The Darling Buds of May

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 purchased the whole series "The Darling Buds of May" a few years ago and then watched the whole series within a few days. I grew up in the UK in the early sixties and this series reminded me so much of what life was like in England when I was growing up.

It is the best and purest form of escapism it fills one with a sense of longing for how life once was. The scenery, the lifestyle, the family and of course the farm are just "perfec" my favorite episode is the one called "Christmas is coming" (series 1 episode 7).

Even now, years later, I still find myself humming the opening theme song. It is one of the best feel good series that I have ever seen and the characters are so well played.

If you haven't seen the series do yourself a very big favour and go out and buy, borrow or steal it and then sit back and be prepared to be taken back to a time, long before laptops, iPhones, mobile phones and emails, where life was simple and almost idyllic.

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!

There's something very endearing about The Darling Buds of May. The bright English country side coupled with bright and life filled characters made this show very heart warming and easy to watch. I remember watching it with great interest as an adolescent and it's something that's stayed with me into my adulthood.

For it's time, The Darling Buds of May was showing a different side of British society. Although the Larkins weren't nessicarilly "wealthy" they were happy and they were very supportive as family. It's a breath of fresh air to watch such characters and the situations they get into.

I recommend watching this show, it's heartfelt, touching, the characters are very real and the scenery is breath taking.

this would have to be my all time favorite show. I paid a fortune to buy the DVD'S and have them shipped to Australia. It's a show that I can watch over and over again and never tire of. I just want to pack up and immigrate to England and Kent. I find it almost hard to believe that this was a made for television family. It must truly reflect a time when things were much simpler. If I could I would transport myself right back there with the Larkin's and I to would never leave. Pam Ferris and David Jason are so convincing as MA and Pa Larkin, that I try to bring some of that into my own children's lives. A show that certainly restores my appetite and good faith ion the world.