BS: BBC Drama - Small Island

Subject: BS: BBC Drama - Small Island
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 08:45 AM

The BBC did it again! A brilliant, IMHO, drama about Jamaican immigrants to England set just before, during and just after WW2. It is now on iPlayer if you follow the web site link and I would recommend it to anyone.

I was not too keen to watch it at first as I wrongly assumed a Cookson type semi-historical romance. While the romance did play a major role, the plot, filming and actors, as well as the strong script, all made it a joy to watch. Some very interesting social detail as well.

It was in 2 x 90 minute parts, I think, so if you have a spare 3 hours - watch it before it disappears from iPlayer!

Enjoy

DeG

Subject: RE: BS: BBC Drama - Small Island
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 09:46 AM

Seconded David - superb, and very moving.
Queenie has to be one of the all-time great characters in television drama.
Jim Caroll

Subject: RE: BS: BBC Drama - Small Island
From: GUEST,HiLo
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 09:47 AM

I have not seen the tv show but the book, by Monica Levy, was wonderful. Thanks for the info about the programme, I look forward to seeing it.

Subject: RE: BS: BBC Drama - Small Island
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 10:41 AM

Lovely, lovely, lovely.

Subject: RE: BS: BBC Drama - Small Island
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 04:20 PM

Only available in Britain. A pity.............
Perhaps we in Canada could trade some Red Rose tea for the viewing rights.

Subject: RE: BS: BBC Drama - Small Island
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 06:58 PM

Although iPlayer is only available in the UK someone will probably post it on Youtube before long - Give it a try.

D.

Subject: RE: BS: BBC Drama - Small Island
From: Hamish
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 06:51 AM

I read the book only a couple of months ago and was delighted to see the Beeb pick up on it. They were remarkably faithful to the orginal - even the sequence of flash backs was pretty much as per. Of course they had to cut out loads to squeeze it into three hours, but they did an excellent job. They changed the dynamic between Hortense and Celia, but not much other than that.

I regularly have meetings with business and IT-savvy people where there might be a dozen present and those of an African descent are in the majority. I doubt if Gilbert would have believed that possible from his 1948 perspective.

Subject: RE: BS: BBC Drama - Small Island
From: GUEST,Dáithí
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 08:10 AM

Does anybody know anything about that fab version of "Somewhere over the rainbow" that features..gotta have it!
D

Subject: RE: BS: BBC Drama - Small Island
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 04:55 PM

Usually those programs make it over to the U.S. a few months after they premier in the U.K. And the PBS folks have also been letting them play for a couple weeks via the web site, if you missed it on TV.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: BBC Drama - Small Island
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 05:42 PM

Forgot it was on yesterday, so thanks for the reminder, David...and the link. We watched the first episode and found it spell binding...A wonderful series.

Subject: RE: BS: BBC Drama - Small Island
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 10:59 PM

Israel Kamakawiwo'Ole 'IZ' 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' on YouTube.

Ross

Subject: RE: BS: BBC Drama - Small Island
From: GUEST,Dáithí
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 06:07 AM

Thanks Ross - I'd never seen nor heard of this guy before, and only just heard the song.
I didn't therefore expect the ending in the video...sigh.
Thanks again!
D