This BBC series of adaptations of Dorothy Sayers' whodunits—starring Ian Carmichael as eccentric but astute aristocrat Peter Wimsey—is complete insofar as the TV productions are concerned, although not all of the Wimsey books were adapted (and none of the short stories). Sayers wrote the five novels dramatized here between 1926 and 1934, and these feature-length films—initially broadcast between 1972-75 as part of the PBS Masterpiece Theatre series—are true to the spirit of the interwar period, suffused with an attitude of noblesse oblige. Clouds of Witness finds Wimsey defending his own brother from murder charges before the House of Lords. In The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club, the death of two siblings on the same day leaves him untangling inheritance questions. Murder Must Advertise has Wimsey going undercover to investigate a copywriter's death. The question at the core of Five Red Herrings is who, among six potential suspects, is guilty of killing an unpopular artist. And The Nine Tailors concerns a decades-old case involving stolen jewels. Technically, these productions are seriously dated and have a stage-bound feel, although the sets and costumes are lavish for their day. But Carmichael is a marvelously chipper Wimsey, and the supporting cast is chockfull of fine British actors. DVD extras include interviews with Carmichael, text production notes, and text bios of Sayers and Carmichael. Viewers who consider traditional English mysteries to be their cup of tea will appreciate this delightful set. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek)
The Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries: Complete Collection
Acorn, 6 discs, 1,005 min., not rated, DVD: $59.99 Volume 28, Issue 4
The Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries: Complete Collection
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