I enjoyed this very much on a first viewing. Then I re-read the book and watched again with renewed respect because it really is a very faithful adaptation and much of the characterisation is spot on - more so I'm afraid to say than the Hickson version. Caleb Dane Caltrop is a creature who seems to exist on another plane, frequently spouting Latin and sometimes making the most dazzlingly accurate observation...that is exactly what we get from Ken Russell. His wife is a determined, enigmatic and slightly frightening woman...that is what Frances de la Tour gives us. Aimee Griffith is a jolly, overbearing, gossipy and opinionated woman which is just how Jessica Stevenson portrays her and - finally - Joanna Burton is a bright, modern, exotic girl who brings a dash of colour and life into Lymstock and Emilia Fox does this perfectly.
There is a great deal of mischievous humour in this book and it is reflected in this adaptation. It is true that Mr Pye should not be so extravagantly gay given the period setting but his nature is well hinted at in the book. My only slight reservations were in the portrayals of the Symmington household. I felt Harry Enfield was quite weak, Elsie Holland should not really be a seductress despite her goddess looks, Mona Symmington should probably be rather more pathetic than Stubbs' virago and Megan was just a bit too knowing and moved too quickly from childish lump to Audrey Hepburn (as someone else described it).
As always, this series looks terrific. 'Moving Finger' is even brighter and brasher than other instalments but I don't mind that at all as a contrast to the older, grainy Hickson versions. The linking motifs of the 'letters through the box' and the funerals were great. Overall, a really good entry in this series and easily the best in Season 2.
There is a great deal of mischievous humour in this book and it is reflected in this adaptation. It is true that Mr Pye should not be so extravagantly gay given the period setting but his nature is well hinted at in the book. My only slight reservations were in the portrayals of the Symmington household. I felt Harry Enfield was quite weak, Elsie Holland should not really be a seductress despite her goddess looks, Mona Symmington should probably be rather more pathetic than Stubbs' virago and Megan was just a bit too knowing and moved too quickly from childish lump to Audrey Hepburn (as someone else described it).
As always, this series looks terrific. 'Moving Finger' is even brighter and brasher than other instalments but I don't mind that at all as a contrast to the older, grainy Hickson versions. The linking motifs of the 'letters through the box' and the funerals were great. Overall, a really good entry in this series and easily the best in Season 2.