Reviews

I have such fond memories about this series. I was only a teen when it came out and I remember my parents laughing out loud at it. I did not know the reference, but it was very funny. So, my parents recommended reading the original short stories. My dear precious Nana lent me her collection of the first three volumes. I've still got them, she passed away and wanted me to have them. While not a totally accurate transposition of word to screen, it still captured the spirit. Brian Blessed is a splendid Peppone, and Mario Adorf is a formidable Camillo. The confrontation seems as real as it is in the stories. It is a credit to the producers. The Terrence Hill version just doesn't ring true, but it could have it Bud Spencer was Peppone. Is it possible to get this on DVD? Ever?

Please, please, please bring this show back, even if it on late at night. I never minded that when it was first shown in Australia. It got shifted around from here to there, but I was so addicted to it that I'd often stay up to watch it even when shown at a ridiculous hour. I really wish I'd kept some episodes. Sadly, they have gone astray. Such memorable scenes, e.g. the vampire bat. Silly, but so funny. And great episodes, e.g. the adoption dilemma. Again, so funny, but also thought provoking. The quartet of doctors worked in perfect harmony, with the supporting characters adding to the chorus. I desperately want this show on DVD. It would be great comfort TV.

Excellent performances by all involved. Timothy West is especially brilliant, but then again, he had the best material! A lot of this dialogue are Beecham quotes. For example "Ball?" "Ball, Sir Thomas." "Oh. How very singular." Dry, witty, that was Sir Thomas. Terry Wale fantastic, conveying the spirit of Sir Thomas,trying so hard to deal with the nonsense of the maestro. Not to mention the people who had to deal with him.I heard a recording of him berating a piccolo player for not performing his part in "O, wi will ich triumpherim" in Mozarts "Seraglio". He did it nastily at first, then moved it to nice. That is Beecham.