Penelope Keith's Hidden Villages

This series deserves a 10 PLUS however, it is literally ruined by the overloud music that drowns Penelope out.

This very good series can make your mouth water for the edenic peace of Village England and rural landscapes running the gamut from heartbreakingly serene to the powerfully majestic. Keith understands the value of re-enacting ancient historical pageants, even those that are but dimly understood, as rites that reinforce identity and devotion, and cause villagers to respect and protect what they have. The series explores, if rather lightly, the contrasts and continuities of past and present, using as its starting point the Batsford village guide series of the 1930 the.(and the splendid artwork). What a pity that much of the narration is smothered by the amateurish soundtrack. The 'music' is mostly syncopated noise, and it is offensively loud.

Season 1 was great. I loved the photography, the history, and the many color stories Penelope brought to the viewer. I've just started Season 2 and am disappointed that the sound mixing was done so poorly. Her voice over parts are barely audible under the too loud (and too active) "background" music. Penelope's synced conversations are fine - at a much higher level than the voice overs. Can someone not redo this? I may have to mute the episodes and just enjoy the visuals. What a shame.

Dame Penelope Keith travels the byways in search of villages in this gorgeous series that delves into what makes a village and how villages survive in this age of non-community.

Using a series of 1930s illustrated books on English villages published by Batsford, she compares comments written 80 years ago with current conditions. Episode 1 sees Keith in East Anglia in quaint villages along the coast and inland.

Along with views of picturesque villages, we also get history lessons, stories about new cottage industries that keep villages alive, battles with beach erosion, and clinging to old traditions ... all things that unite and reinforce village life.

A fascinating look at rural life today. Not to be missed by the armchair traveler.

Penelope Keith does a superb job hosting this series and she has excellent research and interview subjects to back her up. I am fortunate to be able to find quality British shows in Canada like this one on PBS, Vision and TV Ontario. I have seen a number of programs and Penelope Keith sparkles with wit and enthusiasm as she tells us about the villages she is visiting. Interviews take place in these locations with residents who know and appreciate the history and people in each one. I viewed villages in areas such as Cornwall, East Anglia, Yorkshire, the Lake District and Scotland where she visited a village near the Queen!s residence at Balmoral. There are many stories to be told in these out of the way villages that you realize the wealth of interest away from the usual tourist destinations. An excellent television series.