The Prisoner of Zenda

I agree with the previous reviewer that this outstanding BBC serialisation of a timeless adventure story deserves an outing on DVD. The script and acting are first class, with standout performances from the upright and soldierly John Woodvine and a youthful Jonathan Morris (who looks very fetching in his Ruritanian uniforms).

I am fortunate in having taped the series back in 1984. I intend to transfer this precious tape to DVD before the obsolete betamax VCR on which I made the recording finally gives up the ghost.

The producers are very imaginative in the way they manage to conjure up the romantic Ruritanian scenery and interiors using limited resources. For example, with the addition of a few flags and banners the faux medieval Castel Coch near Cardiff convincingly serves as Black Michael's stronghold.