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Product Description
The complete collection of Alan Bennett's twelve monologues, which tell the bittersweet tales of 'ordinary, uneventful, desperate lives'. Patricia Routledge stars in 'A Lady of Letters', Maggie Smith in 'Bed Among the Lentils', Stephanie Cole in 'Soldiering On', Julie Walters in 'Her Big Chance', Thora Hird in 'A Cream Cracker Under the Settee', Patricia Routledge in 'Miss Fozzard Finds Her Feet', Eileen Atkins in 'The Hand of God', David Haig in 'Playing Sandwiches', Julie Walters in 'The Outside Dog', Penelope Wilton in 'Nights in the Gardens of Spain' and Thora Hird in 'Waiting for the Telegram'.
Synopsis
Talking Heads is a complete collection of Bennett's twelve masterful monologues, performed by the author and some of Britain's leading actors. In these compelling pieces, Bennett displays the wry observation, knowing irony and tender understatement that have ensured his rightful place at the forefront of contemporary writing. The likes of Thora Hird, Patricia Routledge, Maggie Smith and Julie Walters deliver a masterclass in the art of character acting. Also includes Bennett reading his Telling Tales piece.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Excellent. As a substantial bonus there is a separate disc of Bennett reading/performing Telling Tales-one of his autobiographical works which was new to me and in turns very funny and very moving . All in all an essential purchase for anybody interested in the author and/or good acting.
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
By T. Walton
I have enjoyed these monologues since they first appeared on TV. I could never aford the video collection.
I saw one 'Waiting for the Telegram' over Christmas and was spellbound by it. As a result orderd this collection on DVD.
Excellent value for the best female actors this country has produced.
I saw one 'Waiting for the Telegram' over Christmas and was spellbound by it. As a result orderd this collection on DVD.
Excellent value for the best female actors this country has produced.
38 of 39 people found the following review helpful
By R. W. Rose
Once again a tour de force from the master playwright. Alan takes us from the depths of despair to peals of laughter within the same story. He has an uncanny knack for phrasing and making the most of everyday utterances. The stories are bleaker than in the first series but each one is a masterpiece.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
I had seen some of the first series of Alan Bennett's "Talking Heads" when they were broadcast in the late 1980s on public television here in the States. They made quite an impression on me, particularly Maggie Smith in "A Bed among the Lentils," and I had always wanted to see them again. I had never seen the second series. Seven of the twelve were produced in New York a few years ago and I was fortunate enough to see them performed by the likes of Christine Ebersole, Frances Sternhagen, and Lynn Redgrave. When I discovered that they were available on DVD in Britain but that I would not be able to play them on my US equipment, I ordered an inexpensive international DVD player just in order to be able to watch them. The "Talking Heads," along with the poignant "Telling Tales," which I had just read, definitely stand the test of time. They are powerful, poignant, and amusing-- Bennett's unique blend of comedy and drama representing epitome of sophisticated entertainment. I don't buy many DVDs but the combination of astute writing and masterful performances in these collected short pieces invites multiple viewings. My only quibble is the sparse packaging: I wish there more notes. I also purchased "Alan Bennett at the BBC" and look forward to viewing and reviewing the various films. I fail to understand why the brilliant Mr. Bennett isn't better known in this country. Long may he live.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By CityBoy
Amazon Verified Purchase
I have these on VHS but don't have a video-recorder anymore so I decided to buy them on DVD and watch them again and they have lost nothing as the years have passed. One disc is only in 4:3 ratio, which shows the age of the content, but Julie Walters and Patricia Routledge's performance soon makes you forget that. I think this is some of Alan Bennet's best work and would recommend it to anyone
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Thelonious
This is a wonderful set of monologues, brilliantly crafted and superbly acted. They are funny and touching, many will move you to tears as well as laughter. All stand up to repeated viewings.
My favorite is probably the Maggie Smith piece "A Bed Among the Lentils" where she runs the gamut from world-weary resignation to snide disdain to moments that choke me up just to think about. Thre's an amazing bit right near the end where her lips quiver ever so slightly, her eyes do something I can't describe and her voice barely trembles - you know she's crying on the inside and trying to maintain a facade. Superb acting!
The whole set is of this caliber, though. Patricia Routledge (who I associated with rather broad comedy due to Violet Bucket) does some truly marvelous work here too.
The pieces are all quite rich - there's always some starting premise to draw you in, but unsuspected layers gradually emerge and by the end of each monologue you've witnessed a fully fleshed-out story with well-rounded characters and surprising relationships. The sheer artistry of Bennett's work here is amazing (it reminds me a bit of Ruth Draper)
In addition you get Telling Tales - some wonderful autobiographical stories from Bennett himself - all at a bargain price.
My favorite is probably the Maggie Smith piece "A Bed Among the Lentils" where she runs the gamut from world-weary resignation to snide disdain to moments that choke me up just to think about. Thre's an amazing bit right near the end where her lips quiver ever so slightly, her eyes do something I can't describe and her voice barely trembles - you know she's crying on the inside and trying to maintain a facade. Superb acting!
The whole set is of this caliber, though. Patricia Routledge (who I associated with rather broad comedy due to Violet Bucket) does some truly marvelous work here too.
The pieces are all quite rich - there's always some starting premise to draw you in, but unsuspected layers gradually emerge and by the end of each monologue you've witnessed a fully fleshed-out story with well-rounded characters and surprising relationships. The sheer artistry of Bennett's work here is amazing (it reminds me a bit of Ruth Draper)
In addition you get Telling Tales - some wonderful autobiographical stories from Bennett himself - all at a bargain price.
34 of 36 people found the following review helpful
By "akawoodsie"
I bought this for my mum, and I've had the opportunity to hear some of the monologues while she watched it. Though I may not be well-versed in which actors were responsible, the letter-writing lady and old Doris complaining about her home help were amusing, involving and moving at the same time. The scripts were delivered with grace, subtlety and a complex understanding of the characters behind them. Encore.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By D. Geater
I've only watched a couple of the episodes so far but am in awe of Alan Bennett's genius. Maggie Smith as the alcoholic vicar's wife who doesn't believe in God deserves an Oscar. Can't wait to have time to watch them all.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bennett at his best
Excellent, superb performances and writing. Groundbreaking in its time. At this price its a no brainer. Buy it straight away
Published 16 days ago by henry
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant!
I was mainly looking for Thora Hird's 'Creamcracker under the sofa' but all the monologues are good to watch with great actors/actresses.
Published 24 days ago by Martina Calver
5.0 out of 5 stars
Talking Heads - The Complete Collection (DVD)
I am still half way through watching 'Talking Heads' and absolutely love it. Alan Bennet is a wonderful writer and knows exactly which actor can bring alive his characters. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mrs Margaret G Lockrane
5.0 out of 5 stars
He is brilliant
This series was so good first time round and having them on DVD is special. All readers do it full justice
Published 2 months ago by R. A. Venner
5.0 out of 5 stars
Observant,Touching
Talking Heads - The Complete Collection [DVD]
This is a really interesting collection of monolouges. Read more
This is a really interesting collection of monolouges. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Craftycarol
3.0 out of 5 stars
TV stars talk a bit
A number of famous actors/actresses talk a bit about things that may or may not upset them, well worth a look
Published 4 months ago by malmac
5.0 out of 5 stars
talking heads
wow 5 stars can never be enough for Alan Bennett.This will be a long time favourite.delivery and everything just perfect
Published 4 months ago by mrs cynthia adams
5.0 out of 5 stars
HOURS OLF ENJOYMENT
A REALLY GOOD PAIR OF DVD WATCHED THEM WHEN THEY WERE FIRST SHOWN YEARS AGO AND IT WAS GOOD TO SEE THEM AGAIN AND SUCH SUPER ACTORS AND ACTRESSES
Published 4 months ago by falcon66
5.0 out of 5 stars
Talkind Heads
Anyone who has enjoyed Alan Bennett's work in the past will appreciate being able to have this collection to treasure and dip into in the future. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Published 5 months ago by ms s goodrich
5.0 out of 5 stars
An amazing collection
This 3 DVD set combines author Alan Bennett's wonderful 6 part series of monologues for the BBC called "Talking Heads" which
aired in 1988, the sequel of another six... Read more
aired in 1988, the sequel of another six... Read more
Published 6 months ago by K. Gordon
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