* * * Information and sleeve design courtesy of Granada Video Press Office * * *
Richard Beckinsale's first appearance in Granada's sitcom "The Lovers", which originally aired in October 1970, can finally be purchased on a video which features three episodes from the first series: War is Declared, The Dominant Partner and Freckle Face. It is certificate 12 and lasts approximately 71 minutes.
The following extract was included in the press release:
The video was released 19th February 2001 and should cost around £9.99. The catalogue number, should you need it for ordering, is "GV0302". Copies can be purchased online (or ordered prior to release date) at amazon.co.uk.
The opening scenes of this first episode contain some classic one liners and comic statements about the typical behaviour and thoughts of the battling sexes during youth, and the silly games they play with each other. The whole series is full of the kind of witty observations about courting that are condensed into this opening scene. Lead characters Beryl (played by Paula Wilcox) and Geoffrey try to pretend they aren't the slightest bit interested in each other, but chase each other round the market place and go to pieces when they finally bump into each other all the same.
"It's fascinating how the human mind matures," Geoffrey thinks dreamily as he watches his ex-girlfriend Beryl, "A mere year ago I thought she looked about as sexy as Malcom Muggeridge. But now I don't think that at all... I'm bloody certain!"
The two characters are obviously smitten with one another but each plays such games with the other and winds them up that they are constantly on the verge of breaking up. This first episode shows them getting together and struggling through their usual cat and mouse game while Beryl's mother (played by Joan Scott) watches on, the only person with any idea what's going on.
As with every episode in the series, "War Is Declared" leaves the viewer constantly on the edge of their chair wondering if the couple will cross the fine line between getting together and driving each other away, and there's a lot of laughs to keep you occupied while you're waiting for the outcome.
Episode 2 - The Dominant Partner
The second episode in series one deals mainly with Beryl's confusion over how exactly she wants her relationship with Geoffrey to be. She wants her man to dominate the relationship and tell her exactly what to do, showing his authority whenever she displeases him. But Geoffrey would much rather try and keep Beryl happy and find out where she wants to go on their dates... so the confused Beryl orders him to order her about, and then objects to his choices and they end up doing what she wants anyway while Geoffrey struggles to understand her. The typical confusion and frustration each partner has with each other is quite clear in this episode
Episode 3 - Freckle Face
Geoffrey isn't getting anywhere with Beryl, and now his problem is made worse by the fact that his friend is asking questions and he can't give the answers he wants. Beryl's mother starts advising her daughter on how to attract Geoffrey, but doesn't explain how she can do that and still stay well behaved at the same time as the majority of their time is spent at Beryl's house under the watchful gaze of her mother. . The Lovers' confusions are added to when Geoffrey starts taking his friend's advice on women and even tries with another girl who he's heard has a thing for him. But as usual he ends up back with Beryl as the pair grimly realise that their situation is pointless with them both wanting different things at the same time, but that's the way it's always been and that's never stopped them before.
* * * Information and sleeve design courtesy of Granada Video Press Office * * *