Amazon.com

Pelham Grenville Wodehouse's immortal characters are brought to glorious life in this hilarious series, starring Hugh Laurie as the chinless but charming Bertie Wooster and Stephen Fry as his valet and frequent savior, Jeeves. Superb period detail, performers who seem to have been born for these roles, and a hearty helping of Wodehouse wit make these shows essential viewing for anyone in search of a sophisticated chuckle.

When Bertie is dispatched by Aunt Dahlia to sneer at a valuable cow-shaped silver cream pitcher, he inadvertently allows it to fall into the hands of Sir Watkyn Basset, silverware collector and one of Wooster's many nemeses.Sir Watkyn also happens to be the father of Gussie Fink-Nottle's fiancée, and when Gussie asks for help healing a breach with his betrothed, Bertie and Jeeves head for Totleigh Towers, both to aid the drone in need and to steal the cow creamer for Aunt Dahlia. This deliciously complicated plot is further enhanced by the presence of one of Wodehouse's most hilarious creations: Sir Roderick Spode, leader of the dreaded Black Shorts and would-be dictator. As disaster looms, it's up to Jeeves to discover Spode's dark secret and set the worldright. --Simon Leake ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Read this, Old Shoe
The adaptations of PG Wodehouse's Wooster and Jeeves stories staring Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry are all excellent. I saw them all on Masterpiece Theatre on PBS a few years ago and have been hooked ever since.
The humor is very subtle... Hugh Laurie's portrayal of Bertie Wooster really makes it all work.

Laurie at his Best
The title's strangely intriguing, right? Don't worry, follow your instinct on this one. Since all of the J&W series are hilarious, it's hard to rank them, but I have to say that this is without a doubt one of the best. Bertie Wooster, a young British gentleman of the 1920's who is con- stantly getting stuck in one bumbling scheme or another, is called upon by his aunt to restore one of her husband's treasured knickknacks from the man who stole it- chaos erupts, and who can Bertie turn to but his scarily wise butler. Hugh Laurie, who plays Bertie, is one of the funniest comedians I have ever seen- even when he's not really doing anything except, say, nodding his head or something, the man is constantly hilarious. Why isn't this on instead of "Friends"? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

2 fantastic episodes
This videotape comprises 2 great episodes from the third season of UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS, the wonderful series detailing the lives of the Bellamy family and their servants of Eaton Place.

"A Change of Scene" - James Bellamy (Simon Williams) is invited to a weekend party hosted by his good friend Bunny Newbury (John Quayle). Accompanying James to the party is Hudson (Gordon Jackson), whose values and loyalty are soon put to the test.

"Desirous of Change" - Richard Bellamy (David Langton), still grieving the death of Lady Marjorie, finds himself falling in love with a visiting French Countess, Lili de Ternay (Angela Browne).

Two marvellous episodes. The third season of UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS is also available in its entirety on DVD and video. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Pelham Grenville Wodehouse's immortal characters are brought to glorious life in this hilarious series, starring Hugh Laurie as the chinless but charming Bertie Wooster and Stephen Fry as his valet and frequent savior, Jeeves. Superb period detail, performers who seem to have been born for these roles, and a hearty helping of Wodehouse wit make these shows essential viewing for anyone in search of a sophisticated chuckle.

In "Jeeves the Matchmaker" romantic entanglements abound and the faithful valet must (once again) exercise his considerable intellect for the greater good.Most distressing is Bertie's sudden and improbable decision to marry Bobby Wickham, an idea that chills Jeeves to themarrow. To make matters worse, Bertie's friend, the delightfully stupid Bingo Little, has fallen head over heels for a waitress, and Jeeves is called upon to think of a way to convince Bingo's uncle that this is a suitable match.Flowerpots, large dogs, and the romantic novels of Rosie M. Banks all figure in this hilarious romp. --Simon Leake ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Another Wodehouse Hit
Although each Jeeves and Wooster episode is a real gem, "Jeeves the Matchmaker" stands out as a masterpiece. The memorable Wodehouse characters included in this episode are Bobbie Wickham (who is, as Bertie says, "chock-ful of both fizz and ginger"), Bingo Little (who is in love AGAIN), Tuppy Glossop (who is single again after telling his fiance - Bertie's cousin Angela - that she looked like a racoon in her new hat), and Bingo's uncle, Lord Bittlesham -- plus a newcomer, a Irish Wolfhound named Patrick. Although Bertie usually abhors the thought of marriage, in this episode he decides that he is lonely and wants to marry Bobby Wickham. However, Bertie changes his mind after a horrible experience he has at a girl's school. While convincing his master that marriage is not a good idea and that young girls are "absolute fiends," Jeeves also finds time to un-attach Tuppy from the clutches of a "corn-fed" country girl while re-attaching him to Bertie's cousin Angela, while at the dame time finding a way to break up Bingo's engagement to a tea shop waitress named Mabel whom Jeeves wants to marry himself. If you want some good, clean, hilarious fun that perfectly blends wit with physical comedy, I highly recommend this, or any other, Jeeves and Wooster episode. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Pelham Grenville Wodehouse's immortal characters are brought to glorious life in this hilarious series starring Hugh Laurie as the chinless but charming Bertie Wooster and Stephen Fry as his valet and frequent savior, Jeeves. Superb period detail, performers who seem to have been born for these roles, and a hearty helping of Wodehouse wit make these shows essential viewing for anyone in search of a sophisticated chuckle.

When Chuffy's fiancée, wealthy American heiress Pauline Stoker, notices that a stranger with a red beard is following her, she turns to our man Bertie for protection. Bertram returns to Chuffnell with Pauline (and Jeeves, of course) only to be dragged into an extremely complicated series of misadventures. Quelle surprise! Before long Bertie finds himself trapped on the Stokers' yacht, and his only hope of rescue comes in the form of a band of banjo-playing drones. With a plot thicker than a whale omelet, Jeeves has his work cut out to save the day this time. --Simon Leake ... Read more

Reviews (1)

J and W review
Jeeves and Wooster are by far the most witty and downright hilarious British comedies ever created. If you love intelligent, yet easy-to-follow humor; Jeeves and Wooster is for you. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Pelham Grenville Wodehouse's immortal characters are brought to glorious life in this hilarious series, starring Hugh Laurie as the chinless but charming Bertie Wooster and Stephen Fry as his valet and frequent savior, Jeeves. Superb period detail, performers who seem to have been born for these roles, and a hearty helping of Wodehouse wit make these shows essential viewing for anyone in search of a sophisticated chuckle.

When it comes to upper-class twittery, Gussie Fink-Nottle makes Bertie look like Socrates. In this episode (which continues the story begun in "Jeeves Saves the Cow-Creamer") Gussie gets himself and Wooster into even more hot water with prospective father-in-law Sir Watkyn Basset and country-house fascist Sir Roderick Spode when he loses a notebook filled with insulting comments. The book quickly falls into the wrong hands, and Bertie once again finds himself deeply entangled in the intrigues of Totleigh Towers. Only Jeeves can save the day, but it won't be easy. --Simon Leake ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful!
A great story of that unique period between World War I and The Great Depression when England was king and there wasn't a cloud in sight. And the idle rich could be idle. Not that nothing interesting ever happened. But, when interesting things did come along you might have the need to call on your trusted manservent to help you get out of the mess. This video perfectly capures that era, along with the masterly writings of P.G. Wodehouse. A good buy. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Political drama? Perhaps. Taut espionage thriller? Hardly
This reviewer has not read John Hale's novel. An Amazon.com editorial review notes the book is not a spy thriller but rather, "a sad commentary on corruption in intelligence circles." One shouldn't expect "the excitement of a Forsyth, Ludlum, or Higgins."

The 36-year-old Nigel Havers (who has a viable "family-resemblance" to his "father" Frank) portrays a 28-year-old Bob Jones. As one intelligence eavesdropper remarks, Bob is a "self-righteous little prick." How true. Bob is a Russian language specialist at British intelligence GCHQ. Despite age and experience, his world view is a 17-year-old's. He sees lies and paranoia throughout GCHQ. "Nothing is as it is made out to be." Bob sees "burglary, bribery, blackmail, drug trafficking ... (even) murder!" (the horror, the horror). Why, (he says) "Our secret world is on exactly the same tack as theirs." British intelligence is as corrupt as the Americans' and the Russians.' Despite patriotic father Frank's (Michael Caine) advice to not rock the boat and either continue this necessary and important work quietly; or at least exit gracefully; Bob plans to quit with a whistle-blowing bang, thereby being a "man in the white hat" who "always wins in the end," thus saving England, perhaps the world.

To add insult to injury, Bob is also stucking his acquaintance Alan's wife, Cynthia, married with child, presumably Alan's. This stucking may be a factor in Alan's death: Cynthia had just so advised Alan, telling Bob that Alan took it "terrible." Was it carbon monoxide suicide or perhaps another GPSC murder? We'll never know, but it apparently has a big effect on paranoid Bob. It's also difficult to see what (beyond plot requirements) Cynthia sees in Bob (or for that matter what he sees in her): Alan was better-looking than Bob and an extroverted but faithful reveler to boot, though admittedly with unsavory political connections.

The film succeeds brilliantly if intended to portray Bob an ideological idiot. Indeed, Bob gets his just deserts after just 45 grueling minutes, markedly improving the film's gene pool in the process, likely not the reaction intended. And that is the principal problem with this film. Induced by the script, Havers does well but his portrayal so poisons the water that it is difficult for subsequent sympathetic engagement. Even worse, the bad guys' performances and motivations are so strong (if Bob carries out his threat, he'll create a first magnitude British intelligence failure) that the film risks making them the true white hats despite their government-sanctioned murderous intentions! In this sense, the film has a refreshing ambiguity.

Prolog being over, the story gets down to brass tacks. Bob's grieving father Frank tries to find out why Bob died and if he can do anything about it. He risks getting acquaintances bumped off just before they can spill the beans (a time-honored movie tradition). And when Frank confronts someone about Bob's (and others') deaths, the intelligence folks are so (literally) wired in that they know all about it and other "private" and politically sensitive conversations Frank and son had as they strolled through "safe" terrain. (Watch for the guy with the "suitcase" and ear phones, the nearby upper floor open window, the trailing taxi, the brief glimpse of a major player at the subway "accident".) But when Frank finally confronts someone much higher in the food chain, presumably under more intense scrutiny, said agents must be out to lunch, conveniently facilitating a plot twist.

The performances of Caine, Barry Foster as Charlie Gregg, Kenneth Colley as Pickett and the several intelligence agents (including James Fox and Gordon Jackson, with character names like "Lord" and "Bruce" never occurring in conversation) are actually quite good, as is John Gielgud (as always) who's lesser supporting role as Sir Adrian Chapple has pretty limited screen time. The dual-sided DVD presents both a widescreen (16x9) and a pan scan version. The widescreen picture and sound are generally satisfying. The pan scan version is surprisingly crisp and pleasing.

Final Capstone of Cold War Films
The Whistle Blower is the capstone of the Cold War films.

Michael Caine is in top form - this is one of his best parts.

While there are some parts that spin media culture, it has a transcendent quality that will provoke your thought.

who is the enemy ?
Based on a novel by John Hale, this 1987 film is a cold war spy story with more twists and angles than can be absorbed in a single viewing.
The boundaries between right and wrong are blurred, in this complex plot where co-workers in the secret service are asked to spy on each other, truth-seekers are murdered, and the guilty are kept protected in their luxurious nests.

With an excellent cast that includes James Fox, Nigel Havers, John Gielgud, Felicity Dean, and many top-notch character actors, it's a fast paced hour and 40 minutes...one of my favorite parts is how they manage to get information out of the imprisoned double agent, making him believe that he has escaped.
Also adding a lot to the film is the lovely soundtrack by John Scott.

Michael Caine is powerful as the former spy and bereaved father, who investigates his son's death. Part vulnerable, part tough guy, it's a subtle, touching, and brilliant performance, and its believability makes this intricate thriller a 5 star film. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Masterpiece Theatre interpretation of P.G. Wodehouse classic
This VHS tape is based on one of the Jeeves and Wooster stories written by the incomparable P.G. Wodehouse. Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie do a marvelous job of portraying the aristocratic gentleman's gentleman, Jeeves, and his bumbling master, Bertram Wilberforce Wooster. While unable to achieve quite the comic level of the original stories, which keep the reader in stitches (once one masters Wodehouse's very British dialogue), Hunger Strike and The Matchmaker are extremely entertaining. Set in one of Bertie's favorite haunts, his Aunt Daliah's country estate, Brinkley Court, the plot weaves in and out. Bertie's determination to help solve all his friends' problems without Jeeve's assistance makes for an amusing plot that has all the other 'inmates' out for his blood, until the inevitable. Jeeves takes a hand and resolves all the difficulties with his usual marvelous brainpower. Lots of fun and well worth the modest price. END ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Typically Funny/entertaining
Comrade Bingo is another fun episode of Jeeves and Wooster. Bingo has another crush and an aunt wants another favor from Bertie Wooster. There is some slap stick comedy fighting in this one, but everything works out in the end thanks to Jeeves. I have almost all of the Jeeves and Wooster tapes and I enjoy watching them over and over again.

Jeeves and Wooster; Comrade Bingo
As with all the Jeeves and Wooster films this one is hilarious. Bingo Little is back and has of course fallen in love...again. This time the apple of his eye is the daughter of a Marxist communist working in Britain to free the masses from the yoke of the evil aristocracy. Bertie is recruited to provide dinner and companionship and good references for the always-penniless Bingo's latest cause. Dinner means Jeeves must take the role of equal with his master to convince the "Party members" of the ruse. It also means Bertie must cook and serve. As with all PG Wodehouse's "Jeeves" stories the plot thickens and thickens with laughs and slapstick until your sides split. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Jeeves & Wooster - in America
The story takes place in America, and the characters are new except for Jeeves and Wooster. The story line is pretty interesting/funny though the new characters were not as well developed. I didn't enjoy it as well as the other Jeeves and Wooster videos, but I will say it was another opportunity to see Jeeves and Wooster again and I do wish there were many more episodes/videos. I have three sets of the Jeeves and Wooster videos. I enjoy watching them over and over again.

Jeeves & Wooster - in America
The setting takes place in America instead of England, and the characters in this particular video are new except for Jeeves and Wooster. The story line is pretty interesting/funny. Like the other videos it weaves several plots together and just when things seem to fall apart, it all works out in the end thanks to Jeeves. It seemed to move a little faster than the other stories and therefore was not as relaxing to watch, but it was another opportunity to see Jeeves and Wooster again. I have seen all of the Jeeves and Woosters tapes and I do wish there were many, many more episodes/videos. (The other review listed here seems to be referring to a T.V. Show: Full House - which is about a single father with children.)

Have Mercy!
This is the best video ever! I watch it about 5 times each day. I can't get enough of it I tell you. Michelle looks so dumb and so does Kimmy. Kimmy gets hit by a car going to the Tanner's house which is my favorite part. Buy this video today! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I love the nightlife
In this episode of Jeeves and Wooster, Jeeves steps out of his usual detached role and volunteers to live the nightlife to the full. This is not by choice, but because a friend of Bertie's is in trouble.

Rocky is a reclusive poet living off his monthly allowance from his aunt, but auntie wants the boy to write her letters telling of all the wonderful activities that go on after dark in the Big Apple. Desperate to stay out of sight, he begs Jeeves to go on the town for him and write a report which will be forwarded on to his aunt. This backfires (of course) with hilarious results in the usual Wodehouse tradition.

My favorite scene in this episode is when Jeeves joins Bertie for a duet on the piano. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

2 excellent episodes
This great videotape comprises two fabulous episodes from the first season of UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS, the wonderful television series about the lives of the Bellamy family and their servants of Eaton Place.

"Why Was Her Door Locked?" - Mrs Bridges (Angela Baddeley) has been acting strangely since the suicide of scullery maid Emily, and now she spends most of her time locked in her room. When Hudson (Gordon Jackson) discovers that Mrs Bridges has kidnapped a small baby, the entire household is thrown into chaos.

"A Voice From the Past" - Elizabeth Bellamy (Nicola Pagett) and James (Simon Williams) decide to help out in the soup kitchens feeding the homeless, when they discover Sarah (Pauline Collins), who is again down-and-out. They take her back to Eaton Place, but just how long will she last this time? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

2 great episodes
This videotape presents two episodes from the third season of UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS, the fantastic television series detailing the lives of the Bellamy family and their servants of Eaton Place. This is regarded as one of the finest-written seasons, with the events of the First World War only just around the corner...

"The Bolter" - James Bellamy (Simon Williams) and his beautiful new wife Hazel (Meg Wynn Owen) attend a fox-hunting weekend. An innocent practical joke where Hazel inadvertently makes fun of her husband gives way to a argument that could end their marriage.

"A Perfect Stranger" - On her afternoon off, Rose (Jean Marsh) meets a young Australian sheep farmer. Rose's new friendship quickly evolves into love, but will Rose really leave her position at Eaton Place to travel to Australia?

2 fantastic episodes. The third season of UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS is also available in its entirety on DVD and video. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

2 bittersweet episodes
This videotape comprises 2 episodes from the wonderful first season of UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS, the fantastic series about the lives of the Bellamy family and their servants of Eaton Place.

"Magic Casements" - Lady Marjorie (Rachel Gurney) embarks on an illicit but tender affair with Captain Hammond (David Kernan). Their romance is touching and passionate, but will she leave her husband and children?

"I Dies From Love" - Young scullery maid Emily (Evin Crowley) falls in love with the handsome footman from another household, leading to dire and shocking consequences. ... Read more

Description

Stephen Fry (Wilde, A Fish Called Wanda) and Hugh Laurie (Sense &Sensibility, Strapless) return to their celebrated roles as the peerless "gentleman’sgentleman" Jeeves and his well-meaning but dim master, Bertie Wooster.This collectionfeatures the six final episodes from the ever-popular series, never before available onvideo.A black cloud looms over Manhattan in the shape of Bertie’s former fiancee, the LadyFlorence Craye.Though she is newly engaged to Stilton Cheesewright, Bertie knowsonly too well that he can’t breathe easily until she has been safely dispatched down theaisle.And when Stilton’s hot-headedness leads Florence to call things off between them,Bertie finds the withering gaze of her affections once again directed his way! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

2 great episodes
This wonderful videotape comprises two episodes from the excellent first season of UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS, the classic show about the lives of the Bellamy family and their servants of Eaton Place.

"The Swedish Tiger" - Probably the most hard-to-follow episode ever written. Sarah (Pauline Collins) becomes embroiled in a plan to rob the Bellamy family of some of their most valuable antiques.

"The Key of the Door" - Elizabeth Bellamy (Nicola Pagett) gets involved with a group of political activists led by the beautiful but cunning Evelin Larkin (Georgia Brown). When Elizabeth invites her new 'friends' to Eaton Place, she exposes her family and household to a public scandal. ... Read more