As I write this, the B.B.C.'s latest blockbuster drama - an adaptation of Len Deighton's 'S.S. G.B.' - is being criticised for its incomprehensible dialogue. One is tempted to believe the mumbling may have been done purposefully to try and disguise a banal script ( by James Bond writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade ), but it seems a shame that while production standards have improved considerably over the years, directors seems either unable or unwilling to tell the actors to enunciate more clearly.
'The Lotus Eaters', made in 1972, may not be as slick as 'S.S. G.B.' but at least you can hear what is being said. 'And Hera Had A Sister' was the third transmitted episode. The regulars at a Greek tavern - Shepherd's Bar - each receive letters which they believe to have been written by a blackmailer. Even the bar's owner, 'Erik Shepherd' ( the late Ian Hendry ) gets one, leading to an uncomfortable gathering as the victims await the coming of their tormentor. Of course, it turns out there has been a dreadful misunderstanding. The pace of this series would probably not be to modern viewers' liking; yes, it is languid but by being so, it works in the story's favour because we can get to know the characters a bit better. Modern drama series are written around the 'let's cut to the chase' principle, meaning that potentially interesting productions - such as 'Poldark' and 'War And Peace' - often just come across as nothing more than live-action cartoons.
The cast are excellent, particularly Hendry. This talented actor should have been a bigger star than he was, but alcoholism put paid to that. Wanda Ventham likewise is impressive, and the whole programme has an air of mystery that makes it strangely compelling.
'The Lotus Eaters' is a product of a television era in which viewers were not perceived to have microscopic attention spans. Thank goodness it still exists in the archives.
'The Lotus Eaters', made in 1972, may not be as slick as 'S.S. G.B.' but at least you can hear what is being said. 'And Hera Had A Sister' was the third transmitted episode. The regulars at a Greek tavern - Shepherd's Bar - each receive letters which they believe to have been written by a blackmailer. Even the bar's owner, 'Erik Shepherd' ( the late Ian Hendry ) gets one, leading to an uncomfortable gathering as the victims await the coming of their tormentor. Of course, it turns out there has been a dreadful misunderstanding. The pace of this series would probably not be to modern viewers' liking; yes, it is languid but by being so, it works in the story's favour because we can get to know the characters a bit better. Modern drama series are written around the 'let's cut to the chase' principle, meaning that potentially interesting productions - such as 'Poldark' and 'War And Peace' - often just come across as nothing more than live-action cartoons.
The cast are excellent, particularly Hendry. This talented actor should have been a bigger star than he was, but alcoholism put paid to that. Wanda Ventham likewise is impressive, and the whole programme has an air of mystery that makes it strangely compelling.
'The Lotus Eaters' is a product of a television era in which viewers were not perceived to have microscopic attention spans. Thank goodness it still exists in the archives.