Oliver's Travels

My greatest complaint is that this one has never been committed to DVD or even VHS. I've never seen any explanation of why this one hasn't been put on the market. It's just too good for words.

One of the most brilliant, funny and delicious adventure romances I've ever seen. If you have ANY chance to see it, the acting is totally brilliant, great script, twists and turns in the story line and a delightful romance, as well.

Alan Bates, scene stealer par excellence in so many of his films, performs the title role of Oliver, who sets out to find the person behind his favorite series of crossword puzzles.

I won't even try to give you any of the zany antics which take place, yet all plausible, as he meets and falls for Sinead Cusak, that brilliant actress, certainly up to some quality scene stealing herself.

God bless the Brit acting community.

This is a quirky romantic piece with lots of surprises. The leads are very engaging, intelligent and real. They are not overly glamorous but yet very attractive people you would not mind spending time with. This mini series is very reminiscent of the classic Hollywood screwball comedies of the thirties and forties . Preston's Sturges' Sullivan's Travels comes to mind. This is one of the best shows to ever appear on PBS and it's difficult to understand why it is not out on Video or DVD. I am very thankful that I made a copy of this program when it was originally aired on PBS.

I finally got the chance to purchase a copy of this wonderful series on DVD. I had a taped copy of the PBS airing which I had watched over and over again. Now with the dvds I can watch it as much as I want without getting afraid the tape would wear out.

OLIVER'S TRAVELS is the story of two smart, funny and beautiful people (Alan Bates and Sinead Cusack) who meet while in the pursuit of a murder mystery. The repartee between the two is delicious. The acting is so good that you don't want the story to end.

These are probably two of the best actors from the UK. Just watch their faces when they are interacting and you'll know what I mean. And Sinead Cusack's quirky little smile just gets to me every time.

My favorite scene: their wedding vows at the cathedral. My favorite lines: Diane - Why did you get divorced?

Oliver - She said I never listened.

Diane - Was she right?

Oliver - I wasn't listening.

If you ever get the chance run, don't walk, to get a copy of the DVDs.

I saw this mini-series on "Mystery" on PBS and absolutely loved it. I usually hate movies/shows with a romantic bent but Alan Bates and Sinead Cusack have the most wonderful (and non-saccharine) chemistry of anybody I have seen. It was lovely to see a romance between two intelligent people who have plenty of lines on their faces instead of the typical 'Friends' twentysomethings. I honestly had to check the credits to make sure they weren't married to one another.

The writing overall is very well done, especially the conversations between Oliver and Diane, the two main characters. The plot has enough twists and turns to keep you interested and the humor is...well...very British. But very very funny. Highly recommended.

If you want to see what skilled acting is all about, watch these two masters - Alan Bates and Sinead Cusack - turn what could otherwise be a dull and British story in something highly enjoyable almost solely on the strength of their personalities and acting skills. (A equally skilled director helps as well.) Imagine two young American actors in these roles, and you will see what I mean.

This series - which appeared in the US as a PBS Mystery presentation - which in other hands could have been a mess, is one of the most enjoyable things I've seen on television in a long time. I hope it will be shown again.