Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
10 stars are least..........., November 21, 2002
All Creatures Great And Small is by far my favorite BBC series and the #2 with the Christmas segment makes me cry everytime I see it. Set just as WW2 is beginning James is faced with joining the service, and the snow as they head off to midnight mass has begun to fall. The tinkers (gypsies) are camped out in a farmers shed and the young girls pet needs tending but the father doesn't accept charity.......... And then there is the testing the Christmas cake for the senior vet, Siegfried Farnon. The whole cast is 10 star. The main characters are James Herriot (Christopher Timothy), Siegfried Farnon (Robert Hardy), Tristan Farnon (Peter Davison) and Helen Herriot (Carol Drinkwater, later Lynda Bellingham). The series covers the years between 1936 and just after 1950. This is a DVD that everyone in the family no matter the age will enjoy...........
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35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
All Creatures Great And Small Series II, November 17, 2000
This 6 volume set is a continuation of the exploits of veterinarian James Herriot who began practice in the Yorkshire dales of Great Britain in 1939. It follows the books written by Herriot and carries a first rate cast including Christopher Timothy as the english vet and Robert Hardy as his partner, mentor, and occasional tormentor.The subject matter, acting, and settings are first rate. For those who have read Harriots books, these videos (produced by the BBC) will NOT be a disappointment. It is, of course, helpful to have viewed series 1 since the program was filmed in the chronological sequence of Harriot's life, from his graduation through his marriage and later life. I heartily recommend this series to anyone who loves animals or has an appreciation for english humor. The films are laced generously with both.
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34 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Real Life Comedy Part 2, January 9, 2004
The Production: The TV series "All Creatures Great & Small" started in Great Britain on January 1978 with no nonsense photography with the typical grain of that time period. This DVD box set is from the second season, which played in September through December 1978. Some photography scenes were taken direct off Yorkshire farms. There are very little special effects, the only ones I can think of is either drugged or fake animals to act out certain quick scenes. Were some of the animals trained to act like they were sick or dying? For example: This set shows a horse dying of lockjaw with the finishing effect of lying on the ground shaking. Sometimes certain operations were preformed with a human hand, checking the rear of certain animals for pregnancies or intestinal problems. At times when the actors themselves are seen performing inspections on the animals, their hands were either hidden behind the animals or the actors makes facial expressions with the lower parts of their bodies off the screen. Very down to Earth & as real as possible with great effect.
The Actors: Christopher Timothy plays James Herriot, a Scottish newly qualified Veterinarian as co-owner with Veterinarian Surgeon Siegfried Farnon, played by Robert Hardy, in the Yorkshire farming community of Darrowby during the 1930's. Veterinary student & Siegfried's younger brother Tristan, played by Peter Davison continues to miss things up, for example: blowing up a cow in one show. The housekeeper is Mrs. Hall, played by Mary Hignett. James wife & secretary for the entire business is Helen played by Carol Drinkwater.
Commentary: The second season is more even in plot & characters than the first season. Most shows deal with the brothers Siegfried & Tristan tricking James into volunteering for something they don't what to do. The whole Veterinary household will become a part of your family with their joys, sorrows, & adventures. As with the first season this box set comes with 4 DVD's: at three to four 50 to 55 minute programs per DVD.
There are two other DVD box sets, the first & third seasons, & a single DVD of 2 specials short in the mid 1980's. "All Creatures Great & Small" did return to British TV in the late 1980's with 4 seasons, & are now on DVD. A good buy if you're into real life comedy.
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DVD ~ Christopher Timothy
