Save your money for something good and enjoyable

Let's be realistic.

A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

I first saw Flambards when it was originally shown on PBS, many years ago. I found the first episode unpleasant. It was about a nice girl thrust amongst unpleasant people who had power over her, and I found it uncomfortable to watch.But for some reason, I felt compelled to watch the second episode. Perhaps it was the charm of the girl playing Christina. Perhaps it was the lush countryside. But it probably had most to do with the score by David Fanshawe, which I consider the best score ever written for television.After that first episode, Christina's rebellious nature let her rise above her difficulties, and more likable characters were introduced, and I became very enamored of the series.There is, though, one glaring flaw. While the three main characters are in their mid to late teens, the actors playing them are in their late twenties, and seem that old. This is a problem because they all do stupid, impetuous, naive things that make perfect sense from a 17 year old but that seem odd from someone on the verge of 30. As much as I like the cast, I think the series would have been better with younger actors. But in spite of that, it is still one of my favorite mini-series.

So glad the "Flambards" 1978 TV series from UK (previously aired on PBS) is available on DVD in 3-disc pack, containing all 13 episodes, 50 minutes each. Not to worry, it's quite easy to be hooked and wanted to, yes, spend time with William and Christina, endearingly portrayed by Alan Parnaby and Christine McKenna. I must say the wonderful music by David Fanshawe, applied to the various moods of the episodes is tuneful - the catchy whistling music, melodic tempo and poignant tones thoroughly enhanced the viewing delight of this series.My favorite episodes are #7 (The Edge of the Cloud) and #8 (Flying High). You're definitely spending time - flying, too (cross the Channel) with the loving pair of William and Christina, along with the refreshing song being sung: 'I will sing you a song of Christina, Christina at Flambards'. The adaptation from K. M. Peyton's novels is very well done thanks to the efforts of the directors (Lawrence Gordon Clark, Peter Duffell, Michael Ferguson, Leonard Lewis) and writers (Alex Glasgow, William Humble, Alan Plater). The dialogs - the marvelous use of words precisely - are so satisfying to hear Parnaby and McKenna saying them. Sporadically accented are new world vocabulary: subservient, incorrigible, suffragette, emancipated. The two leads are so excellently paired that we're literally in their world sharing the flying adventures, quietly listening to their wooing exchanges. Watching the fantastic foursome interaction of Will and Christina, Dorothy and Sandy, is simply joyous.It's not just descriptions of Essex, England, where Peyton lived, the horses she loved, the lives people led at Flambards, her references to aeronautical, aerodynamic terms and flying situations sure make one feel informed. If you like flying or the notion there of, Episodes 7 and 8 are definitely fun to watch. Fanshawe's music hauntingly matches the emotional levels of the drama - simply love the lilting piano piece during the "loop the loop".The series is successful not without an effective cast: Steven Grives as Mark - the other Russell cousin to Christina (who's also in love with Christina but didn't know how to express it), he played Mark so well that he's repelling yet likable at times. Carol Leader as Dorothy, high-spirited and winning smiles, a true girlfriend to Christina and can sure handle Mark. Sebastian Abineri as Dick (Wright, who taught Christina how to ride horses and one of the three men who's in love with Christina at Flambards), Peter Settelen as Sandy at Elm Park, Edward Judd as the grumpy Uncle Russell, Anton Diffring as Mr. Dermot the alternate 'father' to Will, David Huscroft as Joe the mechanic to 'Emma', Frank Mills as Fowler and Rosalie Williams as Mary - the 'staples' at Flambards, Olive Pendleton as Aunt Grace, Gillian Davey as Violet Wright, and young Paul Ahmet as Tizzy.Truly recommend "Flambards" - enjoy the drama, chemistry of characters, excitement of flying machine ventures, poetry of Peyton's words - a warm-hearted, engaging TV series assured.

I love this series. I first saw it as a child-- my mother had taped most of the episodes off of PBS. It inspired me to learn German, and to study the WWI period and its aftermath. The acting, writing and set decoration are first-rate and it will please history buffs, horse buffs AND airplane buffs. It stands up wonderfully well. It's now available on VHS so for those new to the series be warned that vols. 2 & 3 are a bit slow, but be patient and stick it out. It is so worth it for the payoff in vols. 4-6.The series gets better every time I see it and I am always finding more to love about it.

I must have watched Flambards three times through! I also read the book! It's a terrific horsey airplaney soap opera with a wonderfully strong and surprising heroine. Gives the viewer a flavor of 1910's England.