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Product Description
Amazon.ca
The charms of The Beiderbecke Affair aren't immediately apparent--but before long, you're hooked by this sneaky combination of screwball-inspired dialogue, off-kilter yet genuine characters, and hopelessly loopy plot. Schoolteacher and aspiring political candidate Jill (Barbara Flynn) doesn't pay much attention when her boyfriend Trevor (James Bolam) says he was sold some Bix Beiderbecke records by a beautiful platinum blonde door-to-door saleswoman. But when the wrong records arrive in the mail, Trevor sets out to correct the situation--and both he and Jill tumble into a mystery involving junior football matches, the basement of a church, an overzealous and overeducated detective sergeant, two peculiar men called Big Al and Little Norm, an ex-fiancee who is alarmingly like the current girlfriend, and a mysterious man with a dog named Jason. This British mini-series will madden anyone who expects their mysteries to feature murder, easily identifiable suspects, and a logical process of elimination--in fact, it may take a few episodes before you see this as a mystery at all. But what emerges from the seemingly random incidents is a sly sense of humor, dialogue that bounces to and fro like a badminton shuttlecock, and the engaging characters of Jill and Trevor. Flynn and Bolam have been solid character actors for decades; fans of British television will recognize their faces. It's a pleasure to have this talented pair taking the lead as two ordinary people who accidentally fall into out-of-the-ordinary circumstances. Don't let the seeming casualness of the beginning put you off--The Beiderbecke Affair grows more delightful the more you watch. --Bret Fetzer
Description
Alan Plater's hit comedy/mystery series introduces the engaging partnership of jazz loving woodshop teacher Trevor Chaplin (James Bolam) and his girlfriend Jill (Barbara Flynn) who hopes to save the planet by winning a seat on the town council. They are on the trail of the gorgeous blonde saleswoman who mistakenly delivered a set of records that were supposed to be a Bix Beiderbecke series, the legendary jazz musician and Trevor's hero. As the adventure further unfolds, Trevor and Jill become involved in bizarre situations with even more bizarre people, including a borderline lunatic detective and an unlikely pair of brothers running a very suspicious business. It isn't long before they uncover a sinister web of corrupt government officials, crooked businessman and are on the receiving end of death threats. This outlandishly funny series weaves quirky characters, witty dialogue and a wonderfully smooth jazz soundtrack into a uniquely satisfying and entertainment experience.
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bitish Comedy,
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Beiderbecke Affair (DVD)
The Beiderbecke AffairMore comedy than mystery, this DVD is filled with typical British dry wit with shots at religion, bureaucratic government and police posturing. Nothing is sacred. While the box says "Bolam and Flynne plat the later-day Nick and Nora Charles with relish", I own The Thin Man set and must disagree. No dead bodies. The banter between the two is similar in a more British style, but the mystery is more satire on detective flicks. There are 3 quotes from Bogie films: Casablanca, Maltese Falcon and The Big Sleep, but that's as far as the film goes in the genre of film noir or Raymond Chandler books. It is, however, a great romantic commedy with a subtle plot and well worth owning. There is a mystery, but it's more in the style of Hetty Wainthrop where the detectives are foreground and the mystery is background. The acting is excellent, the comedic pace is right on and the characters are engaging. My only criticism would be a week wrap up after the resolution. Yes, the coppers, well ... maybe you better watch it ... it takes a long time to sort out who is 'good' and who is 'bad' in this flick. The plot twists are subtle and interwoven into the fabric of the main characters relationships. I recommend this movie highly, if you like satire, British humour, wacky romance and a convoluted plot. Do not buy it expecting The Thin Man and a 'body in the library' where all the suspects are rounded up in the end and the truth will out. It's good fun!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best of British TV,
By A Customer
This review is from: Beiderbecke Affiar:Sr 1 (DVD)
This is one more example of why I miss British TV. It is nice to be able to see this again, this time on DVD. I hope Amazon will soon be making available the missig part of the series, the Beiderbecke Tapes.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
300 min. of quality british TV,
By rbw (Winnipeg, Manitoba) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Beiderbecke Affair (DVD)
Made in the mid 80's this mystery/comedy has lost none of it's appeal.Set in Northern England, Trevor (James Bolam)orders some Bix Beiderbecke records but receives the wrong items.With his girlfreind he sets out to find the elusive saleswoman encountering lots of odd characters on the way,culminating in exposing local government corruption.Very well written by Alan Plater the dialogue is witty rather than hilarious,some knowledge of UK life would add to the enjoyment.Jazz sound track by Frank Ricotti adds to the fun.Overall a top class production.
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