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This DVD shows exactly what life was like in the poorest and crime-prolific areas of London, which is what I hoped for when I purchased it. It clearly shows the case for a much needed police force at that time.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Had this stole years ago and wanted to replace it great series the begin of the police.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Very good cast, well acted, well researched and very entertaining.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Animated mapping of London streets adds a dash of the unique to this excellent series which is far from being your average period drama. Set in Georgian England in the late 18th century, it introduces London's first police force: The Bow Street Runners led by brothers, John and Henry Fielding. Most of you know that Henry Fielding is the author of Tom Jones and you are often reminded of such in the movie! This series deals with some crisp subjects such as homosexuality (illegal in the 18th century)and child prostitution which was pretty common in those days! This is a most unusual drama with the usual standards of Brit excellence when it comes down to the nitty gritty minus plethora. Stellar performances by Ian McDiarmid and Iain Glen as the brothers and the very versatile Juliet Aubrey is always a welcome addition to the cast. Buy the DVD. It is money well spent because you will be sure to watch it often. I do.Read full review
This short docu-drama series, made for UK's Channel 4, is about the personal crusade of John and Henry Fielding (the noted fiction writer) and his brother John to set up an embryonic 'police' force in early/mid eighteenth century London. The historical detail is tremendous and it really conjures up life in the squalid back streets as much as the opulent town houses of the nobility and gentry. Each programme follows a specific crime (murder of a prostitute, murder of a 'gay' clergyman, the blackmail of a wealthy merchant etc)and shows how Henry and his blind brother literally feel their way to the truth using some often un-convential methods. Hogarthian London has no place for 'political correctness' as the two brothers and their motley band use brute force and cunning to clean up the city. This series should appeal to lovers of good drama as much as history buffs; McDiarmid obviously relishes the role and uses his wonderful voice (as rich as treacle) and campery to capture the writer who is often out of his depth in the criminal underworld.Read full review
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