Passions envolées

I agree with the others who say that All Passion Spent should be made available commercially, I vote for a DVD. It has stayed with me since I saw it on Masterpiece Theatre in the '80s. It is a perfect piece. The performances, the cinematography, the music, and the sometimes poetic script combine to provide a very affecting experience. I have an old tape that I made from TV, it isn't very good quality and each time I watch it I worry that it is going to disintegrate. While on a tour of Hampstead, I came across the house that was used in the film as the house that Lady Slane bought, it was quite exciting. I pray that somehow this moving, gentle, inspiring work of art will be re-issued, so that it can be enjoyed again by the many who love it and enrich the lives of those who have yet to see it.

This DVD IS available on Amazon for those saying they cannot find it. I have had it for almost two years now. We watch it often. This short series is a real gem. The chosen settings are perfect. Dame Wendy is über perfection in this role, as are Maurice Denham (Bucktrout)and Harry Andrews (Fitzgeorge). I particularly liked Maurice as Mr. Bucktrout and his friend Mr. Gosheron, so wonderfully played by David Waller. In fact, what a cast! Every now and again a cast meshes amazingly well and this is one of those times. Not a flaw anywhere. The wisdom and depth of Sackville-West's wonderful book shines through in this adaptation. It is pure joy to watch.

Everything about this production is first-class. Interesting story, fine actors, realistic sets - all combine to make this a believable story. We have watched our own tape annually for 15 years and enjoy it more each time - the true test of any film. It is the finest thing we've ever seen on TV. Why has it never been released?

This film/TV series should be in commercial release and I, too, as do the other viewers commenting online, wonder why it has not been made available. I have looked for it now for about five years. The production is memorable, and should be remembered. This plot is a perfect one for Steven Spielberg for a large screen movie production. I can just imagine what he would do with the plot involving the lives of "senior" just as he has done with other specified groups. It would be a blockbuster. I recently have re-read the book which, on the jacket, mentions the TV series. The author is Vita Sackville-West, and given the popularity of the genre at this time, I would encourage an issuing of this tape as there would be good market viability.

"All Passion Spent" is one of the finest dramas ever produced for television. The casting was a triumph with some of Britain's best character actors. Dame Wendy Hiller was perfect in her quiet, dignified, yet resolute portrayal of Lady Sloan. Maurice Denham's eccentric Mr. Bucktrout will always be one of my favorite supporting roles. This film was one of my all time favorites and never failed to give my spirit a lift and help me "consider the lilies of the field". We lost our copy in an accident a few years ago and I fear I will never have the opportunity to view this magnificent film again.