A Kind of Loving

This was a fantastic series which captured the era (1957 - 1973) perfectly. Adapted from the three novels by Stan Barstow, "A Kind of Loving", "The Watchers on the Shore" and "The Right True End" this series was faithful to the books written. Excellent performances throughout from Clive Wood who played the central character Vic Brown and who appeared in every single scene in the 10 hour series, Joanne Whalley, (in her breakthrough role) as Vic's first wife Ingrid and Susan Penhaligan as Vic's true love.

The story charts the life of Vic Brown, the son of a miner from a small Yorkshire mining town, from the age of 20 in 1957 through to 1973 and centers around his desire to break free of the society and life his family expects him to lead.

This series more than many others deserves to be released on DVD and it is a crime that this has not yet happened. Please put this wrong right!

A classic ! Based on the Vic Brown trilogy by Stan Barstow, its a much more filled out portrait of the protagonist than was presented in the movie with Alan Bates, which is based on only one of the novels. Perhaps too slow moving for younger viewers, it is life as it is, without kidnappings, car and helicopter chases, hopping in and out of kinky sexual encounters balderdash etc. Great acting all around: Clive Wood who I've never seen since but this must be the highlight of his career; Joanne Whalley who's even better than she was in SCANDAL; Susan Penhaligon wonderful as always. And Robert Keegan, Constance Chapman,Neil Phillips and a host of other great character actors. The period detail, from the late fifties to the seventies, is outstanding! SEE THIS it's better than anything on masterpiece classic

"A Kind of Loving" (1982) is a favourite movie of mine. I have watched it loads of times and it always seems fresh. The reason I like it is because it contains a warning. It is a warning for all young people to watch out for the trap. Beauty is temporary and short lived. That is why a woman wants security before her beauty fades. She wants that ring on her finger so make sure she is the right one for you before she shackles you for life. What is the right one? Well not beautiful for a start so you won't have competition. A sweet nature, yes. Nobody wants vinegar with everything. A willingness to cooperate, yes. A sense of how to dress well without breaking the bank, yes. Someone who is honest, yes. Someone you can really love. I hit the jackpot - but I very nearly didn't. This movie contains all the usual temptations. WATCH IT AND AVOID THEM.

This fine 10-part series seems unlikely to appear on DVD for two reasons. Firstly it's very long and secondly, there's a better known if inferior movie adaption available.

I discovered the final episode recently while sorting through old video tapes and found it just as enjoyable as the last time I watched it many years ago. Clive Wood is an excellent actor and is probably better known for his later work on the classic police series, THE BILL.

The script is true to the book which I've read several times and it is indeed a totally realistic portrayal of the times, now long gone. The supporting cast is solid as well. Only the static camera work, limited no doubt by budget considerations, dates the series.

Recommended for all fans of classic British drama.