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Dick Turpin - The Complete Second Series [1979]
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RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £6.73 (subject to change)
Stand and Deliver!
Review date: 2008-07-25 Rating: 10 out of 10
Network Video do it again. Are these people telepathic? Another of my favourite TV series is released again on DVD. I have owned the first series from its first release about two years ago. Series 2 is better on storylines than the first series, and there's something about a series made on film that has the edge on all the videotaped media that was around in the 70's. There are a couple of brilliant two part episodes in this DVD set and having watched them again I wonder why the original series was not given an hour slot on ITV. I thought Richard O Sullivan played an excellent Dick Turpin, having only ever seen him in comedy roles I didn't really appreciate his acting capability back in 1978, but of course he's been acting I believe since a very early age - 12?. With all that talent and acting under his belt it's hard to believe this great man is now in a retirement home in Twickenham. Anyway folks if you enjoyed the first DVD set you'll love this one even more. Just a final word about Richard Carpenter. This man knew how to entertain children where are you now? We need you back.
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Reviews
Sense of mischief
Review date: 2008-06-07 Rating: 10 out of 10
This second series is every bit as good as series one. "The Fox" is in two parts. Turpin finds a fellow-highwayman on the point of death. Dick and his accomplice "Swiftnicks" are captured and taken before the dreaded Lord Manderville. His lordship decideds on a terrible punishment: Turpin is to be hunted like an animal and torn to pieces by hounds. His wife, Lady Julia protests. A proud, noble beauty, she refuses to take part, but under threats of a beating from his lordship reluctantly complies.
The reader must view the film to appreciate how deftly the hunting scene is handled. We share Turpin`s terror as the hounds come nearer. Dick escapes and discovers that the robber whose life he failed to save, is Lady Julia`s brother. Turpin decideds to help this beautiful lady, for he is now in love with her: a truly "noble" woman. He calls upon her, and tells her what he knows. She in turn informs him that the money her brother stole was set aside to free her from this unhappy marriage. Dick persuades her to make the break.
There is one noticeable thing when they set off. During the hunt, her ladyship rode a big, roan-coloured horse; now she is well-mounted on a large, splendid black stallion, equal to Turpin`s mount, "Black Bess" It seems symbolic that these two handsome people are riding similar horses, for it seems to link them closer together. They find the treasure, but Lord Manderville has followed them & challanges Turpin to a duel. Dick wins the bout, then approaches the beautiful Julia, now re-mounted. The lovely noblewoman looks down fondly at this man who has obtained her freedom; she loves him very much. "Goodb`ye Turpin", she says tenderly, "good fortune on the road" Then, wheeling her magnificent horse away, canters off to a new life of happiness. This endows Turpin with a joyful heart, especially when he espies a fox also dashing to freedom.
The episode entitled "The Hanging" has a similar theme, but this time Dick runs off with the gorgeous lady! It is interesting to note how Turpin`s sense of mischief is made apparent. When he and the lovely lady of the Manor are riding away in the final scene, he declares: "Well, you`re Lady Harrington" she replies: "And you`re Dick Turpin!" Dick acknowledges this with: "Your obedient servant Ma`am" she murmurs: "And yours!" and we know from their seductive looks that their acquaintanceship will not end with mere words, for she asks: "And how long shall I be your...ahem... "hostage" Mr. Turpin?" her bright eyes dancing with merriment. "As long as you like!" he laughs, thinking of the pleasure to come when he beds her, for the lady is more than willing! Great stuff from a great series by the team which brought us "Black Beauty" What a pity they don`t make them like this any more, but who knows?
John Harman
Turpin rules, shame about the editing.
Review date: 2006-03-28 Rating: 10 out of 10
Yes, Dick Turpin series two is every bit as good as series one is. Like one of the other reviewers said 'they don't make 'em like this anymore'. I'm very happy that this one has finally been released on dvd. Charismatic actors, adventure, fun, you name it, Dick Turpin has it. Off course, I'm very much biased since this has been a childhood favourite ever since it first aired in the late seventies. Love it!
But what a shame that editors these days are so politically correct and sensitive towards, ehm...who? The impressionable child? Take the last episode, 'The Hanging'. I've got it on a lo-fi, low quality VHS tape, copied two times or so. But, the episode is complete! Remember Swiftnick taking the bigshot's wife hostage to save Turpin from the gallows? In the original episode Spiker has already put the rope around Turpin's neck and is but one second away from hanging his arch enemy. Not so on dvd. Some oversensitive editor must have decided that that was just too much to take for the average 12 year old child and just simply cut that part out. So in the dvd episode, Swiftnick saves the day BEFORE the rope has been put around Dick's neck. Big difference. Same goes for 'Dick Turpin's Greatest Adventure'. They've cut out some very mild nudity there. Considering all the sex and violence that's on Tv these days, let alone computer games and what have you, it seems a bit silly to cut out these scenes.
I always hate it when they do that. It kinda ruins the moment for me. I guess I will have to cherish my VHS tapes. It'll come out on dvd in Holland though, in a month or so and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that one.
But having said that, the series is absolutely enjoyable and you'll love every minute of it!
Another second helping of a great drama series
Review date: 2006-02-09 Rating: 10 out of 10
If you have a hankering for Englishness of the past coupled with a degree of romantic nostalgia, then Richard O'Sullivan in his excellent characterisation of Dick Turpin epitomises the bygone age of the highwayman brilliantly.
Series 2 is more of the same as Series 1! If you liked the first DVD then this is just the ticket! Dick Turpin and sidekick Swift Nick winding their merry way trying to keep ahead of Captain Spiker and Sir John Glutton.
Good story lines all cut and dried in 29 mins an episode - with the occasional two part episode thrown in. Dont be put off by the shortish episode lengths, and while you are at it have a glimpse at the main story writer - none other than Richard Carpenter who went on to pen the "Robin of Sherwood" series. From this DVD I went on to buy the Robin of Sherwood collection something to take a look at if you havent already done so! My only complaint is I would have liked some special Dick Turpin features - interviews with the actors etc etc. But still worth buying make no mistake!
"Let's Ride!"
Review date: 2005-01-01 Rating: 8 out of 10
If you vaguely remember this show from the time, and aren't sure how well it might have aged, I can assure you that it's every bit as fun as you think it probably was! Tea-time adventure romps don't get much better than this (apart from Carpenter's later 'Robin of Sherwood' series, maybe), and this second set of episodes improves on the first in a number of ways.
The scripts and the performances from all the regulars seem that bit more assured; the action, humour and dramatic tension are all cranked up a notch, and balance each other well. There's a greater variety of locations used (and in ideas for plots, although there's quite a few of O'Sullivan donning disguises 'with hilarious consequences', and the same pub exterior keeps re-appearing with just different inn-signs hanging over it!)
The print quality is an improvement over the first series release (it looks like it was perhaps shot on superior film stock, but this might just be a better remastering job?).
Also, look out for some great guest actors (including a wonderfully villainous Lindsay Duncan; plus a broad comic turn from Joan Sims).
(For info, and to avoid confusion, the second half of these episodes were actually held back for some time and ended up being broadcast as the 'fourth' season, after the 'Dick Turpin's Greatest Adventure' series which came in between, and is yet to be released on DVD...). Shame they don't make them like this anymore!
"Good fortune on the road!"
Product Details/Specifications
Creators:
Paul Knight (Writer)
Richard Carpenter (Writer)
Sidney Cole (Writer)
Recording label: Network
Manufacturer: Network
EAN: 5027626215644
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2004-07-19
Number of discs: 2
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 325 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1985-10-14
Language: English (Original Language)