Most people know the late John Mortimer as the creator of the beloved Rumpole of the Bailey novels and series. He also wrote an intriguing and complex family drama novel which was made into the series Paradise Postponed and a sequel Titmuss Regained.
If you are not familiar with this story, and have not seen this production, now through Acorn Media you may have the complete saga in one very fine collection.
Set in Britain just after the second World War, this multipart drama is primarily the story of Leslie Titmuss a young man of humble beginnings who dreams of rising to the heights of society. Not only does he aspire to greatness, but Titmuss is prepared to do anything to make those dreams come true.
Awkward and socially inept, at an early age he is befriended by kindly Reverend Simcox who seems to be interested in helping the young man gain some polish to get ahead in life. This friendship does not seem odd until Titmuss is ultimately favored in the gentleman’s will. All are aghast when they learn that the Reverend has bequeathed the family fortune to Leslie Titmuss rather than his own children.
This of course causes an enormous amount of trouble between Titmuss and the Simcox sons Fred and Henry, a feud that will last throughout the series has its beginning in the Reverend Simcox’s will.. As time progresses from the years just after WWII to the late 20th Century it becomes evident that the lives of the families in Rapstone Village are intertwined much more than anyone could have imagined.
There are romances, and falling outs that move the characters along, but ultimately seem to be part of the interwoven histories of the families. The loves and losses of his life are but steps for Titmuss towards his goal as he moves up the social ladder and into Parliament. Will he find the life he has always dreamed about, or will his actions be his downfall?
This series was shown on PBS on Masterpiece Theater, and boasts a cast of well known and highly acclaimed British actors, David Threllfall, Michael Horden, Kristin Scott Thomas, Annette Crosbie, Peter Egan, Zoe Wanamaker and Peter Shelley.
Paradise Postponed and Titmuss Regained are presented in a five disc boxed set. The running time is approximately 748 minutes, and the fourteen episodes are presented in a full screen format.
Music for the series has been altered for the home video presentation Each box is illustrated with photos from the episodes as well as pogram notes and a synopsis for each of the installments of the story.
A biography of author John Mortimer is included as a special, and filmographies are provided for cast members. An excellent, well written saga of families and fortunes, with fine acting and careful production, this is a treat to watch.
Paradise Postponed and Titmuss Regained is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for this version of the DVD in the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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