Dreadfully Boring

Crappy film

A Brilliant Conflict

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

'Take The High Road', remembered today as a bland Scottish soap opera, sailed onto STV in 1980, following the cancellation of the now forgotten 'Garnock Way' and was set in the fictional Scottish village of Glendarroch ( of which the location shooting took place in Luss ). It seems more or less to have fallen off the face of the earth. Even some of its stars have less than happy memories of appearing in it. What seems to be overlooked is how massive the show was in its time, being a hugely successful show for ratings. Allegedly, even the Queen Mother was a fan.Now, whilst it is certainly not a wonderful show, far from it, it made for light, easy viewing, rather like ATV's 'Crossroads', minus the wobbly sets. In 1993, 'Take The High Road' went down the 'Emmerdale Farm' route and shortened its title simply to 'High Road'.In the cast for a long time were future 'River City' star Eileen McCallum as shopkeeper Isabel Blair and Derek Lord as Colin Sneddon, Bill Henderson as car mechanic Ken Calder, however later episodes introduced other characters such as busybody Mary Mack ( Gwyneth Guthrie ), Peter Odell ( the late Ross Davidson, who had earlier appeared as Andy O'Brien in the early episodes of 'Eastenders' ), who had an affair with Sarah McDonald ( the gorgeous Shonagh Price ) and murdered her husband Gary ( Joseph McFadden ). The show had a large and loyal following until its cancellation in 2003.'Take The High Road', like I said, may not have been great but at least unlike modern soaps didn't resort to breaking cultural taboos in order to catch the viewers attention. Future 'Rab C. Nesbitt' star Gregor Fisher appeared in two episodes.

This unique Scottish drama deserves credit for much more than its charming highland setting and lovable characters. It is the skillful craftsmanship of its screenplay which attracts. The creators of this show delve into the inner thoughts and complex emotions of the characters in a way which renders it a delicate, rich, humanistic drama which satisfies, rather than a superficial "soapie" with simplistic characterisation and sensationalised plots. The scriptwriter forces unlikely characters to meet and interact in unusual moments; compels them to share experiences with those whom they are not often inclined to confide. The script is constantly challenging the diverse characters and our perceptions of them by betraying undiscovered qualities within each; teasingly revealing unexpected compassion and secret vices to tempt an eager audience. This show is a textual gem and I'm so pleased that it has been given the continuing recognition it deserves.

12.30pm weedays would not be the same without my "fix" of "Take the High Road". Delighted to see (Michael, Melbourne) that the ABC has bought the whole series. When I enquired they were reluctant to say, so I hope Michael has good info! Totally charming if a tad predictable (what soapy isn't?) the scenery and the soft Highland accents would make this a worthwhile 20 minutes to spend relaxing over lunch.

High Road has be on Tv for over 20 years and what sets it a side from todays other soaps is that the format has not changed and the storyline carries on at its own gentle pace. Characters like Mrs Mack and Isabel Blair have been on the show since its launch in 1980. The storyline takes place around the village of Glendarroch in Scotland and much of the action takes place at the Glendarroch estate or Blair's Store. A gem in the afternoon Tv Schedules long may High Road continue.