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Black Beauty - Series 2 - Complete
RRP: £29.99
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Black Beauty Rides Again
Review date: 2008-05-25 Rating: 8 out of 10
Season 2 sees the introduction of three new prominant characters: James Gordon's younger daughter Jenny (Stacy Dorning), Amy's urchin nephew Ned Lewis (Stephen Garlick) and Squire Armstrong (Michael Culver). Episodes 1 and 2 entitled "A Member Of The Family" focuses on them specifically. Ned is welcomed into the Gordon family household and immediately falls foul of Armstrong who (unjustly) accuses him of burglary. Jenny upsets the squire when she and Black Beauty sabotage a fox hunt by helping the intended prey avoid an untimely death. Further adventures ensue with these teenagers, including Kevin Gordon (a very much underrated Roderick Shaw) and village scamp Albert (Tony Maiden), finding themselves involved in extraordinary situations, with Beauty invariably coming to their rescue. The character of Squire Armstrong adds another dimension to the show. A harsh and confrontational manner contrasting perfectly with that of Jenny's father (William Lucas) whose tolerance and understanding for others befitted perfectly his profession of family doctor.
The quality of writing and production continues from Season 1. The location and in-depth characters helped create a feel for the Victorian period, from when this story is set. Many now well-known actors guest starred, including Mike Pratt (Randall and Hopkirk) and Jack Shepherd (Wycliffe).
The excellent Judi Bowker (who played Vicky Gordon in Season 1) is noticeable by her absence. Her non-appearance provoked no explanation at all and remains a mystery to this day. Vicky's interaction with Beauty was broadly believable, if not pivotal to the show's inaugural success. For her to be airbrushed without due reason had an adverse effect on proceedings. Also to discover a third Gordon sibling (Jenny) at the start of this series - a person who received no mention at all during Season 1 - was perceived by many fans as an insult to their intelligence.
BLACK BEAUTY epitomised family tv at its most endearing. It certainly compares favourably with the inane dross that currently masquerades as family-orientated television. This series comprises all 26 episodes which originally aired in 1973 and 1974. Available in a 4-dvd box set.
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Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Mike Pratt
Stuart Damon
Jack Shepherd
Mervyn Johns
Creators:
Mike Pratt (Primary Contributor)
Mervyn Johns (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Network
Manufacturer: Network
EAN: 5027626279943
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 4
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2008-04-14
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 650 minutes
Language: English (Unknown)