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United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Mono ), SPECIAL FEATURES: 2-DVD Set, Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: This series is about two children who are the wards of a cantankerously un-loving uncle. That uncle owns a rug factory that has the typically brutal working conditions of the time that both poor adult and child labourers have to survive. Life is hardly perfect, but things take a turn for the worst when the Uncle, maddened by the fear of bill and tax collectors, sets fire to his own home to prevent its seizure and dies in the process. This leaves the children with no home or guardian. Now the two must struggle to survive on the streets of London, where they learn that there difficult ways of making a living and help is where they least expect it. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: BAFTA Awards, ...Midnight Is a Place - Complete Series - 2-DVD Set
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This was another programme that I eagerly waited for when I was in high school; I had read Joan Aiken's book, and enjoyed the televisation a great deal. But on watching it now, I find it hasn't stood the test of time. The quality of sound and picture is patchy, which the makers apologise for at the start and blame on the age of the material. That doesn't hold water for someone who owns dvds of much older material, from original Doctor Who to the 1930s classic M that are far higher in quality; they could have improved both sound and picture with a bit of effort. But this is a seriously no-frills version: all you get for your money are two discs containing the 13 episodes, and nothing else. Never mind extras, there isn't even an option for scene selection. Technical issues aside, the story doesn't last well either. The acting is excellent in most cases, even the juveniles putting up a good performance, and with David Collings and Ron Moody standing out among a quality adult cast. But it lasts way too long. The first couple of episodes are rushed, trying to get to the exciting bits as soon as possible, so you don't really see the friendship between Lucas and Anne-Marie (the young heroes) develop at all. Then the pace slows to a crawl, dragging out the suffering of the homeless orphans till you are heartily sick of the pair of them bickering and complaining. The plot is excessively melodramatic, and the script contains some glaring historical inaccuracies - my 12 year old daughter pointed out that the poor folks of this town were spending more shillings a week than real Britons would have earned in 3 months at that time. That you could forgive if the action were enough to carry it forward, but it isn't. Every dramatic event is telegraphed well in advance, as if younger viewers couldn't stand surprises. The whole story could have been done in seven or eight episodes, and would have benefited from the edit. The music is poor, too, mostly stock stuff which doesn't really work. The theme tune is nice, though.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
"Midnight is a Place (1977) ... Complete Series ... Christopher McMaster (Director) (2011)"
27 May 2011
Format:DVD
VCI Entertainment and presents "MIDNIGHT IS A PLACE:COMPLETE SERIES" (1977) (390 min/Color) -- Starring Simon Gipps-Kent, David Collings, Maxine Gordon, Erik Chitty, Lally Bowers, Donald Morley, Avis Bunnage, Reginald Marsh, Milton Johns & Jenny Tomasin
Produced and Directed by Christopher McMaster
Another winner from the British Invasion released by VCI.
An epic story of love, hardship, perseverance and triumph that takes place against the backdrop of working-class England during the Industrial Revolution. The lead characters battle for control of a carpet-pressing factory, while simultaneously struggling to make sense of their new post-modern landscape.
Joan Aiken and Roy Russell's writing is exceptional for the late 70s.
Faced with having to survive on the desolate streets of Blastburn the two still find time to solve the mystery of the blaze at the mansion and the dark secrets of Midnight Mill.
All in all, "Midnight is a Place" has a wonderful script with many twists and turns, that gives this series a sparkle of light as we glimpse into the darkest of places.
Special footnote: -- The best thing about this series is Lally Bowers plays the kindly old granny of one of the young leading characters, who once she realises this is her grand-daughter, does all she can to help and support both children.
Mr. Jim's Ratings:
Quality of Picture & Sound: 4 Stars
Performance: 4 Stars
Story & Screenplay: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars [Original Music, Cinematography & Film Editing]
Total Time: 390 min on DVD ~ VCI Entertainment ~ (May 17, 2011)
Produced and Directed by Christopher McMaster
Another winner from the British Invasion released by VCI.
An epic story of love, hardship, perseverance and triumph that takes place against the backdrop of working-class England during the Industrial Revolution. The lead characters battle for control of a carpet-pressing factory, while simultaneously struggling to make sense of their new post-modern landscape.
Joan Aiken and Roy Russell's writing is exceptional for the late 70s.
Faced with having to survive on the desolate streets of Blastburn the two still find time to solve the mystery of the blaze at the mansion and the dark secrets of Midnight Mill.
All in all, "Midnight is a Place" has a wonderful script with many twists and turns, that gives this series a sparkle of light as we glimpse into the darkest of places.
Special footnote: -- The best thing about this series is Lally Bowers plays the kindly old granny of one of the young leading characters, who once she realises this is her grand-daughter, does all she can to help and support both children.
Mr. Jim's Ratings:
Quality of Picture & Sound: 4 Stars
Performance: 4 Stars
Story & Screenplay: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars [Original Music, Cinematography & Film Editing]
Total Time: 390 min on DVD ~ VCI Entertainment ~ (May 17, 2011)
3 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I watched this series as a child and still have vivid memories of the factory and especially the horrible carpet press!
Its lovely to watch it now as an adult.
A classic childrens drama. They don't seem to make them like this anymore!
Its lovely to watch it now as an adult.
A classic childrens drama. They don't seem to make them like this anymore!
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