TramMatrix3001

I watched the original Aussie showing of The 'Missiles of October' in Melbourne, Australia back in 1976 I think, and even then I knew it would be a classic, and so it has become. I'm now 72 years old, and when I think back on this telemovie I remember being greatly moved, triggering an interest in American history within me ever since.

Best of all though was the absolutely superlative acting and script; tense, sparce, and exacting. As one review below said ; 'less is more'. Just a full on blast of pure unadulterated history, not encumbered by all the usual nonsense of over-production; romance, stunning effects, and beautifully crafted sets etc.

For at the end of the day, it's the story that matters ...

I put this production in exactly the same category as that other long forgotten great ... 'Civilisation', by Sir Kenneth Clark, past Curator of Her Majesty's art collection.

If only more historical dramas were like this; pretty much following the historical reality, modified to make so many years fit into a limited number of hours; the obvious problem for all histories.

There is one serious problem in production of the individual DVD's as released. Series Three does not have subtitles!! How this was allowed to occur is beyond me. Being quite deaf, this sadly, and heavily, compromised my enjoyment.

I've lost the DVD of Series 1 and 2! I'm so upset! How I love this series. I'm not a Scotsman but an Australian, but I remember this show, watched when I was just a young whipper-snapper. And even then I could appreciate it's sheer quality. I'm a shift worker so I need to be relaxed when I go to bed for a very early start at 3AM, so I drag out a 'Dr. Finlay' and my blood pressure drops immediately. And the show itself? ... No exploding cars or convoluted romances, just civilising entertainment. OK, the production is dated, but who cares! The sheer quality of acting and story lines is what makes this old classic serial so engaging. Better still, there are heaps and heaps of episodes, all unconnected and independent. We watch one episode every second night just to counteract the mindless modern nonsense served up nightly on TV, or even on streaming services. You know, exploding cars, weirdly dead bodies, absurd story lines and banal scripts. Oh yes, lot's of guns avoided. In fact, hardly no guns at all! ... Relax and enjoy. ... Be human again. Executive summary? Zero exploding cars! Just decent, civilising entertainment. Enjoy! PS. Andrew Cruikshank was also the doctor in 'The Cruel Sea'.