History Of Mr Polly, The (BBC-1 1980 with Andrew Sachs and Peter Bourke)

UK / BBC One / 5×30 minute episodes / Broadcast 3-30 March 1980 Sundays @ 6.00pm

Writer: James Andrew Hall / Novel: H.G. Wells / Script Editor: Alistair Bell / Production Design: Susan Spence / Music: Stephen Deutsch / Producer: Barry Letts / Director: Lovett Bickford

Period drama serial. At the turn of the 20th century drapers assistant Mr Polly is convinced that a better life is just around the corner, following the death of his father he opens up his own shop with his wife Miriam, however some years down the track he is has something of a mid life crisis, goes on the road and ends up working in a pub where thanks to a chance bit of circumstance he is able to fake his death and start a new life.

An ably mounted Sunday tea time serial version of H.G. Wells classic novel.

cast
ANDREW SACHS as Alfred Polly
PETER BOURKE as Platt
ANITA CAREY as Mrs Polly
CHRISTOPHER GOOD as Parsons
CHRISTOPHER BENJAMIN as Garvace
RONALD HERMAN as Mansfield
JEFFREY PERRY as Morrison
MILDRED SHAY as American Lady
PETER GEE as Romeo
GLYNN EDWARDS as Mr Rusper

Head of film reviews at The Viewers Guide with an erudite, insightful, slightly sardonic, deep appreciation for classic cinema. Has a habit of quoting obscure lines from old films in everyday conversation. He keeps a meticulously organized film logbook. He's a bit of a tea snob.