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The History Of Tom Jones A Foundling [1997]
![The History Of Tom Jones A Foundling [1997]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516FZR8X7GL._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £15.99
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Must have
Review date: 2008-07-17 Rating: 10 out of 10
After having watched most of the BBC's period dramas, I still think that 'Tom Jones' is the best of them all. The original novel is difficult to dramatise but the writers here did a fantastic job. Henry Fielding is an intrusive narrator in the book and I found the decision to include him as a featured character in the dramatisation to be quite convincing. The acting is superb throughout. With the possible exception of Samantha Morton as Sophia Western, who comes across as rather bland, the cast is a joy to watch. Some of the supporting characters could not be better cast, just take a look at Brian Blessed who makes a perfect Squire Western (rotten teeth, swearing and all). I always found the Tom Jones of Fielding's novel one of the most likeable characters in all English fiction - Max Beesley has it all: likeability, good looks, sexiness... so if you haven't seen it so far, get it right away. You don't know what you are missing...
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Reviews
You can't beat British TV
Review date: 2008-01-29 Rating: 10 out of 10
I saw this when it was aired on tv some years ago, immediately bought the video set of the series and since abandoning VHS I have been searching for this on DVD. This is one of the best adaptations I have ever seen, wonderful characters and great comedy moments with Brian Blessed and Kathy Burke, the odious Mr Blifil and our hero, ladies man Tom Jones.
Now all i need is the 1997 Jane Eyre with Ciaren Hinds and Samantha Morton and Moll Flanders with Alex Kingston to complete my Sunday afternoon viewing for the rest of the year!
too long
Review date: 2008-01-06 Rating: 6 out of 10
Like Fielding's novel, it is too long. The 1963 film (Albert Finney, Susannah York) is much better.
I'm afraid I didn't like it
Review date: 2007-07-20 Rating: 4 out of 10
The stylised approach just didn't appeal to me at all, it didn't seem like a real drama and the perpetual popping up of "Henry Fielding" to make comments I found most irritating
wonderful adaptation of novel
Review date: 2007-02-04 Rating: 10 out of 10
superb adaptation of the book, wonderful performances, gorgeous costumes and period settings. Bawdy and great fun. Unafraid to use some of the dialogue in the book, which most literary period pieces are now, which adds so much to the enjoyment. First class all round. Brian Blessed is a absolute joy.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Ben Whitrow
Max Beesley
John Sessions
Sylvester McCoy
June Whitfield
Creators:
Max Beesley (Primary Contributor)
John Sessions (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: 2 Entertain Video
Manufacturer: 2 Entertain Video
EAN: 5014503193225
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2006-03-13
Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 313 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1997
Language: English (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired)
Language: English (Original Language)