The River

This one off series of 6 half hour programmes at last comes to DVD.David Essex plays a cockney young man,Davey, who has taken a job as a lock keeper in deep countryside (he enjoys watching wildlife) following a short period in prison for being involved innocently in his colour blind brothers crime of forgery.Unexpectedly thanks partly due to an error by his assistant lock keeper(pet loving),Tom (Shaun Scott) a barge owner Sarah Murphy escaping her part criminal family (her father calls her Bill) the barge is damaged and Sarah is stuck by the lock.Sarah has attitude from her past experiences and the chemistry between her and Davey is engaging.Davey has an aunt living with him who is determined Sarah does not replace her occupancy,Betty (Vilma Hollingbery).She wears a beret and is a political "Citizen Smith",she even manages to lace Davey's drink with Bromide to prevent a "Romantic Moment".Colonel Danvers (David Ryall) completes the main cast and his presence help the conversations move the plot forward.The outside scenes filmed in summer sunshine is a snapshot of an England many of us love.It is a pity a second series did not take place as the first was popular.Davey's easy goingness,Sarah's lack of confidence causing her to get the wrong end of the stick,Tom's part time naivety,the Colonel's and the Aunt's scheming all made an excellent whole.

I have just discovered this charming comedy from the 80's. I do not recall ever seeing it the first time around, but i'm glad that it came on DVD so i could discover it, David Essex is quite good and the chemistry between him and Katy Murphy is sweet. Its a pity the BBC did not commission any more as i believe it was quite popular,i also especially like the scheming Aunt and her determination to break the romance up between Davy and Sarah. The constant showing of the scenery and the nature makes us long for the summer. I am pleased i ordered this from amazon and feel i got my money's worth. I give it ten for pure enjoyment throughout the six episodes.