I was lucky to see this when it was first aired and fortunately at the time, I was addicted to videotaping on VHS dramas worth saving. I saved this and watched that VHS until it finally broke. Now, I am fortunate to be able to watch it for free on Amazon Prime and it holds up wonderfully.
Beautifully directed, sensitively written and magnificent performances add to an overwelming story of government interference, betrayal and emotional upheaval among a group of middle class English folk and their neighbors from overseas.
It is obvious from the delicately nuanced dialogue that this was originally a period piece of a play. It is also obvious that the entirety of the structure is a metaphor of government versus individual, that the concerns of the individual are subjugated to the interests of the state. However, the human scale and drama are drawn powerfully to a climax that is shattering.
Ellen Burstyn gives the performance of her life as the central character torn between reality and lies. And Teri Garr has never been more aptly cast as her best friend, the effervescent neighbor. The supporting cast is rock solid as is this introductory performance by Sammi Davis.
I have watched this at least 20 times in my life and it is an amazing show of subtlety, metaphor and acting. One of the greatest dramas for the tube ever produced.
Beautifully directed, sensitively written and magnificent performances add to an overwelming story of government interference, betrayal and emotional upheaval among a group of middle class English folk and their neighbors from overseas.
It is obvious from the delicately nuanced dialogue that this was originally a period piece of a play. It is also obvious that the entirety of the structure is a metaphor of government versus individual, that the concerns of the individual are subjugated to the interests of the state. However, the human scale and drama are drawn powerfully to a climax that is shattering.
Ellen Burstyn gives the performance of her life as the central character torn between reality and lies. And Teri Garr has never been more aptly cast as her best friend, the effervescent neighbor. The supporting cast is rock solid as is this introductory performance by Sammi Davis.
I have watched this at least 20 times in my life and it is an amazing show of subtlety, metaphor and acting. One of the greatest dramas for the tube ever produced.