Lark Rise to Candleford: Series 1 (Blu-ray) Blu-ray, 2008

Billed as the natural successor to Cranford, this ten part adaptation of Flora Thompson’s autobiographical memoirs, about growing up in a Cotswold village during the late 19th Century, covers much the same territory but with a far lighter touch. It sees Laura Timmins leave her hamlet of Lark Rise to start a new life under the wing of the postmistress in the market town of Candleford, a post which gives her plenty of opportunity to observe the goings-on of the villagers.

Instead of a conventional drama serial, it was thought the book would respond well to a different treatment, and writer Bill Gallagher has expanded storylines the book and turned them into full episodes.

Some traditionalists have cavilled at this approach, but overwhelmingly the series has been acclaimed as fine warm-hearted Sunday entertainment, providing a drama that thrives on the friendship and follies of human nature, but which is also a celebration of an idyll of the English countryside.

MovieMail on 5th March 2008
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