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29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Monsignor Renard" Worthwhile Despite Missing First Episode, September 4, 2000
This review is from: Monsignor Renard [VHS] (VHS Tape)
The first and, alas, only series of "Monsignor Renard" was originally produced by Carlton TV in 1999. Several more series were originally planned but later scrapped due to the high cost of the first series. When the series was played on Carlton TV in Great Britain, there were four episodes, with a total running time of 295 minutes. Therefore, each episode lasts around 73.75 minutes. However, when Exxon Mobile Masterpiece Theatre presented the drama, it was decided to omit the first episode. In this initial one, Monsignor Renard returns to his boyhood home, the fictitious town of St Josse-des-Bois, to get reacquainted with the townspeople, coping with the first stages of Nazi occupation. Apparently, the first episode was regarded as too slow and boring for American tastes, even those Americans who watch Masterpiece Theatre on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the American video version (NCTS) for sale is the one presented by Masterpiece Theatre, which omits the first episode, although it does retains the illuminating comments of the host, Russell Baker, in his introductions and conclusions to each episode. However, the running time on the outside of the American video for sale is erroneously cited as 360 minutes, which is even longer than the running time cited on the original and uncut British Carlton TV video. It would be most desirable if a way could be found to make available the first episode of "Monsignor Renard" to American audiences who were impressed by the last three. Even so, the three remaining episodes, with their complex and serious depictions of characters, relationships, intertwined with historical events, are well worth watching, for the World War II history buffs and the younger generations alike. John Thaw of Inspector Morse and Kavangh fame is most convincing as a troubled priest, Renard, coming home to face his inner demons as well as those of the townspeople and the German occupiers. The rebellious Etienne Rollinger is well acted by Dominic Monaghan, best known for playing Geoffrey Shawcross to Patricia Routledge's Hetty Wainthrop. Cheryl Cambell, who played Sylvia in an "Inspector Morse" video,"The Infernal Serpent," is persuasive as Madeleine Claveau, Renard's former love before he became a priest. > >
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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dominic Monaghan's cut scenes - US version, March 26, 2004
I also bought this miniseries to satisfy a Dom-sweet-tooth, and am absolutely in awe of his stunning performance. Be warned that it is far more intense, of course, than Hetty Wainthropp, and much more disturbing than LOTR. It is also sublimely scripted and full of nuance - a brilliant piece of writing and performance. However, the entire first episode was cut from the US version, and it is really crucial to understand the journey of Dom's character, Etienne. I cannot recommend highly enough going to BrandyHall.net and downloading two pivotal cut scenes there in The Gallery. I promise it'll change your entire understanding of Etienne Pierre Rollinger.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Courage vs. Self-pity, January 27, 2002
John Thaw ("Inspector Morse") does a creditable job of portraying "Msgr. Renard," recently assigned as the parish priest of his tiny home village in the north of France. The Germans have just won the Battle of France, and German occupation troops are everywhere. The conquerors are arrogant and condescending, the defeated are resentful and angry. Adding difficulty to Renard's mission to uphold Christian values and somehow keep the peace between the villagers and the Germans is his own past. It seems he left the village years ago to accept a political posting for the Vatican. Did he abandon his family and neighbors? Is he back now because he failed as a diplomat? Everyone has an opinion, but Renard wisely realizes that the only way he can redeem himself to his parish is to act. The script is very good, and all of the characters are well drawn. No cartoon Nazis here, no sniveling cowardly sympathizers. Renard's pastoral concerns are realistic, and his relationship with the Germans is tense and frightening. I was a little put off by the story's abrupt ending, but otherwise I recommend "Monsignor Renard" whole-heartedly.
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