Frances Durbridge's story 'My Wife Melissa' is possibly his finest work, a prolific writer that wrote some wonderfully intriguing mysteries.
I'm a huge fan of the 1974 version, totally faithful, beautifully acted, done in the way of a stage play.
For the updated production Channel 4 called in Alan Bleasdale, notably famed for Boys from the Black stuff.
For me I'm glad to story was changed and updated, had it been a carbon copy of the previous version it would have been wasteful. There were changes, Melissa survives a lot longer then she's meant to, giving her more of a character. Guy is given more of a story.
Jennifer Ehle and Julie Walters are utterly terrific, Adrian Dunbar is a brilliant actor, but I'm not sure how suited to the part he was.
Part 1 was a little disappointing, it acts almost like a prequel, it gives the back story to the characters, it's a little hit and miss, but after that it's fantastic, Part 4 in particular is wonderful. Really worth watching. 9/10
I'm a huge fan of the 1974 version, totally faithful, beautifully acted, done in the way of a stage play.
For the updated production Channel 4 called in Alan Bleasdale, notably famed for Boys from the Black stuff.
For me I'm glad to story was changed and updated, had it been a carbon copy of the previous version it would have been wasteful. There were changes, Melissa survives a lot longer then she's meant to, giving her more of a character. Guy is given more of a story.
Jennifer Ehle and Julie Walters are utterly terrific, Adrian Dunbar is a brilliant actor, but I'm not sure how suited to the part he was.
Part 1 was a little disappointing, it acts almost like a prequel, it gives the back story to the characters, it's a little hit and miss, but after that it's fantastic, Part 4 in particular is wonderful. Really worth watching. 9/10