The Barchester Chronicles

A PRAYER ANSWERED
There must really be a god; the commercial release of the BBC production of Anthony Trollope's "The Barchester Chronicles" is answer to this heathen's prayers. I watched this presentation on A&E (having missed the PBS program) in the mid-1980s and managed to make a very poor tape of the program. Since that time I wished intently that The Barchester Chronicles would become commercially available before I die. Now it is on DVD! (and obviously I'm not dead either) This BBC presentation is one of the best things I have ever witnessed either on stage, big screen or small screen.
Although the ads to this DVD emphasize that Alan Rickman has a leading role, (he IS wonderful) he is NOT the only superb actor in this film; he is just one of many! Everyone in this presentation gives an outstanding performance. As stated before Alan Rickman is wonderful as the slimy Mr. Slope (really Slop; however, he added the "e"!)-watch how he moves like a snake which the character is!) His sparing...

BBC/Trollope's fascinating look at corruption in the Church
BBC & Trollope's fascinating look at corruption in the Church of England

Based on the book by Anthony Trollope, "The Barchester Chronicles," is a fascinating and satirical look at corruption in the Church of England, and the reformers who wish to make changes, and end up getting more than they bargained for.

Reverend Septimus Harding (Donald Pleasence), a decent, gentle and caring man who values music and it's relation to God above all else, is the clergyman in charge of Hiram's Hospital. John Hiram, a rich and influential man, has died decades before, leaving money for the forming and management of a men's hospital, intended for worn out old men to take refuge in the country and live their last days out in peace. Appointed by Bishop Grantly (Cyril Luckham) to his post almost 12 years ago, Rev. Harding is suddenly attacked in a lawsuit by reformers who claim that corruption and nepotism have invaded into the town of Barchester. They begin calling for reform...

Series has NOT been cut!
After reading one customer's complaint that crucial parts of the series were missing from this DVD set, I first rented it from my local video store to watch. I can assure everyone interested in this excellent series that the allegedly missing scenes are DEFINITELY included! Part 4 is very much there! And in general, not once during the progression of the story did I have the impression that important information had been left out. Based on the high "helpful"-reading of said review, a lot of people may have decided not to buy this DVD set, and that's too bad. I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful series. I just got my own copy, and I know I won't regret it!

Click to Editorial Reviews