|
By
BILL CONIFF
I'm a fan of the E.F. Benson
books that form the basis for the "Mapp and Lucia"
series, set in 1920s provincial England. The
highlight of my trip to England a few years ago
was visiting the charming town of Rye (called
Tilling in the Lucia books), where Benson lived
and this series was filmed. But I must say that I
like the TV production, thanks to the inspired
comic performances, even more than the books.
In particular, Geraldine McEwan as the
social-climbing Lucia is exquisite. Her little
comic mannerisms are absolutely hilarious, and she
makes the character endearing in a way that I
never thought possible. Again, "inspired" is the
only appropriate word.
The same with the much-missed Nigel Hawthorne's
Georgie. Absolutely perfect casting. And Prunella
Scales (of "Fawlty Towers" fame) bites into her
less-sympathetic role of Mapp and does not let go
until she wrings every last laugh from it. As is
particularly true for British series, the
supporting cast is also excellent at bringing
their own eccentric characters to life in just a
few brushstrokes.
I was very much looking forward to the Mapp and
Lucia DVD, because I had not seen this series
since it was televised in the mid-1980s. I'm happy
to say that the DVD quality is excellent, and my
opinion of the series has only elevated through
time. Many British comedies have come and gone in
the years since Mapp and Lucia, but it remains the
most delightful, in my book.
If you like the first series, be sure to also pick
up the second "Mapp and Lucia" set. |
