Midnight Is A Place is an epic story of love, hardship, perseverance and triumph that takes place against the backdrop of working-class England during the Industrial Revolution. The lead characters battle for control of a carpet-pressing factory, while simultaneously struggling to make sense of their new post-modern landscape.
Joan Aiken and Roy Russell's writing is exceptional for the late 70s; however, the TV episodes were plagued from the start by sub-standard acting and several notable costuming guffaws. Milton John's (Bob Bludward) heart attack at the end of Episode 4 was described accurately by screen critic Janek Drywsiscki as "cheap"; and Simon Gipps-Kent's (Lucas Bell) sideboards throughout the series are an inaccurate representation of the style during the period.......just to name a few. Also, note during the fireplace scene in Episode 7 that David Collings (Julian Oakapple) is wearing a wristwatch.
The one bright spot among the cast is Lally Bowers performance as Lady Murgatroyd. After starring the same year in "The Peppermint Pig", she adjusts very well to portray the elder heiress of the carpet-pressing factory who is out to crush the hopes and dreams of anyone who dares attempt to take over family business. Very convincing.
All in all, Midnight is a Place is a wonderful script desperately in need of a modern re-make. The 13 episodes could realistically be compressed into 4 with the omission of the going-nowhere romance between Davey Scatchard and Anne Marie.
6 out of 10 Stars.
Joan Aiken and Roy Russell's writing is exceptional for the late 70s; however, the TV episodes were plagued from the start by sub-standard acting and several notable costuming guffaws. Milton John's (Bob Bludward) heart attack at the end of Episode 4 was described accurately by screen critic Janek Drywsiscki as "cheap"; and Simon Gipps-Kent's (Lucas Bell) sideboards throughout the series are an inaccurate representation of the style during the period.......just to name a few. Also, note during the fireplace scene in Episode 7 that David Collings (Julian Oakapple) is wearing a wristwatch.
The one bright spot among the cast is Lally Bowers performance as Lady Murgatroyd. After starring the same year in "The Peppermint Pig", she adjusts very well to portray the elder heiress of the carpet-pressing factory who is out to crush the hopes and dreams of anyone who dares attempt to take over family business. Very convincing.
All in all, Midnight is a Place is a wonderful script desperately in need of a modern re-make. The 13 episodes could realistically be compressed into 4 with the omission of the going-nowhere romance between Davey Scatchard and Anne Marie.
6 out of 10 Stars.
Tell Your Friends