Summer's Lease

I don't need to reiterate anything about this mini series, since all of the previous comments do a good job of giving a thumb-nail sketch of the plot. However, I am willing to beg, borrow or steal a copy of this movie! Does anyone out there have a copy to sell to me??

This drama was superbly cast, especially John Gielgud as Molly's philandering father. However Molly's journey of self discovery was underdeveloped as was the eventual climactic meeting with the mysterious "T. Buckland Kettering".

The scenery of Tuscany is beautiful enough, but the acting does fall down in some places. For anyone wanting to appreciate Mortimer's classic, I suggest you read the book.

My husband and I were mesmerized when we saw the BBC mini-series and kept checking to see if there was a VHS version, but alas. We are now the very proud and happy owners of a DVD version made available thru Acorn Productions. I ordered our copy thru contact@hardtofindrecordings.com Each time we watch the 4 part series, we pick up more clues. Excellent work by Mr. Mortimer and all of the actors. Unfortunately, the DVD does not give credit to all of the actors. There were bios for some actors, but not all, including Michael Pennington and others who played key roles. But on behalf of the audience -- to all of them -- BRAVO!!!!

John Mortimer has a slightly wicked sense of humour, well demonstrated in this superbly written and acted work. Not likely to be enjoyed by the non-literate or younger adult, but a treasure for the middle-aged parent. Humor, conflict, sex and mystery are all here in pleasing proportion.

Gielgud plays a randy, pseudo-socialist grandfather. His character and lines allow him to steal the show. Susan Fleetwood as mother and grandaughter gives a standout performance as well, overshadowed only by Gielgud's wonderful material and skills.

Great television is alive and doing well in Britain. It is sad that so few people have had a chance to see this work. It appears to be unavailable for purchase. Those fortunate enough to have made a copy when it ran on PBS, please share it with your friends.

My only wish here is that more people would get to see this wonderful BBC mini-series set in the hillsides of tuscany. Unfortunately, it has not been released for distribution and there is some doubt whether a tape will ever be made available. An English housewife leases a country home in Italy for the summer. The family experiences the beauty of northern Italy and Molly (the mother) also becomes involved in a mystery to unravel. The countryside, including old church frescoes by Giotto takes center stage much of the time, but Sir John Gielgud's character blazes up the screen as the protagonist's eccentric (and randy) father-in-law. His hijinks with an old flame who has happened to settle into the region provide some of the best barrel laughs I can recall from any film. There is also the story of a dull marriage going through a renewal of sorts, as the husband starts to see more deeply into his wife's nature. All the characters are colorful and exquisitely drawn. If it should come up for a pbs replay, don't miss it!