Bootleg

I have read this book numerous times to my students and only just discovered this adaptation. While it stays true to the essence of the main story line, I was disappointed that some of the plot details were changed, especially the ones that were so much a part of the humour in the book. I was also disappointed in the casting of Frankie Crawley who in my vision should have been much smaller and meeker only puffing himself up to match his 'authority'. His and Myrtle Perkin's (another name change) storylines were not well developed in this adaptation either. However, the retelling of this story grew on me and I think it was quite well done overall.

I was so impressed with Bootleg. I thought it started strong, but just got better and better as the show progressed. Episode three had me on the edge of my seat in parts, and in tears in other parts. The cast is very strong, although the Australian accents do shine through in places. I'm assuming it is supposed to be set in England and not Australia. The two leading kids (Steven Geller and Anthony Hammer) do a brilliant job of portraying Huntley and Smudger. Anthony is Australian and Steven is English. The two of them seemed to have so much energy ,and were genuinely believable as good friends. I wonder how they were off camera. My guess is that they got on really well. Anthony's robotic trance in episode 3 is faultless. You will recognise Anthony from his days as Leo Hancock in Neighbours. I was extremely impressed with Steven Geller's performance. His character takes longer to explain than Anthony's. But in Episode three, he went through all the emotions perfectly. His tearful and aggressive scenes were very believable, and the stare of disbelief at the end of episode 2 gave me goose pimples! You will recognise him from playing Mike in Mike and Angelo on CITV. Martin Jarvis played a lovely old book seller, and Gemma Jones was a warm and cuddly sweet shop owner.

Overall, Alex Shearer's novel was beautifully brought to life by Ian Gilmore's clever directing. It was a funny and light hearted tea-time drama which the BBC should be proud of. I'm not sure whether they are planning a sequel, but I would certainly watch it if they did. I look forward to the DVD or video release.

Congratulations to all involved.

9.5/10

I thought this was a great little series, well made and relevant, it was very good family viewing. The central premise of the series is "What would happen if they banned chocolate?" It is an obvious analogy to the current prohibition of Cannabis, which makes just as little sense. Very good to spark intelligent debate with your children.

Reviewers have mentioned that this was filmed in Australia but set in the U.K. I have to admit that I hardly noticed this, I suppose we get so used to seeing Aussie T.V. programmes in the U.K. that they now feel as familiar as U.K. made programmes. Actually that made me start wondering just how many U.K. programmes get watched in Australia?

This is an interesting TV show, but I found it annoying that they made Melbourne look like it was England or something... the Victorian number plates on cars made it a bit obvious. For such a politically charged show show, i wouldn't think that ethnicity would be such an issue, and being Australian such a 'liability'.

Every once in a while, a family drama comes along that really warms you up on a cold winter day, and 'Bootleg' is one of them. A simple story of two boys and their friends trying to get round a chocolate ban imposed on the country by the sinister Nazi-like 'Good-For-You' group. Wonderful performances by the cast, (and mouth-watering chocolate!!) makes this a real feast for the whole family. -I am a chocoholic myself, so was going to watch this lovely family programme from the start simply for that reason! Well done to all involved.