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Product Description
First broadcast in 1979, Shoestring became one of the most popular British private detective shows of all time, with Trevor Eve playing the dishevelled radio detective Eddie Shoestring.
Eddie is an unconventional and unlikely private eye. In fact, with his own phone-in radio show, he's more like a troubleshooting private ear. His scruffy clothes, shaggy hairstyle and off-centre view of life offer him a clever and deceptive camouflage when he's on the crime-solving trail.
His listener’s appeals include grisly pranks at a prep school, a missing punk rocker, and a victim of a predatory cult. Eddie’s quest for justice leads him into some dangerous scrapes - and some funny ones, in investigations full of twists and surprises.
“Such panache and animation, such lively scripts and exciting photography… makes you pleased you succumbed to the lure of television.” The Times
Eddie is an unconventional and unlikely private eye. In fact, with his own phone-in radio show, he's more like a troubleshooting private ear. His scruffy clothes, shaggy hairstyle and off-centre view of life offer him a clever and deceptive camouflage when he's on the crime-solving trail.
His listener’s appeals include grisly pranks at a prep school, a missing punk rocker, and a victim of a predatory cult. Eddie’s quest for justice leads him into some dangerous scrapes - and some funny ones, in investigations full of twists and surprises.
“Such panache and animation, such lively scripts and exciting photography… makes you pleased you succumbed to the lure of television.” The Times
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2.4 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), English ( Subtitles ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu, Multi-DVD Set, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: First broadcast in 1979, Shoestring became one of the most popular British private detective shows of all time, with Trevor Eve playing the dishevelled radio detective Eddie Shoestring. Eddie is an unconventional and unlikely private eye. In fact, with his own phone-in radio show, he's more like a troubleshooting private ear. His scruffy clothes, shaggy hairstyle and off-centre view of life offer him a clever and deceptive camouflage when he's on the crime-solving trail. His listener's appeals include grisly pranks at a prep school, a missing punk rocker, and a victim of a predatory cult. Eddie's quest for justice leads him into some dangerous scrapes - and some funny ones, in investigations full of twists and surprises. Episodes Comprise: 1. Private Ear 2. Knock for Knock 3. Higher Ground 4. An Uncertain Circle 5. Listen to Me 6. Nine Tenths of The Law 7. The Link-Up 8. Stamp Duty 9. Find the Lady 10. The Partnership 11. I'm a Believer SCREENED/AWARDED AT: BAFTA Awards, ...Shoestring - Season 1 - 4-DVD Set ( Shoe string - Series 1 ) ( Shoestring - Season One )
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
112 of 115 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shoestring: Series One - UNCUT (except for one minor music replacement) !!!!
17 Oct 2011
By D. Page
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Having been a huge Shoestring fan since childhood, and being well aware of the past difficulties in releasing this programme to DVD, I thought I was dreaming when I found out that 2entertain was releasing Series One to DVD. As if this was not a surprise enough, it was widely reported that, apart from one minor music replacement, this entire first series is being transferred uncut. I have many different recordings of both Series One and Series Two, recorded via many different broadcasts, and, apart from my 2008 BBC Four broadcast of 'Mocking Bird' (Series Two, Episode Three), none of these broadcasts are uncut. I also have the past VHS release of `Private Ear/Find the Lady', which has also been slightly edited. As an interesting side-note, I also have a `Compact Cassette' (remember those!) audio recording of the original uncut 1980 broadcast of the final episode of Series Two `The Dangerous Game', which I made when I was 11, with a microphone placed to the TV speaker! (I had to stifle any coughs!).
I can confirm that this DVD release of Series One is uncut, apart from one minor music replacement. It occurs in Episode 1 `Private Ear', about 23 minutes into the episode, during Eddie's conversation with Don Satchley on the boat. The music playing in the background was originally Lene Lovich's "Lucky Number", and has been replaced with Blondie's "Heart of Glass". Unless you knew of this music replacement, you would not notice anything has been changed. All dialogue is intact and completely unaffected and it does not alter the episode's running time, as all visual footage also remains intact. Ditch your old UKTV Drama/Alibi recordings, and the 2002 BBC1 afternoon repeats of Series One - this 2entertain release is THE definitive collection of Series One episodes!... Read more ›
I can confirm that this DVD release of Series One is uncut, apart from one minor music replacement. It occurs in Episode 1 `Private Ear', about 23 minutes into the episode, during Eddie's conversation with Don Satchley on the boat. The music playing in the background was originally Lene Lovich's "Lucky Number", and has been replaced with Blondie's "Heart of Glass". Unless you knew of this music replacement, you would not notice anything has been changed. All dialogue is intact and completely unaffected and it does not alter the episode's running time, as all visual footage also remains intact. Ditch your old UKTV Drama/Alibi recordings, and the 2002 BBC1 afternoon repeats of Series One - this 2entertain release is THE definitive collection of Series One episodes!... Read more ›
47 of 50 people found the following review helpful
By Jim Hawkins
Format:DVD
I wrote episode 11 on the DVD ("I'm a believer"). It's very pleasing that so many people have posted such positive comments about the series.
After that episode was shown I had a huge number of letters from people whose children had been more or less abducted by sects like the Moonies, and somehow seeing it in a drama context helped them to feel that they were right in trying to prise their loved ones out of the grip of some nasty mind-controlling people.
If what I was told at the time is true, there were no more series because Trevor Eve didn't want to become type-cast in the role. Similar things happened with "Hazell", which I also wrote for.
I'm sure I can say on behalf of all the writers and Bob Banks-Stewart, who created produced it, that we did our best to make something good. We also wish that TV was as adventurous now as it was then. So thanks for watching. You're probably not aware that I haven't seen it since it was first broadcast! The fact that the episodes exist at all is a miracle - the BBC threw some very significant plays into a skip.
Jim
After that episode was shown I had a huge number of letters from people whose children had been more or less abducted by sects like the Moonies, and somehow seeing it in a drama context helped them to feel that they were right in trying to prise their loved ones out of the grip of some nasty mind-controlling people.
If what I was told at the time is true, there were no more series because Trevor Eve didn't want to become type-cast in the role. Similar things happened with "Hazell", which I also wrote for.
I'm sure I can say on behalf of all the writers and Bob Banks-Stewart, who created produced it, that we did our best to make something good. We also wish that TV was as adventurous now as it was then. So thanks for watching. You're probably not aware that I haven't seen it since it was first broadcast! The fact that the episodes exist at all is a miracle - the BBC threw some very significant plays into a skip.
Jim
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shoestring - Series 1 - Outstanding! Even better than I remember first time around
11 May 2012
By M. Smith
Format:DVD
After recently adding this to my Amazon Wish List I was fortunate enough to then be given the DVD as a birthday gift.
I was hoping that the series was as good as I remembered the first time around in 1979. After eagerly watching all the episodes across a period of a few weeks I am pleased to report that it is even better than I remembered. Shoestring is some of the very best best television viewing I have enjoyed in recent years. The DVD has been put together very nicely and for 30 year old films, the picture quality is, in the main, very good indeed. I am extremely pleased.
If you haven't bought Shoestring series one yet, then buy it now. I'm sure you wont be disappointed!
I immediately wanted to purchase Shoestring Series 2, however I discovered that it has not yet been released. I contacted the bbcshop and they directed me to 2Entertain who acquire and market many BBC television programmes, including series one of Shoestring.
2Entertain replied advising that they have no immediate plans to release series 2, but they said if they received enough interest the release of series two may be considered: "....as each quarter we review public enquiries and often revisit titles which are frequently requested."
If you're eagerly anticipating being able to buy Shoestring series 2 it may be a great idea to send 2Entertain a note expressing your interest!
Contact 2Entertain at - DVDenquiryline@2entertain.co.uk
I was hoping that the series was as good as I remembered the first time around in 1979. After eagerly watching all the episodes across a period of a few weeks I am pleased to report that it is even better than I remembered. Shoestring is some of the very best best television viewing I have enjoyed in recent years. The DVD has been put together very nicely and for 30 year old films, the picture quality is, in the main, very good indeed. I am extremely pleased.
If you haven't bought Shoestring series one yet, then buy it now. I'm sure you wont be disappointed!
I immediately wanted to purchase Shoestring Series 2, however I discovered that it has not yet been released. I contacted the bbcshop and they directed me to 2Entertain who acquire and market many BBC television programmes, including series one of Shoestring.
2Entertain replied advising that they have no immediate plans to release series 2, but they said if they received enough interest the release of series two may be considered: "....as each quarter we review public enquiries and often revisit titles which are frequently requested."
If you're eagerly anticipating being able to buy Shoestring series 2 it may be a great idea to send 2Entertain a note expressing your interest!
Contact 2Entertain at - DVDenquiryline@2entertain.co.uk
24 of 29 people found the following review helpful
By C. MacDonald
Format:DVD
This is a fondly remembered British TV detective series. Eddie Shoestring is a Private Eye, who has his own show on Radio West. A radio station run by Don Snatchley played by Michael Medwin. The series also stars Liz Crowther as Sonia, the receptionist. An oft Miss Moneypenny character to Shoestring's James Bond. (if you have a good imagination)
Eddie Shoestring suffers a nervous breakdown. Leaving behind a career as a computer expert, when computers were more like the size of your coffee table, to become a Private Eye (which always seemed a strange career choice following a breakdown to me, but hey-ho). Trevor Eve played the eponymous character of the series. I remember large posters of him on my then girlfriend's wall, as well as my mate's sister's wall, next to David Soul.
It first aired in late 1979 until late 1980, as far as I can muster 21 episodes in total. Trevor Eve quit after series two to move back into theatre work. The format of this show moved base to became the even more loved "Bergerac" (who didn't have his own radio show). Interesting Shoestring is the roots of Bergerac though.
I love watching shows like this especially to see the cars of the day, particularly nostalgic too was the music used in the show. Rumour has it edits are to be made due to the greediness of copyright fees, which is a shame. I hope it won't ruin the episodes as other DVD releases of a similar vain have been ruined (Bergerac included). George Fenton's theme is one of the all-time great TV theme tunes of the 80s.
A laid back, loveable character of the day, but one wonders, did Shoestring only have one suit? He's often seen wearing what appears to be the same thing.
The show ran throughout the eighties (only two series were made but repeated.... Read more ›
Eddie Shoestring suffers a nervous breakdown. Leaving behind a career as a computer expert, when computers were more like the size of your coffee table, to become a Private Eye (which always seemed a strange career choice following a breakdown to me, but hey-ho). Trevor Eve played the eponymous character of the series. I remember large posters of him on my then girlfriend's wall, as well as my mate's sister's wall, next to David Soul.
It first aired in late 1979 until late 1980, as far as I can muster 21 episodes in total. Trevor Eve quit after series two to move back into theatre work. The format of this show moved base to became the even more loved "Bergerac" (who didn't have his own radio show). Interesting Shoestring is the roots of Bergerac though.
I love watching shows like this especially to see the cars of the day, particularly nostalgic too was the music used in the show. Rumour has it edits are to be made due to the greediness of copyright fees, which is a shame. I hope it won't ruin the episodes as other DVD releases of a similar vain have been ruined (Bergerac included). George Fenton's theme is one of the all-time great TV theme tunes of the 80s.
A laid back, loveable character of the day, but one wonders, did Shoestring only have one suit? He's often seen wearing what appears to be the same thing.
The show ran throughout the eighties (only two series were made but repeated.... Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing how dated this show is.
I enjoyed watching the first ever episode but my, how dated the program has become. In its time Shoestring was a new, exhilerating program but these days we expect and get so much... Read more
Published 2 days ago by mark vine
4.0 out of 5 stars
great birthday present
My mate just celebrated his 50th birthday and couldn't believe i had managed to get a DVD of one of his favorite old shows
Published 20 days ago by David webb
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lend me your Private Ear.
Brilliant!
I remember the series when it was first aired and waited patiently for ages before it came to DVD. Read more
I remember the series when it was first aired and waited patiently for ages before it came to DVD. Read more
Published 22 days ago by The Faraway Tree
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nostalgia and good stories
This series was set in Bristol in 70s when we lived there. There is a strong nostalgia thing going but the stories based around a private detective working for a radio station are... Read more
Published 26 days ago by Furry Ferret
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Private Ear is here!
Might sound silly, but one of the reasons I love this series is because of its West Country locations; not only do they give the show its own distinct identity, but I was on... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Johnny M
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good reminder
When it first appeared it was something new and the DVD brings back memories of a programme that I enjoyed .
Published 1 month ago by D Warner-Howard
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worth the wait, let's have series 2 please!!
Hadn't seen this since it was first on TV all those years ago and I was about 13. I liked it then and was worried it might seem a bit corny or dated. Not so! Read more
Published 2 months ago by R. Wood
3.0 out of 5 stars
Creaky
I remembered this as being stylish and 'modern' when it was first shown. Trevor Eve is excellent but it does all look a bit dated now and some of the stories were not terribly... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Lance Edwards
4.0 out of 5 stars
Shoestring
Nice to see the original detective shows again please inform me when season two is available to buy yours bob
Published 2 months ago by robert evans
3.0 out of 5 stars
Showing its age.
Although the story lines are good and I enjoyed it the first around in the dim and distant past, the whole series shows its age too much for me and I never got past the first two... Read more
Published 2 months ago by tartlet
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