Dick Turpin's Greatest Adventure [DVD]

Top stuff! Beautifully filmed, written by the quite brilliant Richard Carpenter of Catweazle and Robin of Sherwood fame (amongst others) and excellently acted by all, especially Richard O'Sullivan. This last outing for the folk hero (in truth, legend has it he was a bit of a cad!), this has clearly had more money chucked at it and has more of a feel of the Robin of Sherwoods than the earlier series. If you fancy an enjoyable period adventure, or a walk down memory lane, then this hits the mark. Worth the cost and then some!

This is a marvellous film, historically very accurate, from the same team: Richard Carpenter, Sidney Cole, Paul Knight, plus music by Denis King who previously delighted viewers with "Black Beauty" The character of Dick Turpin is perhaps a rather romantic ideal, but who cares! It is a wonderful piece of escapism, so sit back and enjoy. In particular, the love-scene between Richard O`Sullivan & Susan Hampshire is sizzling and fantastic!The couple are shown in bed together, having just had sex.(Note how the camera, whilst scanning the objects on the dressing-table, floor and chair performs a smooth, sensuous "glide" down Turpin`s sword: a definite phallic symbol!) "They`ll hang you oneday, I suppose," Lady Melford whispers tenderly, adding, "when Lord Melford visits America, you must call on me again." Deeply unhappy in her marriage,she has committed adultery, become Turpin`s mistress and in so doing has demonstrated her deep love for him. Thus, any class and social barrier that might have existed between them has been dissolved. However, the joy this radiantly beautiful noblewoman finds in the situation is tempered by the fact that she realizes it cannot last, therefore it is important to enjoy the present moment. Also, by the tender way she strokes this handsome robber`s hair and her fulsome looks of adoration, we know that she is receiving true and perfect love from Turpin which she is denied in her life with his lordship. In contrast, the moment when Lord Melford returns unexpectedly, and Dick makes his successful escape is hilarious; in the tradition of a "Carry-On" film. A true mixture of comedy and romance. It raises a smile to recall their first meeting when Dick robs his lordship`s coach and the lovely Lady Melford asks fearfully, "Do you mean to harm me?" On the contrary; this gorgeous noblewoman will later find that this dashing highwayman intends to do just the opposite!

John Harman.

These are the tales of the famous 18th Century Highwayman Dick Turpin as seen through the eyes of the series creator Richard Carpenter.
Dick Turpin, played by Richard O`Sullivan (also known from series like Man about the house and Robins Nest) cheated out of his money while on war duty in Flanders, decides to regain his wealth by robbing people.
He has adversaries in the corrupt Sir John Glutton and his steward Spiker. But Dick has help from his own sidekick Swiftnick.
Highway robbery may not seem like a thing associated with a hero, but here Turpin is considered a folk hero since he is always helping people. He is always doing his bit for the common good.
The series is full of swashbuckling adventure as Dick and Swiftnick try to avoid the hangman's noose.
This series is packed with half hour episodes that were originally screened on ITV in the late 1970s and early 1980s at teatime on Sundays. The aim was at younger viewers although it is suitable as a family show.
The film print seems to have suffered a bit. The colours have faded a little. And the production is slightly dated but because it is set in the 18th Century and a sort of period drama it still works. The show is fast paced and quite entertaining.