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Crossroads - Part 1
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Editorial
Synopsis
Features episodes from the cult soap-opera with the notoriously wobbly sets.
Re - live the memories of Meg's motel
Review date: 2007-11-04 Rating: 10 out of 10
It is truly wonderful that CROSSROADS is available on DVD.This classic soap opera is unique compared to the other soaps like CORONATION STREET and EMMERDALE FARM.unique because the start of CROSSROADS was just 7 notes of the main theme,The end credits went vertical and then horizontal (in those lovely big yellow letters) and their were two versions of the main theme (the Tony Hatch version and a special arrangement by Paul McCartney)the latter usually used when something sad happened. and of course not forgetting the cliff hanger at the end of the closing credits.Just a few things that made this a truly lovely programme.we loved all the charecters, Of course Noele Gordon is superb as Meg,the banter between the chefs McFee and Mr.Booth is a wonderful comedy element.kind hearted Doris Luke and nosey Amy Turtle to name a few.Lovely sets of episodes,the christmas episode is lovely and cheerful with the cast singing 'Jingle Bells' and Meg's 'We Need A Little Christmas'.Why critics had nothing nice to say about CROSSROADS is beyond me,the sets DON'T wobble and so what if some actors tripped over a word (we all do that in real life).CROSSROADS for me and many still remains the best soap opera.
Similar Products
- Crossroads - Part 2
- Crossroads - Volume 3(Limited Edition) (3 Discs)
- Crossroads Vol. 4
- Coronation Street : The 1970's (10 Disc Box Set)
- Emmerdale Farm - Series 1 - Complete [1972]
Reviews
Crosssroads Part1
Review date: 2006-11-08 Rating: 10 out of 10
I'm so glad "Crossroads" is getting to come out on DVD,I think the fact that several shops sold out,when it first came out,proves the point it was the show,people loved to knock but was in its heyday,very popular.
Several of the early years episodes where wiped and the earliest surviving episode is one in 1966,included here,great to see Sue Nichols,well known now as Audrey Roberts in "Coronation Street" as dizzy waitresss Marilyn.
Crossroads also has one of the best theme tunes,ever,the "Do De Do Do" announcing a new episode.
Noele Gorden is such a strong reassuring figure as Meg Richardson,later Mortimer,thats its well know now,that her axing in 1981,was an attempt to killl the show off but it survived until April 1988,then brought back in two incarnations starting in 2001,but the brutal and frankly,unwanted murder of "Crossroads" favourite,Jill(Jane Rossington)early on,was the kiss of death to the show and it had none of the warmth and charm of the orginal.
This DVD has some great episodes,Sandy (Meg's son)being told he is paralaysed,David Hunter being shot by his deranged ex wife Rosemary,the 1979 Xmas party is a joyous one,even one of my favourite characters,Miss Diane Hunter(Sue Hanson)getting a bit of romance for a change,nice to see Miss Doris Luke(Kathy Staff)there too,of course now better now as Nora Batty in "Last of The Summer Wine"
Benny Hawkins(Paul Henry)was a very popular character,Benny pops up too,although he features more in the "Crossroads Volume2"set.
I also love Angus Lennie as camp chef Shughie McFee,he is hilarious,when he pretends to play the bagpipes at New Year,in reception to a tape,only for it all to go wrong.
Ann George is very endearing as motel gossip Amy Turtle but she is forever to be linked to Julie Walter's line forgetting Mrs Overall in "Acorn Antiques"!
It really was a good show in its day,it surprisingly survived Noele Gordon's sacking,but the axing of popular characters like Diane Hunter,Kath Brownlow,Doris Luke and even Benny meant by the end of its orginal run,there were very few popular characters left,except Jill and Adam Chance(Tony Adams)
So give these DVD a go and step once more through those camp Motel doors!
Crossroads nostalgia
Review date: 2005-09-15 Rating: 10 out of 10
Great to revisit the old series which was a tea time institution when I was growing up! Did not notice the wobbly sets and the forgotten words, well some I did, but good to see Noelle Gordon again and such sadness when she passed away. Recommended for serious fans of Crossroads!
Crossroads Stands The Test of Time!
Review date: 2005-05-13 Rating: 10 out of 10
Like many people of our generation, my wife and I grew up with CROSSROADS. It was a regular feature of our weekday tea-times. So it was with some trepidation that we finally settled down to watch this long-awaited two-disc set. Would CROSSROADS be as good as we so fondly remembered? In fact, it was even BETTER. Friendship, family bonds and love were always the show's cardinal virtues - not the shallow, back-biting, kiss-and-tell, who's-the-daddy-style plots so prevalent in today's soaps. The characters here are just that - characters, not caricatures. And the situations in which they find themselves are as compelling today as they were back in the 1960s and 70s. There is no sign of wobbly sets here - a few wobbly actors, maybe, but no wobbly sets - and I am delighted to say that CROSSROADS has easily retained its warmth, intelligence and charm. Watch it, and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed ... but you may very well be hooked!
A Soap Which Lead The Way
Review date: 2005-05-01 Rating: 10 out of 10
Looking at this DVD you can clearly see that Reg Watson took many of its early ideas with him when he moved from ATV to Grundy; and created many other soap hits such as The Young Doctors and Neighbours. The DVD offers proof that Crossroads was no worse than Coronation Street. Of course it won't appeal to everyone, Crossroads is rare in television soap in as much as it didn't stick totally to the rules of soap production and wasn't afraid to be different (a good thing really why be a Emmerdale Farm clone?) Its unique, but that makes this all the more enjoyable. At the time it was knocked for this, but now it seems tame compared to the soap plots of today, you could say it lead the way! Too many soaps today are the same; same kind of location, same kind of characters and copycat plots. 12 classic episodes are contained on the DVD. Now some are classic for their drama such as David Hunter being shot or Meg dealing with her son's car crash. Other episodes are more for the humour and kitchness; such as the New Years Eve episode from 1973.
All in all the DVD proves Crossroads was at the same level as Coronation Street in television standards at the time (yes I've seen the Corrie repeats) it also proves it does something many soaps have failed to do - tell a good story. The characters are just that - and maybe OTT at times, but Crossroads lead the way in providing drama, humour and entertaiment. It ran for 24 years, many other soaps came and went in that time, its ratings were always high (always more than Emmerdale and more often than not Dallas.)
All I can say is I hope there are many more DVDs because Crossroads is a classic, and Noele Gordon as the leading lady brings a touch of class to the proceedings. 20 years after her death, and 40 years since the soap began this DVD is a fitting tribute.
Product Details/Specifications
Artist(s):
Crossroads
Recording label: Network
Manufacturer: Network
EAN: 5027626225346
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2005-04-25
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 250 minutes
Language: English (Original Language)
Brand: Granada Ventures