Alleyn Mysteries

What is it with these British mystery series? They're all wonderful in their own way.

I haven't researched this totally, but I believe that Alleyn, Campion, and Inspector Lynley were all inspired by Lord Peter Wimsey to some extent. And that's okay, because their characters and stories were tackled by good writers.

This series stars Patrick Malahide, Belinda Lang, and William Simons. The first episode that I saw, I kept staring at Patrick Malahide and saying to myself, why is it that I distinctly remember seeing another actor in this part? Well, I had, and it was Simon Williams - years ago.

In the books, Alleyn is known as Handsome Alleyn. I don't think Malahide is handsome, and I notice it's not mentioned in these episodes. He is, however, very elegant, and Malahide underplays, giving him a somewhat mysterious quality. Belinda Lang for me is perfect as Agatha. Remember, this is the '40s, not 2015. It was a more formal time. And these are mature people, taking their romance slowly. There's an undertone of flirtation, wryness, insouciance -- they have both been around the block a few times. As a couple, they are marvelous.

The mysteries are very good, normally taking place among the upper crust. I love William Simons as Fox - rough and tough, no nonsense.

These are engrossing mysteries. They're not filled with car chases, things blowing up, or over the top characters. It's not bombastic. It's British upper class, after all.

I like this series very well. I agree with the previous reviewer that the casting was not the best, in particular that of Agatha Troy. I do, however, think that Ngaio Marsh's supporting characters in her books are considerably more fleshed out than her lead characters. So, taking that into account I feel that the creators of this television series had plenty of leg room in deciding who to cast and how to have each actor play the parts. I wish the series had lasted long enough to include all 30+ novels. I do not know what led to the series' demise but I would guess that like other failed mystery series (Campion comes to mind) the ratings were probably not high enough to warrant the vast expenditures that period drama requires. The fact that Ngaio Marsh's books are rather dry and slow in pace compared to Agatha Christie's adds additional problems, making an exact transfer to television difficult. Still, the show is great and is well worth the money on DVD.

Malahide is an excellent Alleyn. I think the restraint, classiness, and beauty of these productions are unparalleled. I wish there were more of them. The actor playing Fox is a little scary at first but he grows on you. I wish that he had been bearded, though, as in the books.

Lang as Troy is wonderful. She's not as young as I imagined, but that does not detract from the attractiveness of the character at all.

The sets and settings are beautiful. The conversations well-transferred from the books to the screen.

I just love this series. I think anyone who loves the books will love them. Even though certain things are changed from the books (like the introduction of Troy in A Man Lay Dead) they are so well done it doesn't spoil the stories a bit. Every bit of it from beginning to end is believable.

We are avid consumers of BBC mysteries, and the Alleyn Mysteries are one our favorites. The acting from the lead players is subtle and involving (and far better than anything on American TV) and the usual variety of excellent British actors appear throughout the series. The stories are well written, the dialogue is convincing, the character development is enjoyable, and the directors respect the intelligence of the viewer. Highlights are the nuanced development of the relationship between Alleyn and his love interest Agatha Troy, and the delightful exchanges between the aristocratic Alleyn and his middle class next-in-command, Inspector Fox. The only disappointment is the limited number of these shows.

I stumbled onto Inspectgor Alleyn on SBS Australia a few years ago. The series has never been broadcast on commercial TV. I waited impatiently for them to be released on DVD and hope that there is a Series 3 to be released.

The casts are excellent with the cream of British theatre and television have been wonderful. The scenery is wonderful.

There is something "peaceful" with the presentation of the series in that you just would love to live in some of the locations and buildings.

Patrick is excellent as Inspector Alleyn as is Inspector Fox. The two actors feed off each other with ease. It is a pleasure to watch the series repeatedly.

It has always been the British who produce such excellent series. There is something about products based in the early 1920-1950s that are special.