The Plane Makers (1963–1965)

Was unaware of this show until I saw The Power Game, which is the series that follows it - and includes several of the major characters including John Wilder played by the outstanding Patrick Wymark who sadly passed away MUCH too young at the age of 50 in 1970. I am half way through the Plane Makers on DVD. After a choppy start, the series really hits its stride. Very adult and sophisticated stories jumping between office politics, union issues, business challenges, and of course personal relationships. Of its time but what is most surprising is its sustained quality - it holds the interest even today. Characters are well drawn and interesting, stories are tight and well crafted. Acting is quite naturalistic and therefore unlike some other more stagey fare of the time, really survives the test of time. And going back to Patrick Wymark - both in this and the Power Game, John Wilder and later Sir John Wilder - is a very interesting character. There is something very special about Wymark. And although almost 50 years since he passed - very sad that we did not have the opportunity to have more of him.