Campion: BBC Series 1 [1989]

Product Details

Actor : Peter Davison, Brian Glover
Format : Box set, Closed-captioned, PAL
Binding : DVD
EAN : 5036193099038
Product Group : DVD
Region Code : 2
Release Date : 2008-05-12
Running Time : 857minutes
Studio : Acorn Media

ASIN : B0010VEDFG

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review

Campion may not be the role that Peter Davison is most famed for, but his take on the period sleuth is nonetheless extremely watchable, in a production skilfully adapted from the writing of Margery Allingham.

Starring as Albert Campion, Davison's adventures are more relaxed and less extreme than the kind of detective dramas that make up the schedules of contemporary television. But Campion is all the better for it, allowing good writing and quality production values to shine, rather than opting for cheap shocks. The episodes have enough time to explore and weave a their narratives, and it's hard not to be engaged by them.

Aided by his servant, Lugg (played by the late, great Brian Glover), Campion's full adventures are brought together in this set. Set in the 1930s, there are eight lengthy investigations to enjoy here, and plenty to get your teeth into. The cases cover the likes of an ancient chalice, a man who seems to have passed away more than once and the unravelling tale of trying to protect and American judge from being assassinated.

Davison is excellent as Campion, comfortably fitting the role, while Brian Glover too puts in sterling work. Yet it's the production quality and scripts that help the programme excel, and ensure that these stories are set to be enjoyed time and time again. --Jon Foster

Product Description

Investigating foul play in the stately homes of 1930s England, assisted by his manservant Magersfontein Lugg, Campion rarely misses a clue or fails to find a motive. Well connected in both the underworld and the aristocracy, his horn-rimmed spectacles and exceptional mind that can solve even the most heinous crime. Featuring episodes: Look to the Lady, Police at the Funeral, The Case of the Late Pig, Death of a Ghost, Sweet Danger, Dancers in Mourning, Flowers for the Judge and Mystery Mile. Special Features include: Subtitles; Cast Filmographies; A Margery Allingham Biography; Campion Bibliography and Picture Galleries.

Customer Reviews

do not bother to buy (2008-08-27)

The DVD is advertised as the complete series but it only has the first series. Police at the funeral, Sweet Danger, Dancers in mourning and mystery mile are not on it. No subtitles. Very disappointed. Miss advertised. Thought one copy mistake. Second replacement sent to me still same. sCampion: BBC Series Complete Collection [1989]

Enjoyable whodunnits - but a disappointing Campion (2008-06-15)

Having read and enjoyed many of the books, and knowing Peter Davison to be wonderful actor, I came to these adaptations full of hope; I was disappointed. Although the stories are well adapted, and the settings often just as I imagined, Campion fell far short of expectation. His character has been changed almost beyond recognition. Where is his high voice? His facility? His apparent imbecility? Every now and then it pokes its nose through, but it's not consistent. I would recommend these as enjoyable whodunnits to those who have never read the books; but if you know and love Campion, stear clear.

Peter Davison and the role he was born to play ! (2008-05-16)

Available at long last on PAL Dvd, this excellent BBC drama series from twenty years ago is a visual feast. Peter Davison, in a role he was born to play, excels as Margery Allingham's gentleman detective. It is probably fair to say that Allingham's work hasn't quite stood the test of time in the way that say Agatha Christie has. However, the Campion stories were more than just 'whodunnits', they were more in keeping with the work of Dorothy Sayers. These are stories that really couldn't be transposed to a modern setting, they are firmly attached to their 1930s roots, and they are played out superbly by a cast of characters that make up a virtual 'who's who' of British acting talent. All eight episodes are presented here, in the way they were originally transmitted - each story in two halves with a beginning and end credits attached to each episode. Each of the four discs have two complete stories, and titles are listed not only on the box but on each disc as well - something Acorn left from their boxset of Alleyn Mysteries last year. If you are familiar with the Campion novels then I recommend these films without reservation, but for those who have never read a Margery Allingham book then please don't expect a 'Miss Marple' or 'Poirot' type of adventure. True, they are murder mysteries, but more in keeping with the Lord Peter Wimsey or Mrs Bradley school of British detective fiction. And for me that is just perfect !

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