Search - Flickers on DVD

A Thoroughly Delighful Comedy-Drama!

Tiggah | Calgary, Alberta Canada | 06/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Produced in 1980 and penned by britcom veteran Roy Clarke (Keeping Up Appearances, Last of the Summer Wine, Open All Hours), Flickers is a light, entertaining six-part comedy-drama (with the emphasis on comedy) set amid the burgeoning film industry in 1920's England.

The series stars Bob Hoskins (Mrs. Henderson Presents, Thick as Thieves) as Arnie Cole, an outspoken Cockney with little dress sense and even less manners; yet despite his faults, he is shrewd, determined and hard-working. Arnie is in the business of showing films, but what he really wants to do is make them. He's a man with a dream--a vision, even; what he lacks, however, is money. The need for a loan or a backer poses a huge obstacle in a time when the more conservative, traditional lenders and investors were very leary of putting money into what was viewed by many as likely being a here-today-gone-tomorrow industry.

Frances de la Tour (Rising Damp) stars as Maud, the well-spoken, well-bred, but very uppity, not to mention plain-looking, daughter of a well-off family. It is Maud's brother, Clive, who himself has a tidy nest-egg, that Arnie hopes to smooth-talk into investing in his dream. Maud, however, sees right through Arnie, and turns him down flat.

As it happens, circumstances conspire to bring Arnie and Maud together. Theirs is an uncomfortable, not to mention unlikely, alliance--at least initially; and it is an uphill battle all the way, with shoe-string finances being only the tip of the problem. From a Shirley-Temple-like little girl who's becoming noticeably not so little anymore to a depressive comic and a grand, self-obsessed theatrical diva, there are a number of temperamental, highly-strung thespians, whose egos must be placated. Then there is Max Legendre, the agent of the big-name comic star whom Arnie hopes to snag. The problem is that Max, who has no people skills whatsoever and is no more than a temperamental bully, has aspirations in the directorial direction; that he gets his way only adds to Arnie and Maud's problems. Circumstances are not assisted by the reappearance of Letty, Arnie's tarty (but certainly not plain) former flame, who kindles a spark of jealousy in Maud.

With 50-minute episodes, romantic tension, a delightful blend of comedy and drama, and an unusual period setting, this series is quite a departure for Roy Clarke (who also displayed a flair for comedy-drama in the feature-length film Hawks). Viewers ought not, therefore, to expect something akin to the above-mentioned character comedies for which Clarke is so well known. Though characters abound, this is not character comedy. It really is in a class all its own--I can think of nothing to which to compare it! Having said that, it is a well-written, superbly-acted series with an engaging storyline, and it is a series our family really enjoyed.
"

I agree completely

E Rice | western ny state | 03/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i'm thrilled to finally be able to see this series again. everything about it is first rate--the story, the performances, the dialogue, the sets, the costumes, everything is wonderful. i never understood why it wasn't released on tape, but, at long, long last, it has been released.

if you admire great acting, watch this series, then watch the movie 'the long good friday.' bob hoskins will amaze you--his range is fantastic.

the rest of this cast is also superb. frances de la tour's comic timing is a joy to watch.

if you didn't see it on pbs, buy, rent, steal the dvd's. you'll be in for a real treat."

My All-time Favorite Series!

Dr. Bob | 05/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sitting in the doctor's office yesterday, I got into a conversation about movies. When the topic of favorite shows came up, I mentioned "Flickers" as my all-time favorite series. To check the date (and show off my neat PDA), I got onto the internet and discovered that after 25 years this show had FINALLY been issued in April! Vy vas I not informed!

I placed my order on Amazon tonight, even though I am a Netflix subscriber. This is a keeper. Plus I get to toss my old off-the-air VHS tape.

No need to rehash the plot as it's been well described by others. I guarantee that anyone who ever enjoyed a Britcom will love this, as will anyone who likes a totally pleasant, funny, warm, off-beat love story. Or likes Bob Hoskins. It will make you a Frances De La Tour fan as well, though she has has few entries in her filmography; her latest role is the giantess Madam Maxime in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." I almost plotzed* when I saw her!

Buy it!

*Literal meaning: Dropped dead. Yiddish is funnier, see?
"

Best of Comedy

S. Janssen | San Ramon, CA United States | 04/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Discovering that Flickers is available on DVD was the high point of the day. Just the day before my friends were lamenting that this wonderful series had never been made available to the public. It was my first introduction to that wonderful actor Bob Hoskins, although the entire cast was wonderful.
This is one of the best blends of sheer comedy combined with touching romance as two totally mismatched people forced together by circumstances learn to cherish each other. Don't miss this one."