When a cruel middle-aged baron and a beautiful wealthy orphan are to be wed at the abbey, it comes as no surprise when the sadistic nobleman is found strangled to death.When a cruel middle-aged baron and a beautiful wealthy orphan are to be wed at the abbey, it comes as no surprise when the sadistic nobleman is found strangled to death.When a cruel middle-aged baron and a beautiful wealthy orphan are to be wed at the abbey, it comes as no surprise when the sadistic nobleman is found strangled to death.
- Jehan
- (as Gabor Urman)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaJohn Bennett played the Greek Physician to Derek Jacobi's Emperor Claudius in the series I, Claudius (1976) - a reversal of sorts of their roles in this program. Similarly, Norman Eshley who plays a victim in this performance, is one of the conspirators to murder in the same episode of I, Claudius (1976) - the episode being Fool's Luck (1976).
- GoofsHuon is clearly not bald, as the plot requires, but has had his head shaved, and in various scenes his five o'clock shadow (scalp version) is clearly visible.
- Quotes
[last lines]
Brother Cadfael: Remember, my lord de Massard... God sees not with the eyes of man. Man beholds only the outward appearance. God looks on the heart.
Lazarus the Leper: Then he shall find it here.
Brother Cadfael: And he shall find it beautiful. As I do.
- Crazy creditsAlthough the first season of this series was 1994, the credits for these episodes mistakenly say MCMLXIV, which is 1964. It should be MCMXCIV for 1994.
- SoundtracksDei Santus Stirity
[Monks chanting]
I envy this story, or more rather I envy Elizabeth Peters ability to place her great imagination on paper and tell a story to which we think we know the ending. This was one of her many writing talents, and the adaptation of Peters' work does not disappoint.
Not only are we subject to a mystery to which the authorities must solve without the benefit of a DNA lab and other modern forensics, a challenge in and of itself, but we're given a window to another period in time. A period where reputation carried a bit more weight than it ever could now, and even though man's mechanical know-how was simpler, and he lived a simpler life in terms of material wealth, mankind himself was no less rich in wit. This included criminals trying to outdo the opposition.
The story seems formulaic enough in some respects, and we're treated to more than one McGuffin, which themselves we understand as McGuffins. But even when the greater initial mystery is solved, we're left with another.
"Cadfael" is another one of my favorite TV series. The artistry that went into the art direction and performances stands out, even in light of the fact that some of the episodes were shot on a very low grade 16mm stock. But it doesn't matter, because the setting and cast, lead by the superb Derek Jacobi, present to us a series of tales in a time when the world was full of natural mystery, ghosts, demons, witchcraft, and a beneficent (though vengeful) god to oppose the ills of the world.
This slice of performed reality shows us not only the cruelty of the time, but also happier moments. We see not only the deadly bids for wealth and power via the taking of life, but the efforts of mankind to unite to right wrongs and succor those in need. In spite of the fact that there was no electrification of the material world, there was electricity in the spirit of the people. Secret loves, intrigues, infidelities, vendettas, deep friendships, temptations, and a wonderment of life itself, the things we grapple with today, were all very much thriving in those heady times.
Cadfael is a man of "God". A former soldier (man at arms) who forsakes the life of sword and shield for one of dutiful healing of people in mind, body and spirit. And, when the opportunity arises (every episode), solve the occasional murder ;-) My only complaint is that the remaining stories have not been filmed, and it seems unlikely that they ever will be. Which is a shame, for there are few noteworthy television series of such high caliber that were more deserving than "Ellis Peters'" own version of a Canterburry Tale.
A magnificent series that mixes the old 1970's Monday Mystery Movie with the art direction of "Braveheart". Truly a treasure to be watched.
- Blueghost
- Jul 10, 2009
Details
- Runtime1 hour 15 minutes
- Color