Customer Reviews

Heat of the Sun 1 - Private Lives

5 star:		(50)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first saw this on PBS's Mystery series a couple of years ago and loved it. I was able to tape two of the episodes on a repeat, but I'm holding out hope (most likely in vain) for a DVD release. And Diana Rigg's introductions on the Mystery version add lots of background and period information about some of the real people some of the characters resemble. I assume that this comentary is not included on the VHS release (?).

Police Superintendent Albert Tyburn has left England and Scotland Yard for the East African colony of Kenya. He left under a cloud and rumours about why have followed him all the way to Nairobi. He's to head up the newly created Criminal Investigations unit that pompous snob and windbag Police Commissioner Burkitt feels is entirely unnecessary. For Tyburn, "crime is crime" and people are people and his determination to treat the natives with respect along with his refusal to show his "betters" proper deference is a continual irritant to his often lofty suspects. He's also constantly irritating his superior, Burkitt who loathes Tyburn and tells him "you're not one of us and you never will be" - for which Tyburn is eternally grateful! Trevor Eve is fantastic as Tyburn - smart, sexy, wry and sardonic he has no qualms about being unpopular as long as the criminals pay.

Then there's aviatrix Emma Fitzgerald (played by the terrific Susannah Harker) an independent woman on the fringe of "polite society" who pilots her own plane for safaris and supply runs. She and Tyburn meet when her sister is murdered in episode one. Their mutual respect and friendship evolves into one of the most understated (but sweet) romances I've ever seen!

Great, tight stories, an authentic period atmosphere and wonderful supporting characters in Dr Mueller, Inspector Valentine, Corporal Karendi, Governor Rex Willoughby, decadent party-boy Chico DeVille and the sleazy and villainous Max Van der Vuerst all add up to intelligent and enjoyable viewing. Highly recommended!

I've watched this three-tape series at least three times since purchasing it a few months ago and I just can't get enough of it! From the music score, scenery and characters to the selection of actors, props and locations, this is a thoroughly enjoyable British mystery series. Trevor Eve as Superintendent Tyburn and Michael Byrne as Commissioner Burkitt, to say nothing of Susannah Harker as Emma Fitzgerald, are outstanding as traditional mystery characters. It's a shame that Carlton TV did not produce a follow on reprisal to this fascinating look at Nairobi in 1931. I highly recommend "Heat of the Sun" to anyone who seeks to curl up on a cool winter evening for a good detective yarn.

Set in 1930's colonial Kenya, "Heat" is a great series of mysteries with super suprise endings. The location, sets, costumes and dialogue are wonderful, really believable. Special kudos to Trevor Eve, Susannah Harker, Michael Byrne, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Freddie Annobil-Dodoo and David Horvitch. And, thank you very much Mr. Russell and Mr. Prager for your exceptional scripts.

Tyburn (Eve), the Scotland Yard detective with a past, as the head of the new criminal investigation unit and Fitzgerald (Harker) as a serenely-calm-in-the-face-of-danger bush pilot are a couple made in mystery heaven. Their principles and morals are in sharp contrast to those of the affluent and decadent Happy Valley expatriates of depression-era Nairobi. Harker's quiet reserve as Fitzgerald plays well off Eve's volatile moody Tyburn who's seen more of the brutal side of life than he'd like. These well drawn characters deal with murder, arson, drugs, kidnaping and more with great humor and style.

"This is intelligent entertainment, full of wit, danger and heroism". I relished every episode and look forward to the continuation of this series. Bring back everyone of the "regular" cast - we want more!

London Police Detective Albert Tyburn (Trevor Eve) may have taken justice into his own hands. He tracked down an influential, wealthy member of parliament, a pedophile, in the act of abusing an 11 year old boy. The man taunted Tyburn that he couldn't be touched, and then pulled out a pistol and took a shot. He missed. Tyburn took out his pistol, took careful aim and deliberately killed the man. For his act, Tyburn was told he had two choices. Resign from the police or accept a new position of police superintendent in Nairobi, about as far from London as his superiors could send him.

So in 1931 Tyburn arrives in Kenya to take up his new post. His superior, Police Commissioner Burkitt (Michael Burne), is a red-faced martinet of the old school, dedicated to upholding the empire and not stepping on the toes of "our class." Tyburn quickly finds that Nairobi's upper class is a privileged mix of wealth, condescension, bigotry, drugs, adultery, alcoholism and occasional buggery. Enforcement of the law is designed to keep the lower classes in their place. Tyburn has his work cut out for him.

Heat of the Sun is a well made and well acted series of mysteries which take place in a much different time and setting than we're used to. Trevor Eve plays Tyburn as an experienced cop who is not impressed by the upper classes and doesn't mind pushing things if that's what it takes to find a criminal. Eve is a strong actor and is no pretty boy. He's a bit on the beefy side, and looks like he'd be more comfortable downing a beer than sipping a martini. The series is made up of three mysteries: Private Lives, which establishes Tyburn in Nairobi and puts him in the midst of murder and adultery amongst the elite; Hide in Plain Sight, where he goes up against a kidnapping ring; and The Sport of Kings, where Tyburn takes on a bigoted press lord and finds more secrets than he bargained for.

In my view, the setting, the time frame, the acting, and the prodding of the privileged make this an enjoyable show. Unfortunately, while it was reasonably popular when shown in the U.S., it made much less of an impression in Britain. A second set of three mysteries was never commissioned. If you want to see Trevor Eve's range as an actor, watch him in The Politician's Wife. He plays the politician, and is charming, reprehensible and a liar.

There's not much by way of extras. The DVD picture is fine.

When this was first shown on British TV I was glued to what was an excellent series, superbly acted, well produced, strong story, I could go on.... In fact it was perhaps the best thing on TV for many years, since SHOESTRING, in fact, hardly suprising as This TOO starred Trevor Eve, perhaps the most underrated actor ever, Eve took time off the small screen to concentrate on his stage career. Much to the sadness of BBC bosses, who had a ratings winner the likes of which hasn't been seen since. At the hight of its success, Shoestring brought TV audiences of 20 Million, a figure unheard of now, and Eve quit after two series. Back for "Heat of The Sun" he doesn't disappoint his fans, episodes shown in two hour sittings flew by like you were watching a halfhour program such is the power of this story. Power, passion, romance and a slice of history, make this a very special video. Essential viewing for everyone.

This was one of the best MYSTERY's I've ever seen (Miss Marple shows nonwithstanding)!!! It had everything I like in shows. Well written, great acting! I love the setting, I love the chactures, I love the action, I love the plot, I love the romance, I'm over-obsessed..... Think they'll make more? If all us fans beg real hard?

From the bleakness of the opening scene in London, to the blaze of the Kenya sun, this series evokes romance and intrigue. Intricate plots and fascinating characters populate this unknown world. The scripts artfully present themes of justice, redemption, and vengeance. While serious and committed, Tyburn's wicked sense of humour sets him a cut above most fictional detectives. (Trevor Eve's impish grin is utterly devastating.) Supporting characters are excellently drawn and portrayed. The bad guys are all thoroughly bad. The good guys are always a bit tarnished. For me, this makes it all the more interesting, all the more worth watching. From a female perspective, the character of Emma Fitzgerald is one of the more admirable I've seen in a long time. "Do we even have a plan, Albert?" For mystery fans, for history fans, for fans of good, old-fashioned romance, this is a series for you. The only fault I can find is that it ended.

Indiana Jones meets Out of Africa with riveting results in PBS' Mystery "Heat of the Sun." Seductive and deeply felt performances by leads--Trevor Eve and Susannah Harker--(What a power couple they'd be!), an authentic period feel (Kenya, early 1930s)and a fine supporting cast rekindle the type of story those unabashed romantics in us who look for courage, intelligence, and worthy heroes in literature and film long for. I hope a DVD is planned since I'll soon wear my VHS out. Brew up a pot of Earl Grey, toss a log on the fire, and enjoy.

I've watched this series over and over and each time I'm impressed. Beautifully written--a model of screenwriting. The entire production is outstanding. Tyburn is probably the finest portrait I've seen of an outsider in film. Not just for mystery fans, either. I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't enjoy this.

Too many commercials. I would have thought that they would have edited out the commercials.