The Darling Buds of May: Part 1 (1991) User Reviews (3)

perfick just perfick, if the world remained that way

[RavenGlamDVDCollector · 7/10 · 13 May 2017]

I first saw this in 1997, didn't even know it was already old by that time. Remembered it as a charming, heart-warming TV show, very gentle, with very likable characters, while, of course, not really being my kind of thing at all. Wondered what I'd think of it nowadays, and today began finding out. For me, like watching for the first time, I don't really remember the details, because it's been twenty years!

Charming. Heart-warming. Ydillic. It struck me that Pa Larkin really has the key to true happiness. No, it isn't really my kind of thing, I'm a BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER or CALIFORNICATION or UNHAPPILY EVER AFTER guy, way more upbeat/controversial, you get my drift. But there is no denying that this show has tons of charm. By the haystacks. It is representative of a world that no longer exists... and not just - obviously - of the era it depicts, but I'm talking about 1991, when it was made. Something like this, there's not much of it still being made, if any.

I reminded myself when Charley and Mariette were finally alone in the woods "scouting for nightingales" remember now, it is not that kind of a show, nothing's going to happen, no steamy sex scene...

It is entirely representative of a lost era of innocence.

Highly recommended for gentle viewers. Not for rowdy types at all.

Catherine Zeta Jones is, unfortunately, a whole lot overrated, in my opinion. That's the worst I can say about it. I mean, she's not exactly what you'd expect, given the hullabaloo. This is only the first outing, though. And don't get me wrong, I grade on a curve, high trees catch more wind. Anyway, everything else is, "perfick... just perfick..." indeed...

The Darling Buds of May: Part 1

[Prismark10 · 7/10 · 14 February 2020]

There is no denying Yorkshire Television struck gold with The Darling Buds of May. The rating were huge and they got a new star in Catherine Zeta Jones.

The series was produced by Robert Banks Stewart, more known as an action packed type of guy. He created Shoestring and Bergerac. This was a change of pace for him.

Set in an idyllic 1950s, It concentrates on the big hearted Larkin family. Pa Larkin (David Jason) is farmer who owns 22 acre of land. He lives well and eats well. His common law wife Ma (Pam Ferris) is always buoyant and their children live a life of gaiety.

In the first episode a nervous Cedric Charlton (Philip Franks) turns up to see Pa Larkin. He is from the Inland Revenue and Pa Larkin has never paid any taxes. However he is smitten by beautiful Mariette (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and intoxicated with their lifestyle and booze.

It is easy to see why audiences were enchanted with the show and the first episode has a lack of cynicism apart from some of the townsfolk not too keen on the Larkins. Ma Larkin was just a common busty barmaid back in the day. It helped that Jason's character did not veer too far away from Del Boy.

It also chimed with the political climate of the time. New Tory Prime Minister John Major harked back to a simple but perfick life back in the 1950s. Ladies cycling on country roads, men playing cricket on the village green and a respect for family values.

A load of crock. Major successfully sued a newspaper for libel that claimed he was having an extramarital affair. It turned out years later, he was having an affair, the newspaper just named the wrong woman. This was nothing compared to the other hypocrites in his own party. They bought a new definition to sexual deviancy.

By the same token. The Larkins were living the good life (The first episode was written by Bob Larbey) but they never did pay any taxes and he did have 22 acres of land!

The Taxman Cometh

[ygwerin1 · 8/10 · 10 May 2020]

Our intro to the Larkin clan sees them buying a new chest freezer while the Salesman whitters on, about his a deposit, payments and his bank. Pop simply declares "haven't got a bank, don't believe in em" asked Flo the price and whipped out a wad of dosh and started counting out the cash.

On the way home Pop asks Ma "What's up with Marriette?" Ma "she's got something on her mind" Pop "What's she got on her mind?" Ma "she's pregnant". When asked if she knows who's it is, Ma said "she's not sure" Pop just shrugged it off.

When they arrived home they find a stranger waiting for them at their farm who asked if he is Sydney Larkin, and introduced himself as a Mr. Charlton. He is a representative of the Inland Revenue and starts on about taxes, and how there is no record of Mr. Larkin having sent any Tax Returns. He persists in pestering Pop about Tax Forms and dire need to fill them in, while Pop tries to distract him.

Before Mr. Charlton knows what's happening to him he is around the Larkin kitchen table, surrounded by the Clan. Being plied with copious quantities of grub and drinks, initially he tried to demure but doesn't hold out too long.

Through it all Mr. Charlton desperately endeavours to ply his tax gathering trade, filling in a Form himself and trying to ask questions about their family.

Mr. Charlton certainly doesn't quibble about going walking in the meadow, with Marriette to listen to the Nightingales.

He ends up kipping the night on a billiards table dressed in one of Marriette's pyjamas, or at least desperately trying to.

When asked for his first name Ma can't help giggling at the name of Cedric, while Pop feels that he is more suited to Charlie.

Mr. Charlton is soon seduced into staying for the weekend, with his protestations becoming ever more feeble.

Pop turns up with a vintage yellow Rolls Royce and the entire Clan, plus Mr. Charlton go for a spin around the local village.

In the village hall people who like to consider themselves 'Worthies' discuss the fate of the gymkhana. Edith Pilchester is in the Chair desperately trying, to get the Committee Members to see the sense of her point of view. Another Site has to be found as the landowner, has withdrawn permission to hold the event. Miss Pilchester's point is that there is no alternative, but to ask the Larkins to use their land. But the rest of the Committee have far too many, petty quibbles over the Larkins to agree. When they do finally non want to actually ask, their problems are solved when the Brigadier arrives.

Charlie is becoming irresistibly entranced by Marriette and even agrees with barely the slightest hesitation, to stay at the farm and join the family in the seasonal strawberry picking.

Quite frankly what red blooded individual, could ever hope to be able to resist Marriette Larkin? Certainly not this particular bloke, I should cocoe.