My Brother Jonathan

A leisurely paced and well-presented version of Francis Brett Young's novel of the same name. As is usual with BBC period dramas of that time (1985), the production is top notch and features great British casting. (Barbara Kellerman especially, makes this hers as Rachel Hammond, a Doctor's daughter whose quiet unspoken pain barks through the screen.)

But it's Daniel Day-Lewis who plays Johnathan Dakers, the Doctor who sacrifices his personal and professional lives for those around him, including his ungrateful mother, freewheeling brother and the snooty, selfish girl he loves.

Young people will struggle with the proprieties of that bygone age but for those with an interest in historical social culture, it's rewarding. It may also challenge those who are seeking something loaded with action as the five hours is ponderous in its telling of this story.

Even today (2018) this series holds up very well against anything made today. Modern dramas are scientifically engineered to attract an audience and are entirely too glossy to be taken seriously - but this series relies entirely on the artistic strength of the product to draw in a crowd.

The first episode is largely devoted to the good Doctor's life as a boy with his likable and preferred brother, his insane parents and his good friend, Arthur. After that, the story takes off as the first world war is coming and Britain is 'enjoying' the industrial top spot of the world.

Things look pretty bleak for the labor force in grimy old England but as usual, the fat cats are lording it up - and the new doctor in town is gonna put a stop to all that...

I read this book as a teenager and I had never forgotten it. I hesitated about buying this BBC adaptation, as I feared it would spoil the original story. How wrong I was... A superb performance and it was exactly as I had I imagined it all those years ago. Thanks to all involved!

Why can't Americans produce gems like this with glorious colour, scenery and a gentle spirit that keeps the two countries far apart on entertainment.