I know the history of what is now the Royal London Hospital very well, but I admit to learning a bit more through this excellent series. I would recommend this for anyone interested to learn how it was before the advent of antibiotics, blood transfusions and vaccinations against disease. It is also an in-your-face story of how hospitals were run prior to the NHS and how much they depended on ordinary people for their very existence. The filth, the idealism, dedication and challenges thrown at these wonderful men and women shows how strong a nurse, doctor or even radiographer had to be in those days. Whilst some of this series makes for very hard viewing, it will also make you thankful we have such a wonderful NHS. If viewers are interested, the book 'The London: A Study in the Voluntary Hospital System" is available from the Royal London Hospital Shop.
2 Reviews
Absolutely Fantastic!
alexlotrfan25 April 2008
Finally a reason to pay the license fee.
This program is fantastic... Well worth watching if only for the historical knowledge you will undoubtedly gain.
The drama itself is great as well, truly gripping, you watch one episode and simply cannot wait for the next installment.
The realism throughout the three episodes should be applauded, well done BBC, for not conforming to the "perfect world, everything is happy and good" view on the past.
The quality of acting is also second to none, particularly William Houston, Charity Wakefield and Sarah Smart, although the rest of the cast did not let the bar slip.
The music accompanies the tension well, without taking away from the scenes themselves.
Overall, everything you could possibly want from a period drama and more.
This program is fantastic... Well worth watching if only for the historical knowledge you will undoubtedly gain.
The drama itself is great as well, truly gripping, you watch one episode and simply cannot wait for the next installment.
The realism throughout the three episodes should be applauded, well done BBC, for not conforming to the "perfect world, everything is happy and good" view on the past.
The quality of acting is also second to none, particularly William Houston, Charity Wakefield and Sarah Smart, although the rest of the cast did not let the bar slip.
The music accompanies the tension well, without taking away from the scenes themselves.
Overall, everything you could possibly want from a period drama and more.
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