Our Mutual Friend

This 1958 bbc adaptation of our mutual friend is quite an eye opener, though it's mostly studio bound it does feature some location footage, the sets may not teem with life like a more modern production would, at twelve 1/2 hour episodes it's adherence to the story is second to none and unlike any adaptation it presents the characters as written so you actually get characters of the time they where written, not a watered down version to suit the modern audiences tastes, which is a refreshing change and also one of the reasons this adaptation is still so fresh, but be warned if your easily offended as one of the main love interests displays views that in todays climate would see them pilloried. The cast is exemplary and features many familiar character actors of the time most sadly now gone.As for the DVD the picture quality is as expected not the best but is always clear and though the sound suffers from studio hiss it is never unintelligible.

Our Mutual Friend is in many ways a product of its time (a 12-part series of telerecordings from a live broadcast in 1958/59), but it has many memorable moments, a sharp visual style, an interesting soap opera-like narrative with fun (but predictable) twists and turns, and interesting characters to entertain the audience. Not for everyone, but a recommendation for early BBC drama and Dickens fans alike.

This is so very good and hasn't dated at all probably because of the superb performances and the edgy editing and camera angles.

Re-viewing BBC Dickens' serials from my youth.

Great thanks

This is from 1959 and I watched it at that time hence this purchase. (I had assumed it was lost) It looks faded and primitive by todays products but it is still very enjoyable and there are some great names in the cast. Such a good Dickens tale too!