pete@stc.co.uk (03/03/86)
No apologies for posting this to the world - it seems likely that this series will be shown in other countries than the UK. Mervyn Peake's books present a serious problem to the would-be television adaptor. Because Peake illustrated his own work brilliantly, we already *know* how the characters should look. The BBC got round the problem in 1984 by transmitting `Titus Groan' and `Gormenghast' as radio plays. `Mr Pye', written in 1953, was given the radio treatment in 1955 as `To Mr Pye - an Island'. Channel 4 have tackled the problem head-on. By taping on location on the beautiful Channel Island of Sark with the help of the Sarkese themselves, many of whom remember Peake vividly, they have got the look and atmosphere quite well. The clarity of videotape is perhaps not best suited to outdoors drama. I feel that film, with its more subtle tonal variation would have captured the airyness of the place better. My 20 year old memories of the island came up clear and sharp, however. Having got the setting right, what about the characters and mood of the story? Straight away, I must say that although Derek Jacobi has Mr Pye's indefatigable jauntiness to a tee, he doesn't *look* right. Mervyn Peake drew a round man with a pointy nose; Jacobi looks only mildly overweight. All the other characters, including many Sarkese extras look just right. I think that Jacobi will eventually become convincing. As for the mood, the story reflects the whimsical side of Mervyn Peake. The Gothic gloom of the `Titus' books is absent and the irony is turned to a gentle fable about the dangers of excess. The TV treatment responds to this lighter, gentler mood and the result is delightful. Watch it if you can. (For UK readers - it's repeated on Wednesday) -- Peter Kendell <pete@stc.UUCP> ...!mcvax!ukc!stc!pete "I'll have a shower and then call my brother up, Within the hour I'll smash another cup"