Shine on Harvey Moon

An extremely interesting period drama set in post-world war II England. Although comedy plays a large role in the series, deeper and more prominent social issues such as divorce, love affairs, and racism are important factors within the story lines. To an extent it is a black comedy which follows the lives of the members of the Moon family, but there is enough light hearted humour to make the show highly enjoyable! I believe it was created by the same people who created 'Goodnight Sweetheart' if that is any indication as to it's style!

I am SO pleased to see the re-runs of SOHM on the splendid Rewind TV on Freeview ch 92. I loved watching this in the early 80s when it first started, with my own parents who married in 1948 so related to it. They loved it too. The performances draw you in...the chemistry between them all truly makes you believe they really were all family and friends. Pleased to say I found Kenneth Cranham as sexy as I did in 1982!! There's something about him...and he's catnip to women in this. The authentic clothes, furniture, make up are all spot on and it us so well written. I saw Maggie Steed once in Plymouth...I think she was visiting her parents. She was so tall and smiled at me..I really wanted to tell her she was magnificent as Mrs Moon...I wish I had now! Anyway, if you ever get the chance to see Shine on Harvey Moon, do watch it. I can't explain why it's been hidden for over 40 years but it's British TV at its very best!

I am surprised that there are so few contributions for this show! Well written and acted but I guess that it was set in such a depressing period it failed to really catch on as light entertainment. Regard it as a dramatised documentary it is hard to fault. I suppose it had a special pull for me as it was set in the period when my parents were setting up home and it had echoes of their stories. I have yet to see the final series although I guess it was not as good (no follow on from that series ) so perhaps it is just as well that the first impressions are my last. I saw most of the reruns when shown on the Yesterday channel last year and for me it held up very well. I am sure that the author was being semi-autobiographical as he captures the aspirations, dreams and perspectives of the period so well.