The Darling Buds of May

This is a reply to Annoymous-007 who considered the film better than the TV Series. Does this person know that the the film relocated the original setting from Kent to the United States of America. The TV Series was based on the actual books and filmed where they were set. Annonymous-007 has missed the point - the theme of novels is the rejection of control and the concept of Romanticism and the free individual. That is why HE Bates alluded to the idea of Marriette being pregnant at the start of the first story (which she is not). There is a great connection to Jane Austen and the Brontes in the opening episodes, based on the first book: this is indeed a love story worthy of mention alongside Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre.

I just caught some re-runs of the on ABC iviews of this and I'm struck by how completely watchable it still is. Though I have lived for many years in Australia, I'm English country born and bred and the evocation of the countryside is just wonderful ( yes, I know it's not really like DBOM all the time )

Casting is, as others have said, utterly spot on and the ludicrous anonymous 007 who preferred an American film version - which, incredibly , relocated this quintessentially English scene TO America, is simply to be ignored. As, I would think, should be the film . I wonder what HE Bates would have thought.

If you can get the books, get any and all, HE Bates was a great writer poetic, funny and profound. Not unlike Thomas Hardy only with a lighter touch.

Big relief here that Bates's modern classic has not only survived its transition to the big screen but has actually been enhanced by it. It's difficult to find anything in this made-for-television adaptation that is at odds with the book of the same name. The characters are well cast, in particular David Jason as Pop Larkin and Pam Ferris as Ma, who live life with abandonment and cavalier disregard for society's expectations. The conversion of Charlie, a most challenging task in story and film, is accomplished with care and precision, Catherine Zeta Jones as Mariette providing the required enticement. This is a highly entertaining and deeply satisfying adaptation, and richly captures the life of post-war Britain. Perfick!

I love this series, it's such a feelgood programme. I really wish life could always turn out Perfick, like it does for the Larkins! What I love about them, especially Pop, is their irrepressible joy in life and ability to see the best in every situation. Pop can turn a wet miserable weekend into a joyous romp by sheer force of personality. Wonderful.

(Someone from USA said this on this comments page; "We saw an episode on TV the other day and Peter Jackson got a director credit, but I don't see him listed here or this series listed on Jackson's page. The credits show several directors and it seems to be common practice to have guest directors." I think they're thinking of a different Peter Jackson, the well-known director. The cinematography on this series was done by a Peter Jackson, which is a pretty common name I suppose.)

Just viewed the DVDs. If ever one wants to see a series that makes one feel good at the end, hire these.

I wish I could own the series.

Catherine Zita Jones is absolutely one of the most beautiful British actresses out of UK, and also a good actress also.

I loved the context of the series. And Pop and Mum were great, never got married etc., and Mum a little heavy after giving birth to what 'seven kids' was a great cook etc.

I challenge anyone who watches this series not to feel hungry watching them all enjoy eating, even if they have to kill the goose etc.

A great British produced series, wish there were more!