Like the current top reviewer, I too enjoyed this programme when first broadcast in the 1970s and caught most of it again many years later. It deserved to win the Emmy award. I can now watch it anytime having bought the DVD (Granada TV) after the second viewing.
7 Reviews
The new secretary and the boss - romance in the air?
hawkinsp13 January 2003
Endearing romantic tale of a young secretary (Julia Foster) starting a new job in a rather bleak city office environment. Her attitude clashes delightfully with some of the more mature ladies working there. She catches the eye of the big boss, stuffy Mr Axelford (John Bryant) despite the fact that she persists in calling him Mr Axelrod, and much to the disapproval of the existing part-time secretary Mrs Frost.
Last broadcast on UK television by Channel 4 about ten years ago, as part of a Valentine's Day theme evening. Memorable. Not known to be available on video or DVD.
Last broadcast on UK television by Channel 4 about ten years ago, as part of a Valentine's Day theme evening. Memorable. Not known to be available on video or DVD.
Glorious drama.
Sleepin_Dragon11 February 2024
Business tycoon Boris J. Axelford is an emotionless cold fish, secretaries simply don't last. That changes when he employs the clumsy, but well meaning Angel Roper, who breaks his vase, and his heart.
Top notch drama, this is an absolute classic, one I'd highly recommend.
This dvd has been in my collection for quite some time, and with Valentine's day fast approaching, this was recommended as an unusual love story.
Initially you may think it's going to be a rom com, Angel is so clumsy, and there are some amusing scenes in that well organised office, but as it progresses it becomes something very different, quite a powerful love story.
Favourite scene has to be the curry, the incredulous look on the faces of the fellow diners, the look on Axelford's face, marvellous.
What's so interesting, is that it's Angel who has all the power, in spite of Axelford being the tycoon, she's the one pulling the strings.
Julia Foster and Michael Bryant are both wonderful, and I've always been a huge fan of Lally Bowers, so the casting is perfect. I cannot get used to seeing Donald Sumpter with hair.
Charming, amusing, moving, this is a quality drama.
10/10.
Top notch drama, this is an absolute classic, one I'd highly recommend.
This dvd has been in my collection for quite some time, and with Valentine's day fast approaching, this was recommended as an unusual love story.
Initially you may think it's going to be a rom com, Angel is so clumsy, and there are some amusing scenes in that well organised office, but as it progresses it becomes something very different, quite a powerful love story.
Favourite scene has to be the curry, the incredulous look on the faces of the fellow diners, the look on Axelford's face, marvellous.
What's so interesting, is that it's Angel who has all the power, in spite of Axelford being the tycoon, she's the one pulling the strings.
Julia Foster and Michael Bryant are both wonderful, and I've always been a huge fan of Lally Bowers, so the casting is perfect. I cannot get used to seeing Donald Sumpter with hair.
Charming, amusing, moving, this is a quality drama.
10/10.
Do not miss it
sales-44530 November 2005
Agree - VERY memorable indeed - saw it on both transmissions including the first time in 1974 and the Valentine special. Julia Foster was an understated glamour girl of the 1960s who was also in 'Half A Sixpence' - also played 'Gilda' in Alfie. There were many TV one-offs around this time but this leaves a lasting impression - you almost hold your breath and it stays with you too.
About time this was available on DVD or shown again. A real gem that just sits in storage somewhere. Last I saw of Julia was in a TV ad with Michael Winner (she was the one to whom he says "Calm down dear" - uncredited) If this ever appears on television again - DO NOT MISS IT!
About time this was available on DVD or shown again. A real gem that just sits in storage somewhere. Last I saw of Julia was in a TV ad with Michael Winner (she was the one to whom he says "Calm down dear" - uncredited) If this ever appears on television again - DO NOT MISS IT!
Michael Bryant at his best
hh-6756014 October 2020
A lovely little story about a very successful and very lonely corporate boss who lives a quiet orderly life. That is until a tornado of a clumsy blonde secretary blows into his office and his life and changes everything forever. Michael Bryant was such a very talented actor and was always so wonderfully intense in all his characterizations. He does an amazing job of unwinding this tight and tidy little man until he falls apart helpless to stop the love that overtakes him. Don't miss this.
Mr Axelford's Angel
Lyndapowers0421 February 2006
I saw this on both occasions and only wish there was an opportunity to see Julie Foster in this drama again. The mispronunciation of the boss's name, the meal in the Indian Restaurant and John Bryant's Mr Axelford! As a 22 year old when I first watched this I couldn't possibly imagine Julia Foster's Angel considering Mr Axelford seriously but she did and oh so sweetly and he so passionately! Why isn't it on DVD? Further, shouldn't we be watching Julia on TV again and not with Mr Winner in those ads! She still looks young and enchanting and no doubt she could give some soap actors a run for their money so come on someone, get Julia back on our TV screens.
Correction
hawkinsp15 January 2003
In commenting on this film recently, I'm not sure I got the lead actor's name correct (Michael Bryant). Incidentally he and a number of the other players here are no longer with us, but Julia Foster can be seen in a current TV commercial.
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