The Beiderbecke Connection (1988/Acorn Media DVD/British Mini-Series)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C-     Episodes: B-

 

 

A conclusion to s set of Mystery/Comedy mini-series, The Beiderbecke Connection finishes what The Beiderbecke Affair (1983) and The Beiderbecke Tapes (1987) began in telling the tale of a close married couple who believe in Civil Rights, great music and better living, as well as help solve murders.  You can read more about the first Mini-Series at this link:

 

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/8111/The+Beiderbecke+Affair+(Acorn+Media

 

…and the second at this link:

 

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/8996/The+Beiderbecke+Tapes+(1987/Acorn

 

 

To again repeat, James Bolam is Trevor Chaplin, a woodshop teacher and likes Jazz music, while he dates Jill (Barbara Flynn), who wants to win a political seat and push her environmental agenda.  This tale is in two parts that are the equivalent of two TV movies and are just as entertaining as the last series.  This time, they have a child and are ready to finally have peace in their lives when they look after a refugee as a favor to a friend.  While trying to continue their teacher work, the government puts them under watch and Trevor has to prove wood for his class is not stolen product.

 

Alan Plater (of the great A Very British Coup, reviewed elsewhere on this site) once again pulls this one off nicely and wraps this up very well.  Though you can see it in a stand-alone way and enjoy it, I would recommend you catch the first series before seeing this to get the most out of it.

 

The full frame 1.33 x 1 image quality is a little better than the previous sets, but color can be lacking.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono sound is also good for its age and plays better than the previous sets.  Some informative cast text is the only extra.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo