This is the story of the Ashton family from Liverpool and their experiences just before, during and just after WW2. The series is entertaining enough and should be commended for raising many difficult issues (e.g. conscientious objection, the suffering in Germany after the war, how does a wife react when she is told her husband is believed dead but this cannot be confirmed, self-inflicted injury to escape service and many others) although it is a pity that these issues are not explored in depth. It is also interesting as a reminder of the very different social customs that existed at that time. One of the main characters, Edwin Ashton is a thoughtful individual and some of his observations are as relevant today as they were during the war. Although there is sufficient to commend this series, there are also noticeable limitations. These include: • The military scenes were unconvincing. • There were times when the plot seemed to move very slowly. • Sometimes things happened without the reasons being clear and thus they lacked credibility. • Some fairly limited/unconvincing character portrayals. • Some technical limitations that have been described in other reviews. The real problem, though, is not so much with this series but with the considerably superior offerings that came later. If you are looking for a WW2 series then the outstanding “Secret Army” is so far ahead that it is out of sight. Others that are significantly better include “Wish Me Luck”, “Enemy at the Door”, “Manhunt” and “Colditz”. I have a suspicion that those of you who are coming back to this series having enjoyed it first time around might be a touch disappointed now. Maybe it would be a good idea not to spoil the memories. If you have not seen this series before, I would not put you off buying it but there are better alternatives.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
Wonderful John Finch story about a believable family living as the title suggests through the World War. Soap opera style each character can be followed with edge of the seat drama. Broadcast during the early seventies it gained top viewers ratings at the time and is still a popular story today. Thank you.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Watched this series first time around. Really enjoyed it then and still find it most enjoyable to watch now even though sometimes the picture quality isn't so brilliant at times. This doesn't really deter from what's going on with the story lines. Beautiful representation of family life during the 2nd World War.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Excellent, as a piece of tv 'history' and story of /saga of /a family through the second world war.Wonderful storyline, filmed over 2 years....brilliant acting and some episodes shot in black and white! detracts nothing from the programme....makes it more 'period'....I can't say enough about it....I watched it in 1970's on a black and white tv., and could not wait to see it again, it's lost nothing...it's still a great story....and accurate...it's BRILL!
Quality bit of 70's Telly bringing back many memories of this classic series.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
It was wonderful A compelling history of a family during WW11 acting superb just as good as I remebered it 40 years ago (and that is a long time) Saw it advertised and thought I might really enjoy reliving the story and I did!! To Marjorie Mason who played Mrs Porter...what an actress you played an overprotective mother to perfection
So happy this was available. Watched it many years ago so am enjoying recapping. Entertaining to watch, love the era. I would encourage anyone to watch this, most definitely a great buy.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is an excellent view ; the product is complete and whilst some of series two is in black and white ( not the dvd , but due to an industrial dispute in it's original transmission ) it does not spoil the story or the characters .It gets the viewer totally immersed in the characters and the story of people under immense pressure in the second world war .A well acted , watchable item if people want to follow events of world war two with the human interest angle or even want to break away from modern viewing .
It's a nostalgic trip to former times. Very much of that era and the language and attitudes typical.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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