Clochemerle

I saw both the original in the 1970s, and also the repeats in the mid-1990s, some of which I recorded on VHS. Excellent, witty, intelligent adaptation of the book by two top-rate comedy scriptwriters of the period and a well chosen cast. Well directed integration of French mannerisms and speech nuances with the English language, not in the hyperbole style of 'Allo 'Allo at all.

The whole series appears to have been shot on location in Colombier-le-Vieux, department Ardeche, south of Lyon. The steam railway there, which appears in the programme, had been restored by enthusiasts the year before shooting. It can still be ridden by tourists in summertime today.

As funny as any TV. Do watch it. Ustinov's narration is wonderful and the rest of the cast is just as good. Joyously the cast do not attempt an "Allo, Allo" type accent but speak naturally which only adds to the charm of the piece. The village it was filmed in it was not, apparently, the village Chevallier based the story in but those who know think that it's much prettier. One thing that stands out in this, and most other quality entertainment, is the sheer joy apparent in every frame - the cast and crew obviously had a whale of a time! Galton and Simpson, the writers, were inspired by the French film and wrote the only screenplay that was not adapted from their own work or original to them. This is what TV is all about, films cannot have the intimacy shown here.

As an adolescent watching this TV series in the 1970's, the appeal of the bevy of nubile young actresses in this series was obvious. On closer inspection however,the clever witty social commentary of the author, Gabriel Chevalier, on rural French civil and religious contradictions and conflict, engages the viewer and leaves a lasting impression.

The quality of the cast - Roy Dotrice,Kenneth Griffith, Cyril Cusack etc; the bravado and joie de vivre of the marvellous adaptation by Galton and Simpson and the vocal skills of the wry narration by the exemplary Peter Ustinov all combine to make this one of the best BBC co-productions ever undertaken.

Visually stunning, it is a major crime that this ever-relevant, de-bagging of pomposity and prudishness has all but disappeared. Why it has never been released on VHS / DVD needs explanation by the BBC hierarchy at the earliest opportunity! Are you reading this BBC? If there is a legal wrangle somewhere that needs sorting out, please do so immediately.TV series this good will not be made today - so please let us cherish the work of the past masters.

One -it's now on DVD. Repeat it on TV. Two-film Chevallier's sequels Three -turn it into a musical

One of the great comedies!