Decline and Fall

DECLINE AND FALL is a three-part series based on the novel of the same title by Evelyn Waugh. Perhaps you read his masterpiece Brideshead Revisited but at the tender age of 25 he produced a comic novel Decline and Fall partly based on his teaching experience. The principal character is Paul Pennyfeather who is sent down from Oxford for indecent behaviour and goes on a series of strange adventures including obtaining a teaching position at a chaotic school and an engagement to high society beauty. Waugh's novel is generally considered to be a high-society satire exploring the topics of elitism, racism and xenophobia. Although sometimes the point might be difficult to get and some people say that the novel written in 1928 is not relevant at all (but some say the story is still relevant and has many links to today's society) the story retains its universal appeal due to flamboyant characters whose eccentricity borders on insanity. Dr. Fagan who runs the school is afraid of his students, despises his daughter Florence (because she is fat and good-hearted) and adores his daughter Diane (because she is butchy and bitchy). Some of the teachers are literally crazy and some are miserable. The very first episode contains a brilliant line:

We class schools into four grades - leading schools, first-rate schools, good schools and schools.

Dare not to say that it does not ring any bells with you! The cast is great. Paul is played by Jack Whitehall, he is a popular stand-up comedian and you could see him in a hilarious sitcom Bad Education. Legendary David Suchet is Dr. Fagan and high-society beauty is portrayed by luminous Eva Longoria. All in all the series is well made, funny and boasts solid budget with some of the scenes having been filmed in the real medieval castle.

As a lifelong enthusiast for the writing of Evelyn Waugh, I thought I would never again see a revival of interest in his work. I am glad to say that this adaptation - on the evidence of Episode 1 - ensures that I couldn't have been more wrong, as it will undoubtedly attract a whole new audience. There is sheer quality in every aspect of this production and I found myself laughing out loud throughout. Everything is perfect - casting, script, characterisation, editing; it doesn't put a foot wrong. It seems unfair to single out any one contribution, but Douglas Hodge has so much fun with the character of the deeply dubious unidexter Captain Grimes, you cannot help but be impressed while you giggle. I can't wait to watch the remaining episodes, but simply wish to congratulate the whole team on this first showing. Bravo! On viewing the second episode, there is nothing to add other than that the very high standard has been maintained - a relief and an uproarious pleasure.

This is the best program l have seen in as long as l can remember. I laugh with tears rolling down my face from beginning to end. Every cast member it totally delightful and the casting is phenomenal. The writers excelled themselves and the wit and humour is unsurpassable. I look forward to every episode and record it so that l can watch it over and over. I'm 70 years old and have seen some funny things in my time but this takes the prize. OK , it may be a bit over the top , it all adds up to an absolutely glorious , enjoyable time. It's just cracking TV !!! I love every minute of it. David Suchet lets Jack Whitehall take top place in cast listings, an actor of his experience and calibrate allowing that shows what a great man he is. Please keep me laughing ? I'm so physically poorly and this programme is better than any medicine , it makes me feel better , it takes me out of myself into an incredible world of top class fun , humour, remarkable wit, expression, warmth and gaiety that it merits top prize in the comedy awards !!!! Just thinking of it now makes me smile. I can't single out any one actor/ actress better than the other because they are all marvellous. Although Jack Whitehall has surprised me in his acting role and excelled himself, l've seen him in comedy panel shows and always thought he was funny . I would have liked to have seen his Dad in this too. Well done all. Your Fantastic. Thankyou for making me laugh so much.

The main stars are Jack Whitehall, Eva Longoria, David Suchet, Douglas Hodge, and Stephen Graham, but there is a fine supporting cast as well.

Decline and Fall opens at an Oxford College on an evening in 1928. Two elderly porters are quietly sipping their port in front of a fireplace. The two are played, as if in homage to two great British series of the past, by Tim Piggot-Smith (in one of his last roles); and Nickolas Grace, who played Anthony Blanche in Brideshead Revisited. There is suddenly a commotion overhead. Aristocratic students, members of the Bullingdon Club, are destroying a room and college property. They spill out onto the street. A hapless theology student, Paul Pennyfeather, passes by and is attacked and stripped by the rowdy group. He rushes, naked, back to his digs, but is thrown out of Oxford for running through the college nude.

The rest of the three-hour series deals with Paul's adventures after he leaves Oxford. I highly recommend it.

This must have been one of the last performances of TPS. Surprised this was not acknowledged in the credits. A great loss of a great actor. First came to my attention in the wonderful adaptation of Paul Scott's "Jewel in the Crown" novels. Admired for many roles since. I had tickets to see him in Northampton this April which sadly had to be returned. Condolences to friends and family.