Customer Reviews

The Darling Buds of May Collection

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

FYI:
1. The Darling Buds of May
2. When the Green Woods Laugh
3. A Breath of French Air
4. Oh! To Be in England
5. Stranger at the Gates
6. A Season of Heavenly Gifts
7. The Happiest Days of Your Life
8. Cast Not Your Pearls Before Swine
9. Climf the Greasy Pole
10. Christmas is Coming
11. Le Grand Weekend

Only complaint: No Closed Captioning or Subtitles for hearing impaired.

After emigrating to Canada in 1991, the Darling Buds of May was recorded near to my old home town of Ashford in Kent, England. My family always raved about it. I was finally able to watch this wonderful series on PBS with a friend a year or two later.

I fell in love with this family, especially Pop, the most considerate,caring, funny and yes, even sexy,character there could be.

I bought the complete series as soon as it was available here and I have now lost count of how many times I have watched it.

My husband has to travel a lot for business, so I watch the series every time I am lonely or can't get to sleep for any reason.It is my "Comfort Viewing". I only wish they would make more episodes or maybe a movie one day.That would be "Perfik".

Set in idyllic Kent (the Garden of England) in the 1950s, The Darling Buds of May is truly one of the sweetest, most relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable British comedy-dramas on the market. Indeed, if you enjoy classic shows like All Creatures Great and Small or The Irish R.M. for example, I really think you'll enjoy this lovely series that's perfect for the whole family to curl up and watch time and time again.

The series revolves around the ever-growing Larkin family. David Jason (A Touch of Frost, Only Fools and Horses, Open All Hours) stars as patriarch Sydney "Pop" Larkin. Jason is a wonderful actor (one of my favourites), and if you're familiar with (and enjoy) his other roles, you'll enjoy him here, for he embues Pop with his distinctive touch of comedy. Pop is a bit of a character, to say the least. He pays no income tax, he's not above a little wheeling and dealing, he often rides a little too close to the line, and his farm is somewhat ramshackle. But he's got a heart of gold, and he's kind and generous to a fault. What's more, he's a man with a strong sense of personal integrity who knows what is important in life--friends, family, and their idyllic way of life--and he's not above running a little scam of his own if it's to even the score with someone who's taking advantage of one less fortunate.

Then there is Ma Larkin, a very rotund, jolly woman who, for all the children she's got, is not actually married to Pop. Somehow, though, it just doesn't seem to matter--at least not to them nor to us. As for Ma's weight, it just isn't an issue either (which, I might add, is a refreshing change!); in fact, if anything, it`s evidence of health and heartiness. Ma and Pop are a somewhat eccentric couple, however. Ma's a fantastic cook and she and Pop aren't ashamed to eat--even in the bathtub or in bed. Then there's Pop's penchant for the odd "extramarital" kiss, which is done with Ma's full knowledge and consent. Odd as his actions may be, they really aren't as immoral as they may sound; rather, they provide further evidence of his caring nature, for as often as not, Pa's attentions serve to bring a little joy to a few otherwise very lonely and neglected wallflowers.

Other family members include the beautiful eldest daughter, Mariette (played by a 22-year-old Catherine Zeta Jones), the pretty but boy-crazy Primrose, son Montgomery, the twins Zinnia and Petunia, the youngest daughter Victoria (who does enjoy playing the odd prank on her older siblings), and Oscar (the newest addition).

The series was filmed in 1992 and consists of nine 100-minute episodes (each of which is split into two 50-minute parts), one 50-minute Christmas Special, and one concluding 50-minute episode. The Christmas Special (which is the first episode on the last tape) should be watched after the third episode entitled "A Breath of French Air," as that is where it fits in chronologically. As a point of interest, fans of David Jason may be interested to know that his real-life elder brother (Arthur White) plays Pop's brother in the episode entitled "When the Green Woods Laugh."

In conclusion, this is a lovely, warm-hearted series which celebrates life in a simpler time--a time one wishes one could hold onto forever. And it reminds us of what really matters in life. It's perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day--or as Pop would say, it's "perfick"! Extremely highly recommended. (And if you enjoy the series (and I'm sure you will), I strongly recommend the novels by H.E. Bates upon which the first few episodes are based--they're simply wonderful!)

Well, we loved this series (all episodes and the 2 specials are included here, so you get the whole deal). We actually bought it for my mum but watched it first (I know, but she suggested it). They're like mini-movies - the writing is very strong; the production values are very high; the characters are a treat; the acting is spot on.

With a very high value per $ spent, this is absolutely value for money - we found ourselves blasting through the DVDs and, although we would welcome more, the story is complete as it stands.

Strongly recommended.

I have been searching for this series on tape for years. Thanks Amazon for bringing it back! Several years ago I saw a few episodes of "Darling Buds" on PBS. I kept telling my friends about the Larkin family I finally found them this year with the release of the seven tape boxed set. I'm sure it had something to do with the fact that Catherine Zeta Jones is in one of the starring roles (when she was about 16 or so)

Think of this series as "The Waltons" from England, with a little bit of "Sex in the City" sprinkled in. The adult humor is so subtle that even kids can watch without any real embarassment, but you parents will be bursting out laughing!

Pa Larkin is the quintessential horse trader with a gagle of kids and a thirst for a "drop of bitter" and flirting with the ladies. Ma larkin is a real gem, and I think a very overlooked character, she has real charm and wisdom in her "well padded" bosom.

One of the aspects that make the characters so endearing is the great fun they have as a family and the gentle humor and general mirth they all share. The whole family moves to the rhythms of the seasons, from listening to the Nightengale's song to the rain falling "as soft as cobwebs" on the cherry blossoms. It makes you think of times past and the fun of living a simpler life. You get the feeling that none of the Larkins suffer from stress related problems.

Not a swear word is utterd, not one car chase ensues, not a gun shot is heard, to use Pa Larkin's pet word "perfeck!"

All of my friends are addictied and you will be too!

I was never so sorry to have a series come to an end! These characters wrap themselves around you and draw you into their wonderful world...a world filled with love of family, food, drink and all that life offers. Pop Larkin is one of the most charming and lovable characters ever written and Ma Larkin is a joy! The children, friends and neighbors are all so delightful and the story lines are funny and warm. I rented it first and then bought the series because I knew it was something I was going to want to go back to every now and then just for the sheer pleasure of it.

This superb series was originally screened on British television some years ago. Set in the idyllic Kent countryside and filmed in the height of Summer, portrayed the 'perfik' 1950's country family. This was probably Catherine Zeta Jones career starter, she is absolutely gorgeous as the eldest daughter of the Larkin family. The father 'Pop' played by David Jason is the lovable rouge known to all in the village. The Larkin family live on a farm he has 6 children and one would assume that most English Farmers would struggle to make ends meet. Pop Larkin however always seems to have an extraordinary amount of spare cash. To the point that he even buys a Vintage Yellow Rolls Royce, and takes the whole family to France.
Some of the most amusing scenes are set around the Family dinner table, you will not believe the amount of food that is cooked for just breakfast. It would probably keep most of the population of Afganistan fed for a month. (not that we would want to feed them)

Another sign of the times is how 'Pop' deals with the Tax man. Cut along story short rather than pay his tax demand, the collector ends up living with the family and eventually falling in love with Marriette ( Catherine Zeta Jones )(can't blame him can you.)
One very funny episode is the feast in the bath, ( I always wondered what bath racks where for).
I cannot write a review of this series to do it the justice it deserves, only to say, You will not be dissapointed with your purchase. If you are an American I am sure this is just how you would visualise England in the Summer, (A bloody nice place what !!). Enjoy

I really don't think I'm exaggerating. I can't get over how good this show is. It has everything--humor, drama, romance, adventure, mystery. There's even a bit of raciness, but on the level where the adults get a bit of a laugh while it goes over the kids' heads. Family and friends are more important than anything, standing up for your principles always pays off in the end, and marching to the beat of your own drummer is important. And yet this is all handled in a way that isn't preachy or condescending; it's even fun! I would give it 10 stars if possible.

This series does not have a high profile for some reason in the USA, which is a great shame. It was the series that helped make Catharine Zeta Jones a star--and she is radiant and gorgeous, easily the most appealing role she's ever had. The series has a whiff of fantasy. These people can't be real. It's as if they are out of time, not entirely connected to our reality, as minor things like taxes (they don't pay them) and marriage (unnecessary) get a new take. Yet, at the same time these people become very real as they never mock themselves. The humor comes from the situations and the characters. The people always play it straight in their pastoral paradise. As unconventional as it is, there has never been a series so heart warming without being sappy. It makes you feel good to be alive. You wish you knew them.

I, too, ordered this because I wanted to see other Catherine Zeta-Jones films. I have seen the entire series and am buying it for Christmas gifts for several of my family members.

The Larkin Family is so endearing, I wanted to move in with them and make them my own. In fact, I almost felt part of the family as I went thru their adventures.

The acting by all parties, especially Pa and Ma, are outstanding, funny and make an indelible impression upon one. It is also quite clear why Catherine Zeta-Jones is a star today.

I wish there were more episodes - I miss them already! I will by this set for my husband for Christmas (really for me!) and watch it over and over again. I miss Home Farm already!

A word of warning to those newcomers to the series - don't be surprised if you find yourself cooking up a storm, eating in the tub, having cocktails at odd hours of the day, and just loving every single moment of life. "The Darling Buds of May" is a celebration of life and love. It is PerFik!

Vikki Wright