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United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2.4 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital Stereo ), SPECIAL FEATURES: 2-DVD Set, Alternative Footage, Commentary, Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: First screened in 1994, this engrossing six part drama took on the issues surrounding mental health with sensitivity and black humour. The series helped launch the careers of Ken Stott (Messiah and Rebus) and David Tennant (Doctor Who), and went on to win a BAFTA for Best Serial and an RTS Award for Best Writer.
Eddie McKenna is a double-glazing salesman who moonlights as a DJ for hospital radio in a Scottish mental asylum - St Judes. He nurtures close friendships with the patients there including Francine, a self-harmer, schizophrenic Fergus, OCD sufferer Rosaline and Campbell, a manic depressive, with whom he shares a dream to make it onto the commercial radio scene.
As Campbell's inspired antics seem to bring the pair closer to their goal, the pressures of work, relationships and family begin to get to Eddie. With his life threatening to spin out of control, it is Eddie's turn to look for help... SCREENED/AWARDED AT: BAFTA Awards, ...Takin' Over the Asylum 2-DVD Set
Eddie McKenna is a double-glazing salesman who moonlights as a DJ for hospital radio in a Scottish mental asylum - St Judes. He nurtures close friendships with the patients there including Francine, a self-harmer, schizophrenic Fergus, OCD sufferer Rosaline and Campbell, a manic depressive, with whom he shares a dream to make it onto the commercial radio scene.
As Campbell's inspired antics seem to bring the pair closer to their goal, the pressures of work, relationships and family begin to get to Eddie. With his life threatening to spin out of control, it is Eddie's turn to look for help... SCREENED/AWARDED AT: BAFTA Awards, ...Takin' Over the Asylum 2-DVD Set
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
You'll laugh, you'll cry, you may even attempt to fly! This uplifting, well written series will leave you with a lump in your throat while tickling the rib cage all in the one breath!
Takn' over the asylum is a work of brilliance, the type of series that allows you to escape into a world of laughter, pain and mayhem! If you have ever had that feeling your missing out on something? It's quite possible this may be it! Fantastic!
Takn' over the asylum is a work of brilliance, the type of series that allows you to escape into a world of laughter, pain and mayhem! If you have ever had that feeling your missing out on something? It's quite possible this may be it! Fantastic!
47 of 49 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Screened in 1994, this 6 part comedy/drama from BBC Scotland is fondly remembered by everyone who watched it - and the cause of much puzzlement as to WHY it was never repeated or released on video....? Some reckon the soundtrack was to blame, and perhaps, with so many classic Beatles and Stones tracks that was part of the problem - but finaly, almost 15 years after it was first shown, "Taking Over the Asylum" is available on dvd.
Ken Stott (Messiah, Rebus) is Eddie, a none too successful double glazing salesman who lives for his stint as a DJ at a hospital radio station. When he is edged out for younger talent he is offered the chance to run the similar station at St Judes - a Mental Health Unit in Glasgow. Before long, Eddie's life is caught up with those of the patients and staff. He meets manic depressive Campbell (David Tennant - Casanova, Dr Who), schizophrenic electronics wizard and regular escapee Fergus, OCD sufferer Rosalie and self harming, fragile Francine.
As he learns the patients individual stories Eddie finds a whole new world he never new existed and, although his Lithuanian Grandmother, who lives with him, wants nothing more than him to settle down with "a nice girl", he finds himself drawn to damaged Francine.
The script and plots for this series are amazing. You will be laughing out loud and then screaming "no!" at the screen as hilarity turns to tragedy and back again. The cast bring to life the inmates and the schemes and dreams of manic Campbell begin to convince Eddie that a DJ-ing career cannot be far away......
Audio footage from writer Donna Franceschild, David Tennant and Katy Murphy (Francine) is available for 2 episodes and there is also a chance to see David's audition for the role of Campbell.
I cannot recommend this series too highly - I would award it 10 stars if I could. The realities of Mental Health provision are not glossed over and many points will leave the viewer wondering what more can be done for the most damaged members of society? I will finish this review with Campbell's constant battle cry from the wards of St Judes;- "We are Loonies - and we are PROUD!"
Ken Stott (Messiah, Rebus) is Eddie, a none too successful double glazing salesman who lives for his stint as a DJ at a hospital radio station. When he is edged out for younger talent he is offered the chance to run the similar station at St Judes - a Mental Health Unit in Glasgow. Before long, Eddie's life is caught up with those of the patients and staff. He meets manic depressive Campbell (David Tennant - Casanova, Dr Who), schizophrenic electronics wizard and regular escapee Fergus, OCD sufferer Rosalie and self harming, fragile Francine.
As he learns the patients individual stories Eddie finds a whole new world he never new existed and, although his Lithuanian Grandmother, who lives with him, wants nothing more than him to settle down with "a nice girl", he finds himself drawn to damaged Francine.
The script and plots for this series are amazing. You will be laughing out loud and then screaming "no!" at the screen as hilarity turns to tragedy and back again. The cast bring to life the inmates and the schemes and dreams of manic Campbell begin to convince Eddie that a DJ-ing career cannot be far away......
Audio footage from writer Donna Franceschild, David Tennant and Katy Murphy (Francine) is available for 2 episodes and there is also a chance to see David's audition for the role of Campbell.
I cannot recommend this series too highly - I would award it 10 stars if I could. The realities of Mental Health provision are not glossed over and many points will leave the viewer wondering what more can be done for the most damaged members of society? I will finish this review with Campbell's constant battle cry from the wards of St Judes;- "We are Loonies - and we are PROUD!"
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Taking over the Asylum
I watched this when it was first on in 1994. I loved it from the word go. It had everything great story,great writing, music and wonderful acting from Ken and David though all... Read more
Published 26 days ago by Amanda Penrose
Takin' Over your TV
Takin' over the Asylum was recommended by Amazon due to other DVD's I have ordered & because of the price I thought I would give it a go. What an amazing TV show. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Karen Marsh
Wow this is good
This really is good to watch but sometimes hard going, both Ken and David did very well doing this.
This is a much watch its bit of both funny and sad but thats what... Read more
This is a much watch its bit of both funny and sad but thats what... Read more
Published 3 months ago by shonker
Takin' over the Asylum
Absolutely marvelous and entertaining movie. I would watch it over and over again. Ken Stott and David Tennant are ideally suited to playing the parts. Read more
Published 3 months ago by DavidR
its soo funny
Quite possibly the most under rated thing to have come out of Scotland on the television in the past 20 years
I found the mix of pure comic and then drama very... Read more
I found the mix of pure comic and then drama very... Read more
Published 4 months ago by AndymacG
Drama pure and simple
I admint I bought this because of David Tennant, but the show drew me in to the point that I watched the entire series in one sitting. Read more
Published 5 months ago by P. Owens
Tenant at his best! Brill Glasgow Humour too!
Smart Scottish Humour. A tender look is taken at a psychiatric hospital in Glasgow, the lives of the patients and their problems are seen through the eyes of a kind but failing... Read more
Published 5 months ago by pippabubbles
Not to be missed
This is one of the finest productions of its time and stands up today to the best in quality and story content. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Jones's of Brynaman
Brilliant
I saw this when it was first televised. Highly recommended. Just read the reviews. If you like Stott and Tenant, you`ll love this. Looking forward to watching again it again. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Glasgowkiss
Taking over the asylum
I enjoyed this when it was first shown on TV and still think it's brilliant viewing. Very funny, if rather dark, and it really draws you in. Read more
Published 6 months ago by mum bojumbo
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