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DVD Description
Alan Bleasdale’s G.B.H. [1991] is a darkly humorous epic about power, corruption and madness--played out in the conflict between an enigmatic politician, Michael Murray (Robert Lindsay), and his nemesis, schoolteacher Jim Nelson (Michael Palin). Nelson defies a Murray-inspired 24-hour strike and inadvertently steals the limelight when it is picked up by the press. While Murray seeks revenge in what is initially a one-sided fight, we slowly discover the secrets in his past that will cause his carefully constructed world to unravel. Then, just when the pressure of public life and power games start getting on top of him, a beautiful woman arrives on the scene…
Synopsis
When the politically ambitious Michael Murray meets headmaster, Jim Nelson, their lives are changed forever.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
68 of 70 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
One of the greatest examples of television drama, Alan Bleasdale's masterpiece has lost none of its power in the 15 years since first broadcast and----while Michael Palin and Lindsay Duncan have moved on to projects that highlighted their talents better---Robert Lindsay has never come close to even equalling, let alone eclipsing, this work. His portrayal of Michael Murray---sometime Derek Hatton, sometime Dr Strangelove, sometime victim---is perfect, making an unlikeable, corrupt bully completely sympathetic to the viewer.
If this was being made today, it would be six episodes of 50 minutes. In 1991, it was seven parts of uneven lengths, allowing even the peripheral characters the opportunity to shine. Politically, it may be a Guardian reader's wishful thinking----a liberal fable, like much of The West Wing. Dramatically, it's almost Dickensian with its characters and Shakespearean with its plot.
Michael Palin shines as the epitome of decency; Lindsay Duncan is her usual luminous perfection; and Robert Lindsay is just fantastic in the role of a lifetime. Sterling work by a marvellous cast, with particular praise for David Ross's Mr Weller and Philp Whitchurch as Franky Murray.
This is the kind of thing we do best---playing to our strengths, with our own cultural references and no concerns about how it will be sold to the US. If you like British drama, buy this. I didn't use the word "masterpiece" lightly.
If this was being made today, it would be six episodes of 50 minutes. In 1991, it was seven parts of uneven lengths, allowing even the peripheral characters the opportunity to shine. Politically, it may be a Guardian reader's wishful thinking----a liberal fable, like much of The West Wing. Dramatically, it's almost Dickensian with its characters and Shakespearean with its plot.
Michael Palin shines as the epitome of decency; Lindsay Duncan is her usual luminous perfection; and Robert Lindsay is just fantastic in the role of a lifetime. Sterling work by a marvellous cast, with particular praise for David Ross's Mr Weller and Philp Whitchurch as Franky Murray.
This is the kind of thing we do best---playing to our strengths, with our own cultural references and no concerns about how it will be sold to the US. If you like British drama, buy this. I didn't use the word "masterpiece" lightly.
44 of 46 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is one of a select few British dramas that is a genuine classic. Alan Bleasdale's writing has the range you'd expect but it's the casting that seasls its place. Michael Palin is superb as Jim Nelson the quiet schoolteacher with the steely resolve, with Lindsay Duncan also superb. The supporting cast of Bleasdale regulars such as Julie Walter, Tom Georgeson and Andrew Schofield also excel, but none of them can match the virtuoso performance of Robert Lindsay as corrupt Labour council leader Michael Murray.
Loosely based on Derek Hatton, his character's gradual disintegration as his carefully built facade comes crashing down around him is one of the all time great comic drama performances in this multi-layered critique of the loony left and the shadowy figures in the margins of British politics.
The plot is superbly constructed, written and acted with the right mix of comedy, drama, tension and tragedy. At this price it's unmissable, and is worth it for episode 4 alone where Murray's desperate antics are surreally set off by a Dr. Who convention.
Genius.
Loosely based on Derek Hatton, his character's gradual disintegration as his carefully built facade comes crashing down around him is one of the all time great comic drama performances in this multi-layered critique of the loony left and the shadowy figures in the margins of British politics.
The plot is superbly constructed, written and acted with the right mix of comedy, drama, tension and tragedy. At this price it's unmissable, and is worth it for episode 4 alone where Murray's desperate antics are surreally set off by a Dr. Who convention.
Genius.
27 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
A fantastic drama from the pen of Alan Bleasdale, richly deserves to be listed amongst the greats of TV dramas series such as Edge of Darkness and The Singing Detective.
Pretty much faultless performances from everyone involved, especially Michael Palin and Robert Lindsay. The emotional involevement is tremendous and extremely rewarding for the viewer. The storyline is multi-layered as are the first class characters.
A must see. Brilliant.
Pretty much faultless performances from everyone involved, especially Michael Palin and Robert Lindsay. The emotional involevement is tremendous and extremely rewarding for the viewer. The storyline is multi-layered as are the first class characters.
A must see. Brilliant.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
GBH
GBH, is one of Alan Bleasdale classic's, which i just had to have in my collection of DVD's just to watch over and over again.
Published 6 months ago by B. from Chorley
it`s a pity they don`t make them like this anymore
GBH was as good if not better the second time around. A superb cast and Robert Lindsay and Michael Palin at their very best.
Published 13 months ago by JML.
Interesting and entertaining drama
I thoroughly enjoyed this drama. I thought the rise and fall of Micheal Murray (Robert Lindsay), the Militant leader of the council was interesting, entertaining and... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Benjamin Overd
BRILLIANT A MUST SEE ********** 10 STARS
Great story great acting (Robert Lindsey,Micheal Palin,Julie Walters)in fact the whole cast desevre a pat on the back. Read more
Published on 24 Mar 2010 by Stephen
A Television Masterpiece
I often hear how us Brits do not do good drama in the way that the Americans do. 'GBH' gives the lie to these claims and is possibly the best television mini-series I've ever... Read more
Published on 4 Feb 2010 by Spidernick
They wouldn't make it like this today
In a revealing interview, Alan Bleasdale reveals how GBH emerged from what was originally going to be a drama about a family vacation -- the Great British Holiday. Read more
Published on 15 Aug 2009 by Gavin Wilson
The backlash starts here
Well, someone had to take a different stance on this one, and it might as well be me...
I'm genuinely puzzled over the accolades that GBH has garnered over the years in... Read more
I'm genuinely puzzled over the accolades that GBH has garnered over the years in... Read more
Published on 10 July 2009 by Bill
Fond Memories
I had fond memories from way back when this series went on tv. What a joy to discover it's been released on dvd.
This must be one of the best tv-series ever made. Read more
This must be one of the best tv-series ever made. Read more
Published on 8 May 2009 by T. S. Johnsen
Good Laugh
Been looking for this classic for ages, saw it on Amazon, it was a must have. Having seen the original years ago I did not remember how "dark" the programme was. Read more
Published on 27 Mar 2009 by David R. Gordon
Brilliant
Had started collecting Alan Bleasedale on DVD with Boys From The Blackstuff which was incredible, i'm glad to say this is equally so. Read more
Published on 30 Jan 2009 by R. Burnley
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