Oliver's Travels

Alan Bates and Sinead Cusack are fortuitously thrown together in search of a renowned crossword compiler gone missing after apparently some connection with murders and a sinister, shady corporation lurking in the background. Their search takes them on an odyssey through the north of England, Scotland and finally to the Orkney Islands.

This is a romantic comedy/caper rather than a hard-edged thriller, propped up by a wonderful rapport between Bates and Cusack rather than nail-biting scenes and complicated plotting. In fact the details surrounding the sinister corporation I thought were vague and unconvincing but hardly important to the enjoyment of the adventure. Consequently, the entertainment value derives more from the romantic entanglement and witty dialogue between Bates and Cusack unfolding against the beautiful stark landscapes of Britain. 8/10

This is a quirky romantic piece with lots of surprises. The leads are very engaging, intelligent and real. They are not overly glamorous but yet very attractive people you would not mind spending time with. This mini series is very reminiscent of the classic Hollywood screwball comedies of the thirties and forties . Preston's Sturges' Sullivan's Travels comes to mind. This is one of the best shows to ever appear on PBS and it's difficult to understand why it is not out on Video or DVD. I am very thankful that I made a copy of this program when it was originally aired on PBS.

I've shared the prior lamentations that "Oliver's Travels" was neither available on home video nor, to my knowledge, had it been repeated on PBS. Now, try AcornOnline--dot--you-know-what or, alternately, see the Amazon listing (less $$) for March 2005 delivery.

This miniseries is a delightful, skillful blend of humor, mystery, suspense, intrigue, crime, romance, history, and travelogue. Crosswords and anagrams also figure as important plot elements. (Oliver can make an anagram out of almost anything but his own name.)

At the story's center is a villainous multinational corporation which has sucked many of the characters into its vortex. Although details of this operation remain vague and shadowy to the end, the conclusion is nonetheless satisfying.

The "Travels" concluded in the Orkney Islands, and by then, I was ready to hop on the next plane to there.

So enjoyable on many levels! Absolutely first rate!

The previous reviewer said this is not available on DVD but it is now. My husband and I saw this when it first was aired and now own a copy. Not only that we took a trip to England and Scotland for an anniversary trip using the site "Scotland the Movie" to determine some of the sites where the show was shot.

It is an excellent adventure of a redundant Professor who is looking for his favorite crossword setter and a suspended PC. Oliver is an avid puzzle solver and anagram man. They delve into things they shouldn't and are shadowed by the evil Mr Baxter as they travel across England and Scotland in search of missing crossword setter Aristotle. Love story, action, travelogue, and comedy. Highly recommended

When I first saw this on "Mystery" I was unsure I would like the show due to the fact that I had seen Alan Bates in only one other movie and really disliked his character. However, the miniseries proved to be quite lovely (it is really the only way to describe it). I am a fan of B-movies, horror and comedy and YET came away from this with a smile and a sigh of contentment. The interaction of the actors is seamless and highly professional. The movie is full of beautiful scenery and sweet nostalgia. I got my long-awaited copy of this in December but was disappointed to note that Diana Rigg's comments were absent from the DVD. I have other "Mystery" videos such as Ice House and Heat of the Sun (ok, that doesn't fit in with my purported preferred genres) both of which have the added information about the authors and the events related to the movie. Still, I heartily recommend this movie as a Saturday afternoon movie that leaves you with a smile and a brighter look on life. I also loved Mrs. Slokum (sp?) as the inn keeper.