P.G. Wodehouse himself introduces each episode of Wodehouse Playhouse (a ringing endorsement, what?), a much-loved mid-'70s BBC series that brought to the screen several of Wodehouse's most delightful stories and eccentric characters as embodied by John Alderton and Pauline Collins, a real-life couple perhaps best known in the United States for their endearing series, No, Honestly, as well as their stint on Upstairs, Downstairs. While Jeeves and Wooster are not represented in these episodes, the daft Mulliner family is in "The Truth About George," "Romance at Droitgate Spa," "Portrait of a Disciplinarian," "Unpleasantness at Bludleigh Court," and "A Voice From the Past." Also included is one of Wodehouse's famed golf stories, which is anything but par for the course: in "Rodney Fails to Qualify," Will Bates nearly loses his beloved golfing partner to a poet, whose disinterest in golf will prove to be his undoing. Only the Hollywood-based nonsense "The Rise of Minna Nordstrom" is something of a letdown, although even this is redeemed by Collins' considerable charm. Admirably faithful to Wodehouse's gentle humor and his nimble use of language ("Dogface, my demon lover, you did not endear yourself," a woman rebukes her companion in one story), this will be a must-watch for devoted Wodehouse readers, and for those yet to make his acquaintance, this seven-episode compilation will be a jolly good show. Highly recommended. (K. Lee Benson)
Wodehouse Playhouse
Acorn, 2 discs, 210 min., not rated, DVD: $39.95 Volume 18, Issue 2
Wodehouse Playhouse
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