Two British soldiers return from World War II only to find that life after demobilization is difficult in this moderately enjoyable six-part 1993 British miniseries. Deasey (Griff Rhys Jones) and Dobson (Martin Clunes) are chums who entertained their comrades-in-arms with raunchy song-and-dance routines but are now uncomfortably back in civilian life. Deasey has problems both finding a job that suits him and reconnecting with his wife and the son who barely remembers him, while the single Dobson falls in with an unsavory crowd. Eventually the pair take up their old act, performing in nightclubs, music halls, and at private receptions. Demob centers on their career vicissitudes—including a troubled stint on a radio show for kids—and the resulting effects on their personal lives, with Deasey's marriage (in particular) suffering when he becomes involved with a showgirl. While there's a bit of a soap-operatic quality to much of Demob, some of the plot threads—such as the growing bond between Deasey and his son—are emotionally satisfying, and the vaudeville milieu is a distinct plus, serving up plenty of comic sketches before appreciative audiences, along with sharp dialogue. Recommended. (F. Swietek)
Demob
Acorn, 2 discs, 300 min., not rated, DVD: $39.99 Volume 26, Issue 3
Demob
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