Serious About Series Part Three: Print to Screen - The British Edition

Many a book has been made into a series for television. Some are made into “stand alone” mini series that present the plot of the novel over a course of a set number of episodes. Others become the basis for television shows that are set to last over a certain number of seasons. From page to screen can be problematic. Purists feel that every plot detail should be included and complain loudly and frequently when they see what they perceive as errors of omission.

The focus will be on some excellent British series. The first two series are for the purists- they faithfully follow the plot lines of the novels on which they were based.

1. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy takes the classic spy novels by John Le Carre and brings them to the small screen. Sir Alec Guiness is George Smiley. In Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy he is  brought out of retirement is tasked to find the mole, a Russian spy who has penetrated his former unit. He cannot use any official materials, nor can he let his suspicions be known. He has only his own wits, instincts, and a few close friends to aid him. The sequel is Smiley’s People.

2. Pride and Prejudice has been done many times, but so far no one has yet to embody Mr. Darcy better than Colin Firth. He broods and scowls and still remains the romantic interest. Rumor had it that his portrayal was so charismatic that women in England (where the show was first broadcast) were in the ER due to Darcy induced fainting spells.  In the BBC production Colin Firth matches wits with Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennett. The rest of the cast is first rate and the film is a must see for fans of great romance.

These series offer slightly looser interpretations. In the case of Lewis the character is taken from the books, but the show itself is created by the writers. The plot lines of Monarch of the Glen are brought forward in time to make it more relevant to today’s viewers.

3. Inspector Lewis - fans of the Inspector Morse series (based on the books by Colin Dexter) will remember Lewis as being Morse’s Detective Sargent. Now Lewis has been promoted, and he and his assistant D.S. James Hathaway solve crimes while dealing with the differences in each other’s class and background. Their relationship, as well as their investigations, drives the series. The acting is incredible and Oxford and its surrounds provide an amazing backdrop. Inspector Lewis Series I.

 4. Monarch of the Glen (based on the novel of the same name by Compton Mackenzie)  Archie McDonald moved to London from his family’s ancestral estate in Scotland. When his father decides to give up the title of Laird of Glenbogle, Archie, as his heir, decides to take on the title. The title is a formality. Their ancestral home is in terrible condition and they are deeply in debt. Archie carries a heavy burden, but wants to see his family home returned to its former glory. The series combines drama, humor, and romance into a smart well rounded story. The glorious Scottish scenery is a character all its own.

We have many more great British television series in our collection. Stop in and try something new or check out an old favorite. Need some recommendations? Stop by the Reference Desk.