The Pursuit of Love

I had been looking forward to this lavish adaptation of Nancy Mitford's first popular novel, fondly remembering the BBC's last version from 2001, but despite a stellar cast, locations and production design this lacks the charm and innocence of the former and tries too hard to make it relevant to a contemporary audience, with a 70s soundtrack and younger casting, especially that of Lord Merlin. The wit and humour of Nancy's novel just evaporates here.

Another selection from The Guardians top 50 shows of 2021 was "The Pursuit of Love", a fresh adaptation of the Nancy Mitford novel which has already been done twice to some acclaim by the BBC. I thought during the first episode that this wasn't really going to be my thing, "Sunday night" costume drama often isn't, but I persevered and eventually it won me over.

At the start of the 20th Century, two cousins who grew up more like sisters, Fanny (Emily Beecham) and Linda (Lily James) begin their adult lives. Responsible, and scarred by her mother's abandonment, Fanny settles down with Alfred (Shazad Latif). Linda though is in search of passion, and her pursuit of love takes her from the British to the French aristocracies, via a spell invested in the communist battle against rising fascism. Fanny watches Linda's time as a bright young thing with a mixture of resentment, disappointment and jealousy.

As I said, I struggled a bit with the first episode. I immediately liked the tone that Emily Mortimer has decided on for her adaptation. Essentially a modern shift, with freeze frame introductions and the odd bit of anachronistic music, if fits the bohemian aspects of the story well, but I did perhaps struggle to accept the lead actresses, both in the 30s, as being teenage girls. They do get out of that section of the story though and once the marriages and children start; it becomes easier to accept. Both are great in their roles though - even if the other thing difficult to accept is that anyone would see the staggeringly beautiful Beecham as bookish, or dowdy. It's an all-star cast, With Freddie Fox, John Heffenan, Dolly Wells and Dominic West appearing - though special mention must go to Andrew Scott's comedic turn as Lord Merlin, the avantgarde artist who lives next door and a burst of energy whenever he appears.

The story kept me engaged even if we, the audience, know that their lives are going to be changed dramatically by the War that everyone seems to suspect is imminent, but can't possibly yet appreciate the dangers of.

I can see from the reviews that it wasn't to everyone's taste and I can't argue against anyone who couldn't get on with the stylistic choice, but it worked for me and with the performances made this an enjoyable experience.

This adaptation encapsulates much of the comedy of the novel about the eccentric world of the aristocratic Radlett family at Alconleigh. Andrew Scott steals the show - a fabulous performance of bohemian neighbour Merlin. This is such a treat.

Although my wife and I enjoyed it, we both came to the end and pretty much wondered what the point of it all was and asking ourselves what we were missing.

The two leads were excellent. No denying it. Andrew Scott at his best but not enough of him on the screen though obviously that's not his fault. In fact, we sort of wondered what the character was doing in the story at all since Lord Merlin didn't seem to serve any purpose other than to provide accommodation for Linda at one point. All the other acting, no problem.

Costumes? Great. Background and settings? All what one would hope for.

It all comes down to the story not quite working.

Ultimately I suspect this is just one of those stories that doesn't lend itself to transitioning from the printed page to the tv screen. We haven't read the book so can't comment properly but bottom line really was we were left feeling, "so what?"

Ignore the haters, this is great fun. Who doesn't want a cross between Wes Anderson and Merchant Ivory, with a banging soundtrack.

So many great lines, acting is great as is the directing.