Reviews (9)

A REMORSEFUL ADAPTATION
There's been a murder here, but it's not the one you think. The adaptation of Colin Dexter's "The Remorseful Day" has left a stinking corpse of what was a masterful story, an exquisite exposition of the "Parsifal" like heart of Endeavour Morse. The culprits? Rebecca Eaton and her doltish cadre of American PBS writers who have distinguished themselves in missing the entire point of the book.
Mind you, if you have not read the book, you'll enjoy this video. All the great elements are there: John Thaw essays Morse brilliantly, Kevin Whately turns in a terrific performance as Lewis, although he is compelled to deliver a totally ridiculous and melodramatic "Morse is dead!" proclamation. He acquits himself and moves on. All the supporting players, the family intrigues, the score, the filmwork - all executed brilliantly. So, you'd have little reason to suspect something is awry.

But there is and it is as great a disservice to a book as I can ever remember. Now, that argument can be made about a lot of transfers from book to film, but in this case, and with this series, which has been so faithful to Dexter's works, it is just incomprehensible. I can only conclude that it is due to the American fascination with smoothing out any sense of nuance in order to champion the easily digestible. I should tell you where the crime lies, but that's not fair to anyone who really would enjoy what actually happened in the story. Suffice it to say that much of the story turns on the Parsifal legend, and how in fact the pure of heart are vindicated with vision of the grail, whatever form that grail may take. So, Endeavour Morse is vindicated in a coda that lingers with you long, long after you put the book down. Throughout the film, there are efforts made to quote not only Wagner's theme for "Parsifal", but Han Knappertsbusch's direction of it in the 1962 score. Why? Well, Morse makes reference to it in discussion with Lewis, and it fits with the T.S Elliott quote that includes the title of the story, plus Knappertsbusch was himself the most Morse like of conductors in every way imaginable, and in 1962 was well aware that he was dying. So with all of the main clues in tact, why on earth Eaton and her merry band of nitwits elected to miss the point is not only unimaginable but unforgiveable.

Certainly, enjoy this DVD for what it is. I assure you that if you read the book, you will want, as I want, to grab the murderous crutch and shove it where PBS don't broadcast. The most heinous murder in Oxford was committed in Boston. Shame on Eaton. Perhaps one day Dexter will insist on a reshoot, although Thaw is not well, and Whately may have no interest in any further casting as Lewis. Somehow, the record, as it is in the book, needs to be set straight.

Morse's End Predates John Thaw's by Only a Few Years
Sad to see that the great actor, John Thaw has passed away from esophageal cancer.

This episode is on par with all of the other great episodes of this outstanding series. Thaw's portrayal of an intellectual, world-weary British detective who confronts often complex and involved cases of murder and other crimes.

Now episode to this point really brought home to me how much I loved Inspector Morse. I was actually quite angry to see the great Inspector face such health problems (an understatement), but in light of John Thaw's actual illness, I guess it is to be expected.

My only regret is that there are not 100 more episodes hidden away somewhere. Inspector Morse and John Thaw will be sorely missed.

Relish the Well-done Remorseful Day
This is probably one of the best (if not *the* best) Inspector Morse television episode. I admit to alot of that bias *not* going toward it for being the final installment of the series, but more for it being such a WELL-DONE final installment of the series.

The obligatory murder plot/premise has to do with the re-opening of a case involving the death of a middle-aged temptress/nurse named Yvonne Harrison. Lewis and Morse tackle the case, with the latter acting particularly strange concerning many aspects of the matter. There are a plethora of suspects, one of whom is Morse's own doctor, which conveniently leads to scenes showing how the great Chief Inspector's health is deteriorating rapidly. The Harrison case, while definitely being worked-through carefully, isn't the real focus of the story.

Morse's plight is the prime meaning behind "The Remorseful Day". Never before has the character been rendered so human, and so pathetic. His lady-friend (appearing in recent TV adaptations) has apparently left him, and so Morse is utterly alone. There are poignant scenes between he and Lewis, of him making final preparations, and of him sitting alone in his home listening to profoundly sad classical music. John Thaw as Morse gives a veritable tour-de-force, in the most subtle and gracious way possible, of the great detective in his declining days.

Special note should be given to all involved in the television adaptation, for they have, in my opinion, surpassed the novel. Colin Dexter's book was fine, but it dealt more heavily with the actual murder case, and the illness of Morse was left for small parts, usually at the end of each day. Here, with the version made for the small screen, we have the situation of Morse's closing life brought to the forefront. It is done well, and an experience to watch.

The last scene is terribly moving. I always make it a point to realize that when I sit down to watch a movie or television show, NOT to get too emotional, because there are only actors upon the screen - nothing is real. I thought I would be able to hold forth with said beliefs while watching "The Remorseful Day". But the very last scene, involving just Lewis and Morse, brought tears to my eyes. The swelling music and the starkness of the scene was a wonderful way to end the series.

The impression left is one not easily forgotten.

Please Endeavour to Read this Review!
As a final good-bye to a wonderful series, I was disappointed in "The Remorseful Day." It is a sad and touching film where Chief Inspector Morse bids a fond farewell; however, the film is somewhat disjointed. Morse, more ill than ever -- due to his lack of caring for his health -- exits via a simple myocardial infarction! Couldn't it have been more dramatic or move moving than this?!!! One scene, however, prior to the last touching scene in the mortuary is excellent. It is the night before Morse's death (unbeknownst to him, of course) where he is sitting on his sofa. The look on his face is pathetic and tells the viewer everything. It is without doubt (to me) one of the best scenes in the film -- almost like the blind girl discovering that Chaplin was her benefactor in "City Lights." It is done without words -- only facial expressions.

Alas, our hero has to die and he exits rather pitifully telling Strange to "thank Lewis." I wanted something much more dramatic and much more moving; I suspect Mr. Dexter really does want to retire. The last scene -- when Lewis views Morse's body on a slab and leans over to kiss him -- is very moving and will bring a tear to the eyes of every Morse fan. Although he may have had a rich and rewarding life in his own way with his work, music, poetry and knowledge, I wanted him to go out differently, to have had a woman who really loved him, to have had something in life so very meaningful.... We will miss a very good fictional character and the actors who portrayed the detectives so well. However, thanks to the magic of the movies, we can enjoy the Inspector for years to come!

Goodbye old friend
The loss of "Chief Inspector Morse" hit me just as hard in this, Thaw's, last appearance as this fictional character as the real loss of Jeremy Bret ending the greatest rendition of Sherlock Holmes since the death of Basil Rathbone. Even watching the videos of all the other "cases" is bittersweet as the memory of Lewis kissing Morses' head goodbye in the closing scene now overshadows them all. The true sign of an actors actor making a written character live so vividly. A must see for any Morse fan- just be sure to have the hanky handy and see all the other Morses- first. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not one of the better films....
THE SETTLING OF THE SUN is not one of the better Morse films. The acting is stagy and overdone. The camera shots are bizarre and awkward. The hotch-potch use of elements from other more successful filmed versions of Colin Dexter's books, such as "Last Seen Wearing", "Last Bus to Woodstock" and "The Dead of Jericho" is insulting to the knowing fan.

I am not sure this film is based on a book. I don't remember reading a book with this title, nor did I find the plot familiar. (I thought I had read all of Colin Dexter's 'Morse' books.) If it is based on a book, the plot is certainly far inferior to those found other tales.

The tortured and unbelievable plot is overlaid with repetitious use of "Morse-isms" which are supposed to "wow" American audiences such as: Morse thinking over a pint in a friendly tavern; Morse driving his little red jaguar all over Oxford; Morse playing music and drinking at home; Morse unwilling to look at a body (three times with the same body). Morse's interest in the female "lead" is far from enthusiastic. It's almost as if he is going through the motions. Also, it's a bit hard to believe that this ditsy overwrought female has the least bit of attractiveness for Morse.

Don't get me wrong. I love the little "English" touches a much as the next Anglophile. I just hate being taken for a sucker. However,if you are devoted Morse fan you will probably want to buy it. Just can't get enough of the late John Thaw.

Possiby the Darkest of All the Inspector Morse Films
The undertones in "Setting of the Sun" deal with war and the moral repercussions thereof. Its direction is, along with "Service of All the Dead," among the most bleak and atmospheric of the Morse films. Another commonality which this film shares with the aforementioned film is its convoluted-yet-plausible plot, consisting of a rather intricate conspiracy theory. It may take a couple viewings for you to comprehend, it certainly did for me. Inspector Morse is asked to present a prize for a crossword competition at a summer school in Londsdale college for a group of overseas students. A murder conducted in a gruesome manner takes place while Morse is dining with the group. It turns out his presence was not incidental; he was meant to be a witness. Jane Robson's, Morse's love interest and the person who invited him to present the prize, feelings for Morse are not mutual in this episode. The uncertain long-term implications of war are beautifully presented at the end with the innocent view of Morse's love interest's daughter, when asked about her grandfather, whose suffering during the war was the impetus behind the conspiracy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Yup, that is Counselor Troi from Star Trek: The Next Generation, looking particularly glum in this episode from Granada Television's Sherlock Holmes series. Troi--or rather actress Marina Sirtis--is part of the cast of this wild mystery, which suggests that a madman with a grudge against Napoleon Bonaparte is smashing clay busts of his likeness all over London. Dr. Watson (Edward Hardwicke) proposes that the criminal has a psychological obsession, but Holmes (Jeremy Brett) scoffs at that idea. There is indeed much more going on than meets the eye in this story, as plainly evidenced when a notorious Mafia figure turns up dead.Meanwhile, anyone in possession of ornamental Bonapartes is in danger--and only Holmes knows why. This exciting installment in the series is also noteworthy for its rare glimpse of a softer side of Holmes, as seen in a memorable coda to the story. Brett is brilliant as the famed sleuth.--Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (9)

the ULTIMATE Holmes
Okay...the only thing I can say is that Jeremy Brett is absolutely The One and Only Sherlock Holmes; no one else comes close to the mastery with which he plays this role.

This particular episode completely blew me away-- I agree that "Watson, this is no time for humbugs!" and the "This is clearly the work of red anarchists" are two of the many hilarious lines.

In addition to the humour, however, this episode's crowning glory is the much praised Last Scene, in which Jeremy Brett totally melts your heart with his Look. This scene makes it completely clear that Brett understands the character of Holmes perfectly! He brings an added depth of unexpected emotion to the role, which is wonderful. We don't usually get to see Holmes in a state of extreme emotion, making the end of this eisode even more of a pleasant surprise.

WOW! I'd watch this over and over, and so should you!

An hour of television perfection !
Although many of the episodes in the series are fantastic, this one is, by far, my very favorite.

I have a number of episodes on VHS and I always look forward to this one above all others. Let me tell you why.....

But first, a synopsis:

Lesrade brings to Holmes' and Watson's attention, a case he is working on because he knows of Holmes' appreciation of any case that is strange or unusual ... Another true Sherlock Holmes trait: We may see something, but we do not observe it.

Though probably the most wonderful moment is at the very end, when Lestrade congratulates Holmes. We see a rare level of seriousness in Lestrade and an even rarer level of emotion from Holmes, who also reveals a mutual respect for the Scotland Yard Inspector.

I feel that this episode truly encapsulates Holmes' style of investigation, as well as the personalities of the main characters.
Of course, the actors and actresses are completely believable in their respective roles, the sets are marvellous and the score could not be better. If anyone is a fan of a fantastic mystery that one can really get one's teeth into, then I could recommend nothing better than The Six Napoleons.

It is a true classic among classics!!!

Grazie, Granada!
Wow! Granada gets an A+ for this one! It is a wonderful mystery, and it is funny, though the humor doens't stick out; it just flows. The last scene is the best Sherlock scene of all time. The way Brett unveils the pearl (especially the tablecloth. Nice touch!), and explains the solution in typical Sherlock-dramatic style is fascinating. The scene where Lestrade praises Holmes is just awesome. (For those who haven't seen it, I don't want to spoil the end; be prepared for a Look that could melt hearts of stone.) As someone said below, Jeremy Brett IS Sherlock Holmes. He can act circles around Basil Rathbone anyday. Also, Watson is excellent. Hardwicke is the perfect supporting role. He is not a bumbling bafoon either. What a relief! For those of you who are fans of the Granada series, or have never seen any before, this is one of, if not the best. If I could give it 10 stars, I would do so in a heartbeat. Arrivederci!

A Rare Glimpse
The Six Napoleons is one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's more entertaining tales. It's also one of the more popular tales in the Canon, topped only by The Hound of the Baskervilles. Here is a faithful and high-class adaptation of the story of a murderer on the loose in Victorian London, smashing busts of Napoleon with no apparent motive. The question is as always: Can Holmes solve the mystery and prevent another crime?

Quite frankly, I don't watch the Granada presentations of Doyle's stories for the story itself, though they are excellently told. I watch it mainly for the performance of Mr. Jeremy Brett, the man himself. The Six Napoleons showcases one of his more exhuberant performances as the Master. Brett has completely immersed himself into the character of Sherlock Holmes so deeply that it's impossible to tell where Holmes ends and Brett begins. Not to be left out, Watson, Lestrade & Co. provide a solid supporting cast, but it's Brett who we come to watch.

One scene which marks this episode and sets it apart from the rest in the series is the final scene which takes place in Holmes and Watson's sitting room. It provides the viewer a rare and personal glimpse into the man who is Sherlock Holmes. Those few captivating minutes are a fitting and memorable end to yet another wonderful hour with Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

A Pearl of Death
Fairly good video version of one of the most famous Sherlock Holmes stories, with a particularly nice ending showing Holmes and Lestrade in a rare moment of rapport. The story, which features a very dramatic device that keeps the plot moving with some urgency, was imaginatively adapted into one of the best Holmes movies starring Basil Rathbone, "The Pearl of Death." ... Read more

Reviews (4)

"He admitted it, Morse. Why would he do that?!"
"Second Time Around" is quite possibly the best of the 33 "Inspector Morse" episodes. If you're a fan of the series and don't own it yet, then you should consider it a must-have. If you're new to the series - start here.

An old police detective is murdered while writing his memoirs. A suspect, Frederick Redpath, is brought-in for questioning. Morse and another chief inspector on the case, Dawson, recognize the man as a suspect from a child murder case from over a decade ago. Dawson becomes heavily involved in the new case, and Morse and his sergeant, Lewis, are trying to work at it from their own angle.

There is conflict, emotion, heartache, introspection, and mystery aplenty in "Second Time Around", and all of these factors come together to help make the episode a real treat. The direction is wonderful, and the acting is amazing. John Thaw, as usual, excels as Morse, and Kevin Whately does well as the ever-faithful Lewis. Oliver Ford Davies, an underrated gem of an actor, is convincing as the troubled Redpath, but the real star of this story is Kenneth Colley (famous from the first "Star Wars" trilogy) as Chief Inspector Dawson. Probably one of the best characters ever to grace the Morse series.

"Inspector Morse" is one of my all-time favorite television shows, and this episode is simply tremendous. It encompasses the best aspects of the series: an introspective Morse, a haunting murder case, great guest stars, and sorrowful music from Puccini ('Senza Mamma' from Suor Angelica). This is simply the best of "Morse". Don't pass it up.

Inspector Morse
Inspector Morse shines in this film, as always. It's one of the most fascinating Morses ever made. This film leaves you guessing until the end.

Memoirs of Inspector Morse
This episode of the Morse series provides the viewer with some insight into the development of Morse's character.

The death of senior police office shortly after his retirement celebration sets the scene of a murder investigation which departs from the immediate concern of his murder to become a much broader investigation which encompasses an 18 year old unresolved murder mystery which Morse was involved in.

In this rather unusual Morse there are some exemplarary performances notably from Pat Heywood (RootInto Europe) and Oliver Ford Davies (who would later co-star with Thaw in the sublime series, Kavanagh Q.C.). What distinguishes this particular Morse from the others is the degree of personal involvement shown by Morse. Despite his usual disspassionate, academic approach. Morse cannot resist responding to the friction from his old colleague who found success following his mentor, the Deputy Chief Police Commissioner to London. Also there is a heightened sensitivity shown by Morse to the case of the young girl, murdered many years earlier.

There are the usual twists and turns but in particular the scenes where the long suffering suspect of the child's death is finally completely cleared of any involvement. At that point the latest suspect is mentioned only for the first accused to fiercely criticise the police for their continued incompetence.

The conclusion to the story is a tragic scene wherein Morse confronts the killer with the evidence of his guilt. At that juncture the viwere is faced with sympathy with the killer's motive for the crime only to discover that the man who was killed was doing so protecting his child's life in just the same way that the murderer is revenging his.

Here the extent of Morse's involvement is revealed and one of the lasting impressions we have is the depth of tremendous sadness in his eyes.

This episode shows us the emotional side of Morse in many different ways. The storyline is supported in this regard by a stellar performance of Kevin Whately who gives vent to his frustrations with what he perceives to be Morse's attitude and verbally lashes him, only to discover later that he was wrong and very sheepishly apologises. Morse is magnanimous in his acceptance of the apology and moves on.

All around a very polished performance and an enthralling whodunit in the very best traditions of the genre. A+++

One of the Best
Not counting those adaptations based on actual Dexter novels, "Second Time Around" may well be the best single episode in an almost continuously excellent series. The strengths of the series are here in abundance: compelling plots, tight direction, interesting characters, and, unlike a few of the later episodes, a denouement that not only make senses and is unrushed but that has real emotional and psychological impact as well. Thaw and Whately are in top form, the best one-two punch in crime fiction since Holmes and Watson. This episode is also an excellent example of one of the thematic preoccupations of this series: middle-age melancholy and the toll it sometimes takes.

"Second Time Around" is yet another example of the superb work of John Thaw as Morse--even in those episodes which lack the usual tension and bite, Thaw's Morse is an astounding presence, irritable, acidic, vulnerable, funny, pompous, and compelling, by turns, and thoroughly, entertainingly, convincing. For those unfamiliar with the series, here is a good place to start. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

improbable plot
I have viewed and own numerous DVD entries in the Inspector Morse series. This particular mystery is not especially appealing, in that it revolves around a somewhat implausible combination of university/religious politics, eating disorders, and a weight loss organization which goes to extreme lengths to protect its reputation and profitability. Ultimately, even the death which represents the subject of the investigation turns out to be unconnected to blatant criminal activity. Compared to other entries in the series, FAT CHANCE is one of the less interesting stories.

M. Williams ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sherlock Holmes (Jeremy Brett) and Dr. Watson (Edward Hardwicke) are drawn into the investigation of the murder of Garcia (Arturo Venegas), for which Scott Eccles (Donald Churchill), a guest of Garcia's at Wisteria Lodge, has been arrested--possibly mistakenly. An extreme rarity in the Holmes canon, a policeman of real competence named Inspector Baynes (Freddie Jones), is also on the case, making this tale all the more interesting for Holmes fans interested in comparing and contrasting investigative styles. Brett and Hardwicke, as always, are exceptionally good as the Great Detective and his famous ally.--Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Dark, Violent, Brilliant!
Granda Television's adaption of Wisteria Lodge is a dark, violent story. It is also one of the most beautifully acted and filmed of the Jeremy Brett productions. Every reviewer before me has said it before: Jeremy Brett is the most fascinating and complete protrayal of Sherlock Holmes that our world as seen. As much as I loved watching Basil Rathbone, he really only scratched the surface of the most famous detective in the world. I guess it depends on who you grew up with. Many older viewers may still prefer Rathbone just because he was the first they saw in the role.

In Wisteria Lodge, we get a multi-faceted Holmes from Brett. His obvious affection for Watson shines through. Also, one needs to mention the wonderful acting of Hardwicke, Donald Churchill, and especially Freddie Jones. As Inspector Baynes, Jones literally leaps off the screen with his vibrant personality. His brief time on screen is perfect proof that a truly great actor makes the most of what time he is given.

This is a beautiful film, lush and exciting. The last minute of the program will leave you breathless. There is little television, past or present, that has been produced with such loving care. You can tell that everyone involved loved the material before they even started! I hope that viewers will enjoy this episode as much as I did.

Arty
This is a marvelous and arty look (check out some of these shots) at a rather obscure Holmes mystery, done when Jeremy Brett was in his prime and the filmmakers hadn't yet gotten overwrought and pretentious. Very fine. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Last Enemy
This one has more humor than any of the others I think.Morse is really going for women in these one. He has a toothache and its pretty funny. So I suggest you get a sotch and enjoy this epiosde. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

GREAT
Its a great movie if you like suspense and action. I love it when the guys head catches on fire! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Morse is actually quite funny throughout this film
Extremely well written, this mystery has Morse and Lewis on the trail of a murderer when all the evidence points to death by natural causes. In the course of the story Morse must deal with all sorts of wealthy American tourists, and one wonders whether this film had any impact on the screenwriters of GOSFORD PARK. Whether it did or not, and whether the actors are really Yanks or not, the cultural clashes are more overtly funny than this series usually gets, Morse is very nearly Basil Fawlty in several scenes.
By this time in the series, Whatley and Thaw were really hitting their stride and their natural ease with each other made these films entirely believeable. Dexter set out to write these stories because he thought he could do a better job than what he had read in the genre, and he did just that. Morse and Lewis are every bit the match for Holmes and Watson.
Anyway, this is a great story, brilliantly written for the screen, and one in which Morse's caustic humour is let run rampant over each and every person with whom he collides. Oh yeah, a jewel is stolen and a woman is dead. Who done it..... that would be telling.

Content good, DVD quality poor
The Inspector Morse series is one of the great British TV mystery programs of all time. "The Wolvercote Tongue" is a decent adaptation of Colin Dexter's "The Jewel That Was Ours," although the book is better. The stereotypical American characters are grating, but this episode is still worth watching for the wonderful performances of --and chemistry between-- actors John Thaw and Kevin Whately. My real complaint about this DVD, however, is with the overall presentation. While I'm grateful to BFS Video (an apparently low-budget operation in Canada) for finally bringing the Morse series to DVD in the US, they've done an incredibly poor job on the DVD transfer and with the packaging of the handful of Morse DVDs that they've released to date. Among other things, the video quality is poor. It looks something you'd get when you put your VCR to the lowest recording grade possible. Second, the unbelievably cheesy BFS Video logo and theme song that assaults the eyes and ears at the start of each DVD is an embarrassment. BFS can't seem to even get the cover photo of their products right. On some of their other Morse DVDs, they use photos that have nothing to do with the particular episode and/or are printed backwards. For this early Morse program, however, they go one further and use a photo that was not only taken many years later, it's from a DIFFERENT SHOW ENTIRELY, namely John Thaw's barrister series from the 1990s, Kavanagh QC. BFS- if you're reading this, kindly fire your products marketing people, as they clearly don't know anything about Morse. There are dozens --if not hundreds or thousands-- of fans out there like me who will gladly help you do things properly, and for no charge! There's no excuse for such shoddy work. Morse fans deserve better.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.....
The WOLVERCOTE TONGUE is a pin that fits into a buckle-an elaborate and beautiful Anglo-Saxon buckle of the sort excavated at Sutton Hoo. The bejeweled tongue is the most beautiful part of the buckle that once clasped the waist of a mighty lord. The matching buckle is on exhibit in the fabled Oxford University Ashmolean--the oldest museum in England.

The tongue, long ago separated from the buckle, is owned by a rich American woman who has traveled with a group of tourists to Oxford, where she plans to present the pin to the Ashmolean. The afternoon of the presentation, after too much touring about the city has tired her, the woman goes to her hotel room to take a nap from which she will never awake. Her husband discovers her body and that the Wolvercote tongue has gone missing. Never fear, Endeavor Morse, Detective Chief Inspector of the Thames Valley Police and his trusty sidekick Sgt. Lewis are soon on the case.

This is a lovely film, and a vicarious thrill for Anglophiles who have spent hours and hours in Oxford or wish they had. The colleges, the shops, walking along behind Merton, the Botanical garden, punters on the Thames, the Ashmolean-it wouldn't matter to me if the plot made sense or not (it does), or whether the characters were fully developed or not (they are). Oxford's gleaming spires in the dying light of the afternoon sun and John Thaw-who could ask for anything more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

As usual, John Thaw played His role as Morse brilliantly.
The story line is believeable,the acting is great, the city is beautiful. What more can I say? ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Inspector Morse : "Last Seen Wearing"
If you own this episode on VHS there is no reason to purchase the DVD version. I am a big Inspector Morse fan and find this to be one of the better episodes but the DVD itself is horrible.
I cannot believe how a show as popular as Inspector Morse can be turned into such a shoddy DVD. The DVD contains no extras (although some newer episodes do contain laughable text trivia, ha!) The transfer is mediocre at best, and lastly the packaging is cheap. I recently purchased "Brideshead Revisited" on DVD, wonderful transfer, wonferful packaging, many extras including a booklet. Is it really too much to ask that the series be treated with a little respect, how about some extras behind the scenes footage? a director or author voice over? maybe an interview with some of the surviving cast? Its just dreadful in every respect. I can only hope the series is issued again by a company with more taste.

Another horrible transfer!
I am sure that many of the Ispector's fans waited impatiently for the series to be released on DVD. I made a fatal mistake of selling my VHS collection.
Beware! This transfer is a disaster!
Conclusion: Stick to your VHS for now!
Note: same thing with Brother Cadfael DVDs. Is it the London fog or what?

The first Morse I remember seeing, a good one
This is the first Morse story that I can actually remember seeing and as with all of the others it is a good story well worth watching. I would say that even a person who doesn't think they'd like an English murder mystery should try it. I would never have recognized Elizabeth Hurley in an early role as a school girl, Julia Sawalha(also present) was more appealing to me.

Elizabeth Hurley as a schoolgirl......
with a funky complexion, thick eyebrows, & thicker ankles! This your usual Inspector Morse mystery. He's grumpy, and always ready to have a good pint of Real Ale, and ready to have his sergeant pay for that pint. The real surprise here was seeing Hurley. She probably doesn't want this seen, but hey, a cygnet becomes a swan, right?

Excellent plot line and fine acting....
LAST SEEN WEARING was one of the first dramatizations of the BBC/PBS series of 33 episodes based on the character of Endeavor Morse, Detective Chief Inspector of the Thames Valley Police Department--serving the city of Oxford in England. LSW is actually based on one of the 13 books Dexter wrote, and contains a clever and complex plot. I think I'm fairly intelligent, and I read many mysteries, but I will say, I was baffled by this story. I read the book first, and recommend you do too.

The storyline is this--a young girl who is a day student at a private girl's school fails to come home one day. The police are called in to find the girl. Six months later, the girl is still missing and Morse is put on the case. He tells Sargeant Lewis, "She's dead." "Why do you say that Sir?" says Lewis. Morse replies, "Because I'm the three-file man. They bring me in when there are three files, and when there are three files, someone's gone missing too long." So the first mystery is this, is the girl alive as Lewis says, or is she dead as Morse insists??

If she is dead, who killed her? The headmaster of the school has been behaving suspiciously. His wife thinks his actions are odd. The assistant head mistress seems to have some knowledge she is keeping under wraps. And then there's the father who has access to all sorts of earth-moving equipment--and he's her stepfather after all and a wealthy one at that. On the other hand, one of the male instructors quit quite recently, around the time when the young girl disappeared. He moved onto a lower paying job in another school. Why would he do that?

For regular fans of BBC/PBS drama and comedy, the cast is filled with many familiar faces. Julia Sawhalia ("Absolutely Fabulous" and "Pride and Prejudice") and Hugh Grant's old girl friend (Estee Lauder model) play students. "As Time Goes By" fans will recognize the actor who plays Alistair. In LSW he plays the young male teacher who recently vacated his job at the private school where the female student disappeared.

The DVD is excellent. The shots of the English countryside are wonderful. The crisp clear photography reveals the black circles under Morse's eyes (he has a little alcohol problem) as well as the 20 layers of dirty green paint on the long corridor in the old police headquarters building. This is vintage stuff. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Morse in God's Own Country?
Promised land begins, rather unpromisingly, with Morse and Strange observing a funeral and identifying in the grand tradition of detective movies the villains. A nod to the old Thaw series, the Sweeney, the show continues in this vein for a while as the boundaries are established, of getting the final villains, the possibility of a gang's release.

Morse is ordered to revisit a supergrass to try to uncover evidence which would resolve both the issues. The snitch has begun a new life in the equivalent of the witness protection scheme so everything appears to be straightforward.

On the eve of their departure, Lewis is more than a little miffed at having to forego his vacation, a burglary occurs at the local freesheet newspaper and in the grand Holmesian tradition, nothing is stolen.

Off our intrepid heroes set for Lewis to discover that the person they are visiting was transplanted to Australia.

There are some spectacular shots of the countryside which dwarf the car that they are driving and which serves to give a sense of perspective on the vastness of the country. In a vignette Morse discovers that he has not brought his beloved opera tape with him to play on the long drive. Lewis, searching for an alternative discovers country music, Australian style, on the radio. This again underscores the notion of Australia as a new country shaking off her connections to Britain.

On arriving at their destination the sterotypical portrayal of Australian men as boorish, gambling, womenisers is presented in a scene where Morse and Lewis venture into the local bar. In a very funny moment, Lewis orders a beer while Morse contents himself with an orange juice - a reversal of the usual position - which moves on to a condemnation by Morse of non-real ale and a perception by the locals that Morse is possibly homosexual.

The plot develops with a mysterious stranger driving a camper, the stoolie's wife is both hostile and yet welcoming. Her husband has disappeared, nothing new in that, and Morse and Lewis expend considerable energies in the search.

As the programme develops the stereotypical views of the country and it's people are challenged and they are shown to be warm, sociable, and open minded.

In the conclusion, in front of the Sydney Opera House, Lewis has resolved his issues by remaining in Australia to be joined by his wife. Morse is left in solitude with his ticket to the opera, a tragic figure who is unable to articulate his feelings.

This Morse does not have the usual twists and turns and in many ways is one of the most approachable of the shows. Regardless it is still terrific entertainment and well worth the five stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Arguably the most entertaining and satisfying episode from the entire Granada Television series about Sherlock Holmes, The Second Stain finds Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous sleuth facing intertwining problems, each with very different consequences. On the one hand, a saber-rattling letter to the British government from a "foreign potentate" has disappeared from the hands of the Rt. Honorable Trelawney Hope (Stuart Wilson), which could incite a major war if it turns up in some visible way. On the other hand, Hope's wife, Lady Hilda (Patricia Hodge), appears to know something about the letter's disposition, but she won't say on pain of some undefined disaster to her marriage. Holmes (Jeremy Brett in his finest hour) and Dr. Watson (a wonderful performance by Edward Hardwicke) can't unravel one mystery without tackling the other, and then there is a murder to boot. The results are well worth the story complications that ensue. The look of epiphany on Brett's face when the ever-clueless Inspector Lestrade (Colin Jeavons) tells Holmes about an odd detail in the murder victim's home--the placement of a certain bloodstained rug doesn't correspond to the location of the soaked-through stain on the floor below--is enormous fun. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (4)

We love it
When Sherlock Holmes is approached by the Prime Minister himself, it looks to be the start of the greatest case of his life. A very important letter is missing from the Secretary for European Affair's dispatch box, and it is not too much to say that its publication would propel Britain into a major war. Only three men in England would handle such a document, and when one of them suddenly turns up dead, Holmes casts his eyes in that direction. And though the dead man does not have the letter, there is a mystery connected with his death - where he died there was blood on the carpet but not on the floor beneath, but looking elsewhere there is a second stain. There are mysteries within mysteries here, mysteries that only Sherlock Holmes can solve!

Every once in a while, an actor comes along who not only plays the role of Sherlock Holmes, but actually redefines the role. In 1984, veteran actor Jeremy Brett (1933-95) actually did it yet again! This fifty-minute episode, the Second Stain, was episode four of the third season, and originally aired on July 30, 1986. As an added bonus, a main character is played by Patricia Hodge, who also played Phyllida "Portia" Erskine-Brown in the Rumpole series. (By the way, if you like Jeremy Brett, you can see him in an entirely different role in My Fair Lady (1964) as Freddie Eynsford-Hill!)

I loved this tape and think that any fan of Sherlock Holmes, or just plain fan of mysteries, will love it, too. My family and I highly recommend it to you!

A mixed bag
I would have a hard time saying that this is one of the best in the series. There is very little suspense, Watson's role is smaller than usual, and I'm not sure the story holds up.

Still, this episode does have several features to recommend it. First, the comical Inspector Lestrade is at his best. Second, Brett's facial expressions are masterful. In fact, this may be his best performance. Third, the story is both deadly serious (consider that Conan Doyle wrote this 15 years before WWI) and hilarious, with Holmes' sexism and carelessness with matches providing good laughs.

In my opinion, The Hound is still the best in the series, but you really can't go wrong with any of them.

Pen Ultimate Holmes
One of the top entries in this series, and Brett continues to imbue his already flawless Holmes with still more interesting facets. A stolen letter, from a foreign hot-head, disappears from a government officials's dispatch box. Both the hapless official AND the Prime Minister (Harry Andrews in an impeccable performance) are terrified: it means war should the contents become public. Holmes realizes that too much time has elapsed for the letter to remain secret, so "prepare for war," he advises. A following visit from the official's furtive wife intrigues Holmes and Watson further, but they will not compromise the British government for the sake of a woman's wiles -- and still the contents don't surface and so there just might be a chance. A well timed murder becomes the catalyst, and so -- the adventure begins. Grenada has never been in finer form than with this terrific Victorian mystery. The cast plays with seasoned perfection (Colin Jeavons joins in again expertly as the waste-of-time Inspector Lestrade) and the results are wonderful! Edward Hardwicke remains as comfortable as a favorite slipper in playing Watson, and Brett's iconoclastic detective is just a joy to watch (his dismissive -- and dangerous -- match-tossing, scrambling and snorting on the Lucas parlor floor, etc.)! Listen to Patrick Gowers beautiful musical motif for Lord Bellinger and just enjoy this excellent and all too brief visit back in time to the Victorian wonderland of Sherlock Holmes.

One of the best episodes of entire run.
Perhaps the strongest cast assembled for a single episode. An enthralling story with particular cogent performances delivered by Jeremy Brett,Colin Jeavons,Sean Scanlan and Patricia Hodge. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle caught a fair amount of flak for getting a lot of details wrong in this story about the training and racing of horses.Nevertheless, it is one of his most popular yarns and makes a fine basis for this vigorous 1988 episode from the Granada Television series about Sherlock Holmes. The Great Detective (Jeremy Brett) and his chronicler and ally Dr. Watson (Edward Hardwicke) hurry to Devonshire, following the murder of a trainer and the disappearance of Silver Blaze, a swift horse heavily favored to win the big-money Wessex Cup. Holmes takes some snarly barbs from Blaze's rich owner in stride--though he has his revenge on the arrogant fellow later. The mystery is a keen one and the solution is among Doyle's most inventive. Brett and Hardwicke are at their best as the dynamic duo. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Nice Friendship/Partnership Story
I would give this story 4 1/2 stars if I could because while this is not the best of the Granada series, it certainly isn't the worst. I like "Silver Blaze" because it is a good story (even if Doyle got some of the horse racing details wrong), and it is nice to see Holmes and Watson working together. Watson (played by the supurb Edward Hardwicke) is not the useless cardboard cutout which is only there to fill space, he assists Holmes with studying the evidence, and later hunting for the horse upon the moor. The scene where they are cheering on Silver Blaze in the race is grand, and the expression on Holmes' face is priceless. He wants to cheer for Silver Blaze but can't quite break that reserved barrier. Jeremy Brett plays the eccentric detective beautifully although he does look tired in this story.

The beginning of the end
I am sorry to say that I cannot really recommend this video, and I wish they had filmed it before Jeremy Brett's illness started to affect his performance. For affect it it certainly does.

Still, there is the marvellous line about the dog in the night-time... ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Sleuthing out something I saw in this Video
In the scene where the blonde lady whose husband is up for the job and he tells her how VERY important it is to him, as a result of which she consents to the rather distasteful proposal of the horrid little man who apparently has the power to see that her husband gets it, she is wearing a blue sweater of intricate cable design. I want to get a picture of it. this is not my first endeavour (is that really Morse's first name?) but I have had no luck, so while this is perhaps the wrong forum, I am posting it in the hope that someone out there shares my fascination with this pattern and will contact me.

Eaton is now his producer
The worst thing to happen to the Inspector Morse series was to have Rebecca Eaton of WGBH in Boston come on board to meddle with the production of these superlative series. She has a singularly unique grasp of the superficial that defies any but the best to add depth and subtlety to storytelling. Nearly alone, she justifies cutting the funding for Public Broadcasting.
In nay case, the main crime she perpetrates here is to excise the detail that Morse, in the course of the book, learns that he has diabetes, and in Colin Dexter's hands, the great detective manages to turn sombre news about himself into a key way to solve the mystery of the murders herein, much as he attacks the crosswords or leaves a brilliant clue as to his Christian name. eaton will have none of that subtlety and plays it straight like Angela Lansbury's "Murder, She Wrote."
More's the pity for the cast assembled here deliver an acting performance of consummate skill and finesse. The character, Clixby Beam, is as evil a character as ever encountered in Morse, and he is not the murderer! Whately and Thaw are positively brilliant all the way through. Morse finally manages a successful love affair with Adele Cecil, who will inspire him through these epochal episodes of his career.
There is less of a reference to classical music in this story, except for Adele's tacit preference for Wagner, which pleases Morse terrifically. This was in fact the episode woven with the fabric of Wagner's TRISTAN AND ISOLDE, but to expect Eaton to have picked that up would have been thoroughly unrealistic. She got the point of the importance of PARSIFAL to THE REMORSEFUL DAY, but how could you miss with Dexter's direct references to Hans Knappertsbusch.
Anyway, this is a great story that rises above the interference by an American producer. It is always interesting to observe how the Morse series portrayed the Americans. The shoe fits so compellingly. Adds a bit of irony to how wrong Eaton and her lot missed the subtle details in Dexter's stories and thereby in Morse's thinking.
I'd highly recommend this DVD, as I would all in the series. Certainly television has rarely risen to this standard, and when you consider how empty the bloated calories of current public and commercial TV are these days, this is a drama to be savoured and mulled over for ages.

Mystery and Love
Inspector Morse shines in this film, as always. There is a slight twist at the end, and we have a rare glimpse of romance for Morse. The main characters have complicated love lives which all seem to intertwine and make the story very interesting. Morse is his staight-forward self, staying focused and solving the mystery at the end. very good viewing. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Fair episode, poorly designed DVD
As others have pointed out, Sgt. Lewis does not appear in this, the penultimate Morse. Apparently, it was because of a contract dispute between the studio/producers and actor Kevin Whately. Despite his absence, and Morse being bound to a hospital bed for most of the program, it's a decent and entertaining episode.

My real complaint is with the quality of the DVD. As with others in this series, the makers of this disk have done a poor job packaging Morse. It's almost comical that this is the only disk in the series for which they've included a photo of Lewis, yet it's the only episode he's not in! I gave up on buying these Region 1 disks long ago. Instead, I bought the complete series from the UK (an elegant package of the whole set is available through Amazon.co.uk) and picked up a multi-regional DVD player on which to watch them. The series and the player together cost about the same as the series would cost if you bought all of the U.S. editions.

A few comments on this episode
As others have pointed out, no lewis in this particular episode. But that's ok really, if you like the rest of the series. If you are a fan of the series, you are aware that the 33 total episodes are either loosely based on or slightly related to Colin Dexter's handful of novels, and are not meant to replace or represent fundamentally his work in anyway. Besides, in the book Lewis is an unimportant character, so his absence is no gaping a hole. At the time Kevin Whatley was working on other television programs and films. John Thaw was as well (Kavannagh QC) but you really really really can't have Morse without Morse. So, disregarding the absence of Lewis and the plot changes, this is still a great episode. Not the best, but its still better than watching Murder She Wrote or Diagnosis Murder.

Morse the Time Traveler
As junior XXX pointed out in his/her review, this episode features no Sergeant Lewis. He's nowhere to be found for whatever reason. But even in the novel, the character of Lewis is less than integral to the plot.

While you (we) can only guess at the film adaptation's dumping of Lewis, I found this a most enjoyable episode of Inspector Morse, as we flashback to the year 1859, complete with haunting period music. It's an interesting combination of Morse and "period piece." It not only foreshadows "what's to come" in "The Remorseful Day", it virtually sets up the "last Morse."

Lastly, I have not read all of the Dexter novels, but of the few I have read, this film adaptation strays farthest from the original novel. It ain't just Sergeant Lewis missing. There are other fundamental plot and character changes. Once you get over the substantial changes, you may find, like me, that this is one of the more enjoyable episodes of Morse.

the weakest Morse of all....where Lewis?
instead of sergeant lewis helping an ill Morse solve a case that is 140 years old, there is a new copper name kershaw. i forgot the name of the actor who played kershaw yet i don't care because he is so bloody awful. once kershaw enters the picture, THE WENCH IS DEAD goes downhill. as always, john thaw is fine as morse. hey, sgt lewis is in the novel. he is mentioned once in the tv movie but nowhere to be seen. perhaps kevin whately (as lewis) was too busy making another popular UK tv series "Peak Practice" where he plays a doctor. thankfully whately and john thaw reunite for the final Morse film THE REMORSEFUL DAY. see it instead and forget THE WENCH IS DEAD.

Wierdly wonderfull.
A wonderfull piece of work.His last ? Do not panic, do not fret,he's just gone down "The Trout" for a quick half. In England,we've already seen the next concocksion of murder,dry hummour,pubs and the ever present American tourists !!!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

At last -- Inspector Morse's first novel comes to video!
Inspector Morse is cerebral, almost an armchair decetcive in the Sherlock Holmes tradition. This video is based on the first Morse novel, but came about halfway through the series' run on ITV. John Thaw is notable in his performance because he almost underplays the role of Morse, and Kevin Whatley as Sergeant Lewis makes a good Watson, trying to understand Morse's thought process, and providing a lens through which us viewers of merely average intellect can comprehend how Morse's mind works. This will never appeal to a general audience, but it's very enjoyable to those at whom it's targeted. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Driven to the Wrong Conclusion
Like a lot of the Inspector Morse films, a big clue to cracking the case is contained in the title. Including Morse and Lewis, there is a third person who plays an equally significant part in the investigations in this film: DS Maitland, an expert on crimes against women, of which this case is. She just happens to be one, too. This is perhaps the most straightforward storyline, with only a few twists and turns, one of which crops up at the very end, turning the investigation upside down, and also causing everything to fall into place and make sense. Morse is adamant he has his man from the very start and his contempt for the individual, not only an arrogant car salesman but a blackmailer and convicted wifebeater to boot, blinds his judgment. There are many red herrings in this case and the general rule in writing a "whodunit" - i.e. make the last person the viewer would expect to have done it, do it - is employed cunningly. Overall, this is another shining example of the classy series, brilliantly written by Academy Award Winner Anthony Minghella and directed by Sandy Johnson. It is not difficult to see why this is one of the Morse films Colin Dexter selected as his favorites. ... Read more