Jewel In The Crown

With the release of Granada Television's 14 episode Jewel in the Crown, Britain has the dubious distinction of perfecting the soap opera. Paul Scott's The Raj Quartet provides the basis for this ambitious undertaking. Backdrop for the story is the final years of the British empire in India, and the evocation of this time period is superb. Narrative segments are bridged by actual newsreel footage of WWII military activity in India, as well as scenes of growing civil unrest. Not only do these inserts give the viewer a break from the angst-laden script, they effectively add depth to the story. Performances by Tim Pigott-Smith as the psychotic Ronald Merrick and Geraldine James as Sarah Layton are tour de force. Casting is one of the strengths of this production--every character is believably portrayed. All the elements of great soap are here--a tortuous plot featuring class distinctions; prejudice; and a fair measure of sex, violence, and romance. When you charge this out, plan to allow your patrons at least two weeks to get through it. Recommended. (Elliott Swanson, Kitsap Regional Library, Bremerton, WA).