in the country and live their last days out in peace. Appointed by Bishop Grantly (Cyril Luckham) to his post almost 12 years ago, Rev. Harding is suddenly attacked in a lawsuit by reformers who claim that corruption and nepotism have invaded into the town of Barchester. They begin calling for reform and although the lawsuit is defeated at the end, Rev. Harding ends by honorably resigning from Hiram's Hospital, to live poorly and struggle on as a clergyman in Barchester.

Not too long after, a change in government calls for a change in church leadership: when a new prime minister is named just as Bishop Grantly passes away, Dr. Grantly (who had hoped to become the next bishop) is passed over for a new appointment: Bishop Proudie. Enter Alan Rickman (in an early role pulled off with resounding success), playing the fantastically flirtatious and social-climbing devious chaplin, Reverend Obadiah Slope. Slope is chaplin to shy, quiet, stammering Bishop Proudie, who is controlled by his wife, Mrs. Proudie (Geraldine McEwan), in nearly everything he does. A few other characters thrown into the mix, including the beautiful and crippled Signora Madeline Neroni (Susan Hampshire) and her rakish brother, combine to create a mesmerizing tale of love and the thirst for power.

As Slope and Mrs. Proudie (who began as "great friends) priggishly fight on for control over Bishop Proudie and his actions, ambition takes on a new meaning. A church appointment is made by one, and contradicted by the other: another appointment is made and overturned by the other: it creates a delightful almost-comedy of errors in which you chuckle at the power struggle and feel sorry for the innocent people affected so deeply by it.

Content: There is no language to speak of, and very little "violence" (if you can even call it that): a woman slaps a man (with good reason). Many discussions take place about corruption and nepotism in the Church of England, and the need for reform: nothing untoward is mentioned, other than that men are appointed and paid for doing very little work: nothing to do with Christianity, the reform is do with the church, its appointments, and its care of the people of Britain. Other content: a man flirts outrageously with many women, and a woman flirts with many men.

On the whole, a very unobjectionable film that entertains and delights on one hand, even as you can't help but be saddened and appalled at the actions of some on the other hand. What amazes me most about the power-hungry actions of some characters is that all this takes place in the relatively small town of Barchester. Overall, this 1982 TV mini-series by BBC gives a fascinating in-depth look at the clergy and church reform, as it so realistically just might have been.

After reading one customer's complaint that crucial parts of the series were missing from this DVD set, I first rented it from my local video store to watch. I can assure everyone interested in this excellent series that the allegedly missing scenes are DEFINITELY included! Part 4 is very much there! And in general, not once during the progression of the story did I have the impression that important information had been left out. Based on the high "helpful"-reading of said review, a lot of people may have decided not to buy this DVD set, and that's too bad. I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful series. I just got my own copy, and I know I won't regret it!

Based on The Warden and Barchester Towers, the first two of Anthony Trollope's six "Barsetshire" novels, The Barchester Chronicles is an intelligent, witty, and deliciously humorous 1982 dramatisation set in 1850s' England in the fictional town of Barchester. The series focuses on corruption within the church and the battle between conservatism and modernism which threatened to tear it apart. An interest in church politics of the time is not necessary, however, for this is as much a story about the individuals involved as it is about the church. The series, which is faithful to the original novels, consists of seven 50-minute episodes and features an all-star British cast. DVD extras: Text-based bios and (oddly) a 30-minute profile of Peterborough Cathedral.

Donald Pleasence stars as gentle, non-confrontational, soft-spoken, kind-hearted Mr. Harding, the caring Warden of a small hospital within the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Barchester. With few responsibilities and a wopping annual income of 800 pounds, it's a plum position. Sadly for him, however, misappropriation of church funds (of which this is a prime example) is a bone that the sensation-seeking Jupiter newspaper has decided to chew on; and they have chosen Mr. Harding as their target.

Being a good, decent man, it appals Mr. Harding that anyone should think him guilty of acting immorally or unethically. Whilst the unassuming Mr. Harding would be content to just fade into the woodwork, he is blessed (or should I say "cursed") with a very intelligent and shrewd but hot-headed and domineering son-in-law, Dr. Grantley (played to absolute perfection by Nigel Hawthorne--Yes (Prime) Minister's Sir Humphrey), who just happens to be Archdeacon and the son of the old Bishop, and who enjoys nothing more than a good battle.

Barchester Towers (arguably Trollope's most famous and best-loved novel) commences with the third episode, and it is with this episode that the fun really starts. In a nutshell, the series from here on deals with the clash between the conservative arm of the church (represented in part by Mr. Harding, Dr. Grantley, and the now-deceased old Bishop) and the oppressive new modern movement, which finds its followers in the newly-appointed Bishop and his clan. The new Bishop, Dr. Proudie (Clive Swift--Keeping Up Appearances' Richard Bucket!), is a soft-spoken, indecisive, submissive, hen-pecked man void of anything resembling a back-bone. His domineering battle-axe of a wife, Mrs. Proudie (Geraldine McEwan--Mapp & Lucia, Mulberry), is the real power behind the throne. Her obsequious creature is their chaplain, the odious, self-serving and highly ambitious Mr. Slope (splendidly portrayed by Alan Rickman), who positively oozes insincerity and haughtiness.

Like most toadies, Slope is only subservient if it's to his advantage, and it's not long before he sets himself upon a course that is destined to alienate Mrs. Proudie. Upon discovering that Mr. Harding's widowed daughter, Eleanor, is wealthy, Slope becomes determined to win her admiration and thereby her hand. But his ambition is not enough to prevent this loathesome womanizer from professing his love and devotion to the beautiful (albeit highly intelligent, insightful, and very forthright!) Senora Neroni (Susan Hampshire--The Pallisers, The First Churchills, The Forsyte Saga). As Mrs. Proudie does not approve of the attention Slope pays to either women, a battle for dominance between the two power-hungry erstwhile allies is inevitable.

In conclusion, this is a thoroughly enjoyable comedy-drama which I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys intelligent, witty, insightful, clean, impeccably-acted British comedies or period productions. I've seen it three times now, and as with all quality British productions, it is a show that only gets better with each viewing!

There were many fine productions from the golden age of Masterpiece Theatre, from the late-1970's to the early-1990's. These included "The Wilderness Years," "To Serve Them All My Days," "I, Claudius," "Poldark," and "Pride and Prejudice." Nevertheless, "The Barchester Chronicles" has always been our favorite and is an almost perfect combination of story line, casting, scenery, and writing.

Viewers must be struck by the amazing hypocrisy shown by men and women of the cloth in 19th century England. As such, "The Barchester Chronicles" may be seen as a morality play on political in-fighting that goes on in any large organization, be it a private corporation or an unit of government.

It would be impossible to name the most outstanding performance in this series, although Donald Pleasence, as warden of Hiram's hospital, merits top billing. Nigel Hawthorne as Dr. Grantly, Alan Rickman as Mr. Slope, and Geraldine McEwan as Mrs. Proudie are all outstanding. The supporting cast is great, too, as even the most casual observer would see.

Most memorable quotes from the excellent screenplay are many and varied. These include the following from the warden: "There are some things in life we are meant not to understand. But we must try." "Can man find salvation in legal quibble?" "I thought it was one of my virtues" (said in reply to the rebuke from Dr. Grantley that he too often sees the other person's point of view).

Alan Rickman's portrayal of Obidiah Slope is a tour de force in treachery and sneering. Slope has to be one of the most enduring villains in English literature. His parting statement to the bishop and Mrs. Proudie, "May you both live forever," sums up feelings of viewers as they watch the series.

Nigel Hawthorne as the archdeacon, Dr. Grantly, is inspired casting. One has to wonder, watching his repeated outbursts, how Mr. Hawthorne avoided having a stroke before production closed. In addition to his perpetual, "Good Heavens," he also has several memorable lines, particularly when speaking of "destroying the bestial Slope."

Geraldine McEwan as the bishop's wife, Mrs. Proudie, is also very well cast in her part. To everyone involved she is the obvious power behind the throne and proves it to a dismissed Mr. Slope in the end. Her most memorable lines begin with, "The Bishop believes, and I agree with him...."

One or more reviewers have commented that the DVD may be missing scenes from the TV production. My wife and I watched for this and seemed to find the opposite. While the TV installments averaged about 48 minutes in length (taped from the A&E Network), the DVD segments were each, 51-54 minutes. Some scenes cut out on A&E were really important ones for an understanding of who was doing what to whom. These scenes may or may not have been included in the original showing on PBS. In any case, we were very happy to find them on the DVD, along with its highly superior picture and sound quality. (We could even see dust stirred up by horse-drawn carriages as they sauntered across the screen). Anyone who might be undecided about buying the DVD should rest assured that it's really worth the money. Moreover, the tidbits offered on the cast and crew and the 30-minute documentary on Peterborough cathedral provide
useful background to the outstanding comedy/drama.

Just got a chance to watch "The Barchester Chronicles" - don't know how I missed it the first time around on Masterpiece Theatre. Great story, great scenery but the acting is what makes this one rise above some of the others. Alan Rickman is deliciously smarmy, Pleasance portrays the kindly Harding to perfection, McEwan made me want to throw a hammer at my TV (she's that horrifying), and Clive Swift did a fantastic turn as the hen-pecked Bishop years before he reprised that role as the put-upon Richard Bucket (it's "Bouquet")...not to mention Nigel Hawthorne and Susan Hampshire. This is really a loaded cast. The quality of the DVD is excellent and there's a nice little piece about Peterborough Cathedral on the second disk.

I have enjoyed other Anthony Trollope adaptions, The Way We Live Now & He Knew He Was Right, however, The Barchester Chronicles is now my favorite of the three. I admit the story does start out a little slow but for me Reverend Harding's (Donald Pleasence) gentle, good nature was the heart of the story. Personally I believe that taking out or shortening the time spent on his situation would have destroyed the whole film. I thought it was interesting that the Reverend Harding's eldest daughter (Susan Grantly) was played by Donald Pleasence's real life daughter Angela Pleasence (Mansfield Park's Lady Bertram) Other highlights are the Archdeacon Grantly's explosive manner, Reverend Slope (an ambitious snake), the controlling Mrs Proudie and the spineless "Puppet" Bishop Proudie. Reverend Slope and Mrs Proudie's battle for controll over the Bishop is truely amusing. The story has drama, comedy and a little bit of romance. A must see for any BBC period drama fan!

I jumped for joy when I found "The Barchester Chronicles" had been released on DVD. I had made a rather poor tape of the series when it was shown on Trinidad and Tobago Television in 1986, or thereabouts, and was looking forward to seeing a first quality recording of what one TV critic in the UK rated the best televised drama to date.

The quality of sound and vision did not disappoint but I was devastated when I opened the 2-disc album to find that the original 8-part series has been cut, part four being completely excised. I was so gob-smacked I got out my ageing tape to make sure I was not mistaken. I wasn't. Naturally, after 18 years in the tropics the quality was, to say the least, trying, but it is still good enough to see (but not, unfortunately, to hear) Part Four.

Why has this series been mutilated? For North American fans of BBC drama in general and the Barchester Chronicles in particular, in Part Four Mr Slope (Alan Rickman) goes to Puddingdale to offer Mr Quiverfull, on behalf of Mrs Proudie, if not the Bishop, the Wardenship of Hiram's Hospital. There are some rich, comic scenes as he tolerates the Quiverfull's boisterous, children.

Moreover, the missing Part Four makes sense of the beginning of Part Five when Mr Slope makes sure Mrs Proudie has left the Palace before persuading the Bishop, who, in Part Four, had already agreed to the appointment of Mr Quiverfull, to change his mind and offer the Hospital to Mr Harding instead.

Whoever butchered this superb series deserves to be hung, drawn and quartered!

This is a delightful film version of Anthony Trollope's 18th century satires on the machinations within the Church of England, The Warden and Barchester Towers. The characterizations, sets, and dialogue are so true to the original novels that you really feel as if you are stepping into these wonderful books and meeting these tremendously interesting characters in the flesh. Definite must have for Trollope fans.

An enthralling and absorbing series set in the cathedral city of Barchester England. The use of language and the exaggerated vocal variety make this type of series very engaging. The Bishops wife has a slow, deliberate and very vicious tongue and manner. The archdeacon has an amazing capacity to contain his anger, but it is fascinating to see it when it boils over uncontrollably at times. The power struggle between the parties is gripping. A great series.