The Last of the Mohicans (BBC Miniseries)

This version of "Last of the Mohicans" originally aired via the BBC and PBS television through the excellent "Masterpiece Theater" series in 1971, and was encored in 1972. An 8-part series (each episode lasting approximately 50 minutes), this version is the closest to the original book; much closer than the widely popular Daniel-Day Lewis version theatrically released in 1992. This version has been long-sought after by collectors and lovers of "Last of the Mohicans" for years, as the rights to the series passed from the BBC several years ago. When I wrote the BBC directly several years ago, I was told that the series still did exist, but only in archival form and available to film directors and/or students that wished to preview the material in the UK. Those that wished to watch the series had to hope for a videotape set to surface from a collector or archival library edition.

Although the original Masterpiece Theater introductions by A. Cook are not included, it is highly recommended and well worth your money. Long thought scarce or lost as a production, this series contains all the elements of the original book, and does NOT change the ending, as per the 1992 theatrical version. As per the usual BBC way of producing series, the exterior shots were originally shot on film and the interiors on video. One can tell the difference between "outdoor" sets that were shot on sound stages vs. the truly outdoor shots, such as the massacre outside the fort, as well as the climatic battle between the Hurons and the Delawares. Expertly acted in every way by all cast members.

This is BY FAR the most authentic rendition for faithfulness to the J. F. Cooper novel and the music is stunning as well. In fact, the music was composed specifically for this miniseries and the composer of the music told me it was done with only two instruments - a flute that gave a nose flute sound-alike and a drum. He researched the type of music with some Indians living in the northern part of England by driving there in his MG (he said). He also did some of the music themes for a number of the early "Dr. Who" series.

The LOTM music, though, is both haunting and fitting to the theme of the story. The producer of the series (John McRae who actually won high-level entertainment industry awards (Emmy awards) for some of his other work (LOTM was nominated for an Emmy at its time but did not win) told me that he felt LOTM was actually his best work. I couldn't agree more. As I recall, the director now lives is New Zealand and he put me in touch with the composer of the music, Dudley Simpson.

Of interest is that the outdoor filming was largely done in the Scottish Highlands (the Glen Affric region) and as of a year or two ago there were still some photos of some of the sets used in those locales available via Google.

This rendition of the story is very much correct to the novel - even more so than the 1920s silent film which is perhaps the next closest version. It is an enthralling tale, well worth watching. In fact a few years ago I corresponded with the BBC representavive handling such things to see if they planned to release the title ... they did not. I attempted to work out a contract with the BBC to put the series onto DVD and distribute it and they sent contractual paperwork and what was supposed to be a review VHS copy of LOTM. The review tape sent,however, was the wrong one and the BBC seemed to then lose interest (or, quite possibly, realized that the series DID have some commercial appeal that they had not realized). If my efforts played any part of bringing the title to DVD I'm delighted and believe it was all worthwhile since it was not something I undertook with the profit motive motive in mind.

I'll greatly enjoy seeing it again!!!

Having just read the novel again, I had high expectations for this BBC miniseries from the early 1970's. The one positive element of the film is that is does indeed follow the novel quite closely, unlike the 1992 film with Daniel Day-Lewis. (Which, as a movie by itself, I like very much, but as a big fan of the novel, was shocked at how different it was.)

Several elements disappointed me about the miniseries. The very poor transition from indoor sets to the outside filming distracts the viewer because we're so used to seemless transitions in modern television. I understand that this was 30+ years ago but then again, "Star Wars" was 30 years ago and that looked realistic. Some of the sets looked like styrofoam.

Another problem that bothered me very much was the grouchy, unpleasant, scowling Colonel Munro. From the novel, one sees him as a loving and doting father whose heart is broken by the kidnapping of his daughters. In the miniseries, he hardly opens his eyes because he's constantly scowling. I didn't have a lot of sympathy for him in the film, and his grief over Cora's death is practically nonexistent. This is a big change from the novel and I didn't like it.

If you love the beautiful language of the novel, then don't expect that to translate onto film. Hawkeye's conversations about philosophic concepts seem stilted and unnatural in this miniseries.

This is worth watching once, especially if you love the novel like I do, but I'll be reaching for the novel before I pop this back into my DVD player.