She Stoops to Conquer (2008) (TV)

Director:

Tony Britten

Writer:

Oliver Goldsmith (play)

Release Date:

27 January 2008 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Plot:

Charles Marlow and George Hastings set out for Liberty Hall, the home of the Hardcastles, whose daughter Kate Marlow being pressured into marrying. On their way, they meet Kate's brother Tony who decides to play a practical joke on them. |

Plot Keywords:

Based On Play

Cast

Tim Bell	...	Thomas
Simon Butteriss	...	Diggory
Judi Daykin	...	Bridget
Mark Dexter	...	Charles Marlow
Julian Duffield	...	Dick Muggins
Jerry Eldridge	...	Jack Slang
Hannah Field	...	Pimple
Susannah Fielding	...	Kate Hardcastle
Holly Gilbert	...	Constance Neville
Polly Hemingway
Chris Holderness	...	Aminadab
Miles Jupp	...	Tony Lumpkin
Roy Marsden	...	Sir Charles Marlow
Richard Pryal	...	Jeremy
Jack Randall	...	Tom Twist
Ian Redford	...	Mr Hardcastle
Jez Smith	...	Roger
Joseph Thompson	...	George Hastings

Runtime:

140 min | 140 min (5 parts)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | Stereo

Filming Locations:

Norfolk, England, UK

Company:

Capriol Films

Trivia:

Shot in 16 days.

Stagey production of a stage classic

What a very odd production this is. When I watched the first few episodes, with it's cheap look, hammy acting and strange mid-scene episode breaks, I assumed that it had been made in the 70's or early 80's, and that the production date and website details at the end indicated that it had been updated in some way and was being used by it's production company to appear culturally aware. It was only on checking on IMDb that I realised that it was made recently. The sins of the past can be forgiven, or at least viewed with a modicum of condescending indulgence; the sins of today are less likely to be pardoned.

On a positive note, the script is witty enough even if the plot is implausible. The sung recapitulations of the plot at the beginning of the episodes are greatly welcome and must be considered this series' greatest success. The younger members of the cast look well enough. (I am really scraping the bottom of the barrel now.)

Unfortunately there is much to dislike here. The acting is mostly overdone (suitable for the theatre when you have to reach the back row, but not for the intimacy of home viewing) and often worse than that. The actor's asides are poorly managed, spoken so loudly and obviously that I marvel that the other characters don't respond. The camera work is flat, unimaginative and uninteresting. Perhaps this production would have been better filmed "live" in a theatre than on location.

Recommended only for those who wish to see a classic performed for their own educational benefit rather than pleasure.