The Missing Postman

James Bolam (looking very old) is a postman who loves his job, being forced into early retirement at fifty-two. His wife (Alison Steadman) doesn't pay him that much attention. His already-retired friend (Stephen Moore) extols the joys of wandering around with a metal detector and working at a hamburger joint to help make ends meet on a pension.

On his last day, Bolam's postman takes off (with his uniform, and some mail) attracting the attention of the police and, finally, his wife. He also meets up with peculiar people. He also sees the joys and so forth that mail may actually bring (all I ever get is bills). But what will happen when the cops catch up with him?

A curious piece, indeed. I still don't know what to make of it.

This is a gem of a production from the BBC. They have given it a treatment one would more traditionally associate with ITV, and have done themselves proud.

I won't reiterate the plot as that has adequately been described above, and probably more succinctly than I could achieve. I never write reviews, but the paucity of comment compelled me to at least register my distinct pleasure basking in this production.

It has a leisurely pace, without feeling slow. It feels constantly fresh, reinforced by the delightfully simple score, and the stunning visuals.

It is a romantic tale, in the mold of Cervantes rather than Barbara Cartland. It is a charming, heart-warming story, with a clever satirical bite, societal commentary, and subtle humour. It explores some lofty concepts such as the pursuit of happiness, sense of duty, freedom of choice, and life's purpose.

While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, I think it is so delicately and cleverly written that it has broader appeal than first appearances might suggest. It was, for me, a beautiful, serendipitous find, and well deserving of its 8.1 ranking. Well done, and thank you to all concerned.

In 'Continental Drifters' Rich Hall declares that it would be impossible to set a road movie in Britain. This series proves that wrong.

Plot Outline:- Clive is a postie who loves his job but is being forced into retirement by new technology. So, after emptying the last postbox at the end of his last day, he suddenly decides not to return to the sorting office to hand in his uniform & bike, but instead decides to deliver the letters himself. So begins an adventure well worth watching , with all the drama, heartache & joy of the best road movies. There is even his having to evade the police trailing him.

With James Bolam perfectly cast as Clive, Alison Steadman as the wife left at home and Jim Carter as the pursuing policeman, there are great performances. These and the excellent script provide a very enjoyable three hours of entertainment. thart rival Easy Rider, Vanishing Point, Thelma & Louise etc. And even if you aren't a road movie lover, this is still a great light drama of the 'Doc Martin', 'Withnail & I' type..

I'm German and just love British protections.

The acting, screenplay and plot in this film are just magnificent. Putting it simply, it's a gentle one man's journey to himself. All other characters contribute to his growth along there way - while his wife has to grapple with being left alone to cope but it has a mixed effect on her. Venting her frustration and grief by doing major house renovations, she is forced to reflect on the state of her marriage. Her character's growth is as evident as Clive's own journey. Every character is well drawn and beautifully acted.

I apologize for my substandard English but I just had to express my appreciation of this great little/big movie.

I remember it well even though it's been more than 20 years. I'm watching library copy of "When the Boat Comes In" with James Bolam right now. Superb. Those were the days of superior British productions. The Englishers have acting in their blood.

Why can't PBS re-run some of those classic shows instead of peats and repeats and re-repeats of its current programming?

Masterpiece Theater isn't what it used to be, in my opinion. War and Peace, Upstairs, Downstairs, Duchess of Duke Street. I Claudius et al. A Golden era.