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The hit BBC drama series which tells the moving and true-to-life stories of a group of midwives working in London's East End in the 1950s.
Newly-qualified midwife Jenny Lee is the latest arrival at Nonnatus House, a convent in one of the poorest areas of London. Jenny is welcomed by the nuns and befriended by the other midwives – good-time girl Trixie, sensible Cynthia and fellow newcomer, the posh, fish-out-of water, Chummy.
We are introduced to the local community through the eyes of the young nurse as she cycles out to tend to her patients. Although the life that greets Jenny is a world away from what she’s used to, she immerses herself in the births, deaths, intrigues and romances of a community she rapidly learns to love.
“Jenny Agutter, Miranda Hart, Pam Ferris and newcomer Jessica Raine are all superb.” The Guardian
“Some of the most moving acting shown on prime time for many years ...a terrific drama” Daily Telegraph
“Utterly winning ...A drama to answer all our prayers" Sunday Times
Newly-qualified midwife Jenny Lee is the latest arrival at Nonnatus House, a convent in one of the poorest areas of London. Jenny is welcomed by the nuns and befriended by the other midwives – good-time girl Trixie, sensible Cynthia and fellow newcomer, the posh, fish-out-of water, Chummy.
We are introduced to the local community through the eyes of the young nurse as she cycles out to tend to her patients. Although the life that greets Jenny is a world away from what she’s used to, she immerses herself in the births, deaths, intrigues and romances of a community she rapidly learns to love.
“Jenny Agutter, Miranda Hart, Pam Ferris and newcomer Jessica Raine are all superb.” The Guardian
“Some of the most moving acting shown on prime time for many years ...a terrific drama” Daily Telegraph
“Utterly winning ...A drama to answer all our prayers" Sunday Times
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
140 of 143 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
...I wasn't sure I would like this series. And I nearly didn't get past the first episode; all that blood and guts, not expected for a programme broadcast before the nine o'clock watershed. But it is a sign of the maturity of the very best TV drama (and that almost always means the BBC) that reality doesn't get left behind in the desire to 'entertain'. Luckily, a friend encouraged me to keep with the series, and it has been rewarding in a number of ways.
The key to good drama is story, cast and direction. This has the lot. The (real) tale of NHS midwives in late '50s East End London. A step into the past. The positives - that sense of community, of progress and hope, of friendships; the negatives - the overcrowding, the poverty, the filth. And I like the way we are constantly reminded of how far things had progressed with the advent of the National Health Service some years earlier (whilst some of us look on aghast as it is now being taken apart).
The casting is a dream. Jenny Agutter, surely one of the most versatile (and under-rated?) of actresses. Jessica Raine, almost child -like. And it was a stroke of genius to have Miranda Hart playing the lovely Chummy, bringing some light to balance the darker moments.
This may sound ridiculous, but there is a comparison here with Dad's Army: a collection of interesting and likeable people doing good.
But it is also quite moving, a rare thing indeed.
No wonder this has been such a surprise hit.
The key to good drama is story, cast and direction. This has the lot. The (real) tale of NHS midwives in late '50s East End London. A step into the past. The positives - that sense of community, of progress and hope, of friendships; the negatives - the overcrowding, the poverty, the filth. And I like the way we are constantly reminded of how far things had progressed with the advent of the National Health Service some years earlier (whilst some of us look on aghast as it is now being taken apart).
The casting is a dream. Jenny Agutter, surely one of the most versatile (and under-rated?) of actresses. Jessica Raine, almost child -like. And it was a stroke of genius to have Miranda Hart playing the lovely Chummy, bringing some light to balance the darker moments.
This may sound ridiculous, but there is a comparison here with Dad's Army: a collection of interesting and likeable people doing good.
But it is also quite moving, a rare thing indeed.
No wonder this has been such a surprise hit.
85 of 89 people found the following review helpful
By Sharon
Format:DVD
This must be one of the best researched and actuated TV dramas for the last decade. Apart from the perhaps unavoidable cleanliness of the sets and clothing (cleanest washing - ready ironed it seems hanging on those street-strung washing lines) it shouts mid 20th century: the accents and real portrayals of social mores haven't been 'bought up to date' at the expense of truth (as has the rather delightful if predictable Downtown Abbey). Can't fault 'Midwives' otherwise and I'm one of those nitpickers that goes 'hamsters being known about in the Downtown Abbey's 1910s servant's hall??? - pah!'
Call the Midwife is an excellent, excellent series, that reminds us old-timers just what dire health issues the NHS set out correcting, and hopefully, what a jewel it still is, before it gets dismantled piecemeal as a step towards the majority of us reverting to those living conditions.
Pleased to read a second series is commissioned. This is not a watch-once programme, but a treasure! Well written, well produced, well directed and well acted, with ultimate 50s girl Miranda Hart a touch of casting genius. To see Roy Hudd tonight gives it the last touch of wonderful.
Call the Midwife is an excellent, excellent series, that reminds us old-timers just what dire health issues the NHS set out correcting, and hopefully, what a jewel it still is, before it gets dismantled piecemeal as a step towards the majority of us reverting to those living conditions.
Pleased to read a second series is commissioned. This is not a watch-once programme, but a treasure! Well written, well produced, well directed and well acted, with ultimate 50s girl Miranda Hart a touch of casting genius. To see Roy Hudd tonight gives it the last touch of wonderful.
77 of 81 people found the following review helpful
By mummy spoon
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I will update this review as the series continues but felt I needed to say something after the first episode last night.
I haven't read the books so can't compare them but I have just ordered them so we will see, the programme itself though was fantastic, just my kind of thing, I love period drama's and though this is set much later than what I usually go for, I loved it.
I found the subject of midwifery and family life in the east end in the 1950's very interesting and along with a great cast, the detail of knowledge made this riveting viewing .
After just one of the six episodes I have pre-ordered the Dvd , something I would never normally do , hopefully the first class drama continues.
*UPDATE* Episode 2 had a slightly different feel to the first but new character Chummy Browne (Miranda Hart) was a great addition and there were some good storylines, particularly the prostitution/adoption one which was heartbreaking.
Episode 3 wasn't as good as the first two but there was alot more development of individual characters and the two main storylines were quite emotional.
I can't wait until next sunday, I just wish there were more than six episodes.
Episode 4 and 5 were the best yet as the series hits it's stride and all the characters have had their introductions, it's a shame there's only one more to go, the good news is, there is to be a second series.
The series finished with a great episode which tied up some loose ends but left room for the next series. This really was a fantastic programme, just up my street .
I haven't read the books so can't compare them but I have just ordered them so we will see, the programme itself though was fantastic, just my kind of thing, I love period drama's and though this is set much later than what I usually go for, I loved it.
I found the subject of midwifery and family life in the east end in the 1950's very interesting and along with a great cast, the detail of knowledge made this riveting viewing .
After just one of the six episodes I have pre-ordered the Dvd , something I would never normally do , hopefully the first class drama continues.
*UPDATE* Episode 2 had a slightly different feel to the first but new character Chummy Browne (Miranda Hart) was a great addition and there were some good storylines, particularly the prostitution/adoption one which was heartbreaking.
Episode 3 wasn't as good as the first two but there was alot more development of individual characters and the two main storylines were quite emotional.
I can't wait until next sunday, I just wish there were more than six episodes.
Episode 4 and 5 were the best yet as the series hits it's stride and all the characters have had their introductions, it's a shame there's only one more to go, the good news is, there is to be a second series.
The series finished with a great episode which tied up some loose ends but left room for the next series. This really was a fantastic programme, just up my street .
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4.7 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not my cup of tea
Purchased this after recommendation from a friend and I did think it would be my thing. Interesting to compare against how times have changed but I found it rather depressing... Read more
Published 2 hours ago by CM
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply Brilliant
Both my wife and I some how missed the first series. So I got it for her birthday and we spent a nice afternoon in the company of these midwives. Well done BBC!
Published 2 days ago by EmyrB
5.0 out of 5 stars
Annie
This programme is fantastic. It's from the era I was born, the acting and locations are fantastic. I love it and can't wait for series 3.
Published 5 days ago by Mopster
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very well written and excellent acting
very interesting to see how life in the nursing world in the 50s was so different from today. I would recommend this dvd to any age to watch.Will be looking forward to series 3
Published 6 days ago by nan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely show
This is a lovely show, brilliantly written. I spent the whole day watching all the episodes with the family. Read more
Published 7 days ago by Sarah
5.0 out of 5 stars
BEST DRAMA
Brilliant. Awesome. Wonderful. I totally love it. Best thing on BBC for a while. Best period drama for a while. Read more
Published 8 days ago by errin
5.0 out of 5 stars
good viewing
lovely gentle program a pleasure to watch after seeing the tv series, its definitely a must have will watch it many times
Published 10 days ago by coppernob
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good one to keep
I saw (almost ) all of the TV series and loved it. Now it's a DVD in my collection, to be watched by family, children, friends in years to come
Published 10 days ago by alison monks-plackett
5.0 out of 5 stars
Call the Midwife series 1 DVD
An excellent TV series and I can watch it time and again when I want too, I look forward to ordering the series 2
Published 10 days ago by Ann I Bullen Mrs
5.0 out of 5 stars
Real Worth, Beautifully Written
This exquisitely written series makes me want to read the memoirs by the late Jennifer Worth, who landed as a newly qualified nurse/midwife at the charitable Nonnatus House, amidst... Read more
Published 11 days ago by FYI
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