Customer Reviews

Scully [DVD]

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have fond memories of Scully, from when it was first shown on Channel 4 back in 1984. I was in the midst of studying for exams (that wasn't the fond memory that I was referring to!) and one of the brief respites from the tedium of revision, was the weekly episode of Alan Bleasdale's now classic comedy / drama.

Over the course of 7 weeks, I became totally engrossed in the escapades, the ups and the downs in the life of the lovable scouser.

Andrew Schofield is absolutely note perfect in his portrayal of Francis Scully who longs to become a professional footballer and who has vivid daydreams that usually involve Kenny Dalglish appearing when he least expects it!

Equally memorable (and hilariously so) is his dimwitted best friend, Mooey, played by Ray Kingsley.

The series also features a strong supporting cast, including Mark McGann, Cathy Tyson, Jean Boht, Tom Georgeson, Gilly Coman, Tony Haygarth and Elvis Costello (as Scully's brother, obsessed with listening to train noises on his cassette recorder!)

Although the series is generally regarded as a comedy, it's not without its pathos, especially in the last episode. In spite of his attempts to break away from his working class background, Scully just can't seem to stay out of trouble, whether it be with the local police (Isaiah) or 'Dracula' the school caretaker (and his assistant 'Castanets').

There's some moments I've always remembered from when I first saw the series over 20 years ago: The scene when Scully goes on a date with Marie and overdoes it with the talcum powder is a classic. Possibly one of the funniest things in the entire series is when Mooey falls through the ceiling and lands on the table, covered in dust and debris, right in the middle of a seance.

I've been waiting a LONG time for this series to appear on DVD, having watched a ropey old copy that I taped off the TV some years ago. It's good to finally have a copy that looks as good as the original broadcasts. Sure, the image on the DVD could be a little sharper, but this is Scully as I remember it and love it and I wouldn't have it any other way.

About 10 years ago, stuck for something to teach a lower band Y10 class, I found an untouched set of the TV scripts in the English department stock cupboard - it went down an absolute storm. Since then, I've been trying to find a copy. Thankfully it's now available on DVD. I echo the previous reviews which highlight the excellent mix of comedy and pathos. Remember seeing this on my gran's old black and white telly, so this should be a revelation when my copy comes through. I think it's time to inflict it on a new Y10 class too....

searched for years for this on DVD.I was lucky enough to live in the area this programme was made ( i was about 14 ). It is based on a story set in liverpool, but was actually filmed in wythenshawe south manchester, due to the housing stock in liverpool not fitting the story. Scenes were filmed in my sisters house, most of the cast and crew sampled my mums bacon butties, and even though i am a lifelong man united fan, i got to have a kick around with king kenny and scully himself. watching this takes me back, and even though it is nearly thirty years ago, it makes me remember being allowed to stay up on a school night to watch this classic programme

I was made up when I spotted Scully on here. Last time I watched it was it's original airing May-July 1984 on Channel 4! Scully was the story of a Liverpool lad Francis Scully with dreams of getting a trial and playing footy for Liverpool. At his school his teachers were constantly on his back to appear in the pantomime promising to get him a trial if he agreed to do it! During the series (only seven episodes) he would often see and speak to Kenny Daglish who wasn't really there as Scully was daydreaming and he'd snap back into reality, there were a lot of surreal sections such as this throughtout which are often funny. Scully is a brilliant short series written by the excellent Alan Bleasdale who of course wrote The Boys from the Blackstuff too. There's loads of now familiar faces in it such as Cathy Tyson, Jean Boht, Tom Georgeson as the copper Isiah, Gilly Coman who sadly has passed away now, Tony Haygarth who played Dracula the school caretaker brilliantly and the writer/performer of the theme song Elvis Costello as Scully's train service obsessed nutty brother! Last but not least Ray Kingsley as Scully's mate Mooy! Brilliant stuff! A must watch!

Kuality with a capital K. Remember this from my teen years in the 80's and just had to buy it for under a tenner. Great characters and a great story with some familiar faces. If you vaguely remember Scully from your youth I would advise you to buy it as its better than I remember, I lent it to my mate whos a big Liverpool fan but had never heard of it and he loved it.

Fantastic dvd of the classic 80s channel 4 tv series Scully! It was exactatly how i remembered, and a must for any Liverpool fan,or fan of football in the 80s! It follows a group of friends one of which his dream is to play for Liverpool F.C, and keeps seeing Kenny Dalglish!!Set in everyday Liverpool gives a humerous look inside the world of a wonna be football player and his friends and family.Laughed so hard at times i cried!

I think I started watching Scully due to the fact that Elvis Costello wrote the theme tune and appeared in it. Aside from that, I grew to love the series and watched it over and over on video. Have subsequently bought DVD and it has stood the test of time-my kids love it and it has not disappointed. The acting is superb and we have had a great laugh-would thoroughly recommend!

Yes what a find. I missed the last episode due to a visit to York on a school trip back in the eighties. Many years later i can finally forgive my dad for not setting the VCR and now enjoy this classic series over and over again and force the children to watch it too while telling them how much better my yoof programmes were compared to todays American tosh. Cue kids blank stare!

Contrary to the deluded view of the previous reviewer, this is a comedy drama series with occasional references to and appearances by Liverpool players of the early 80's.

However, do not let this put you off, as it is still extremely funny and as usual with Bleasdale has it's fair share of pathos and realism along the way. Of all Bleasdale's work, this probably focuses on the comedy more than his others with the relationship between Scully and his dopey sidekick Mooey superbly portrayed.

Highly recommended.

A must for all fans, who remember this from the 80's. A great mixture of laughter and sadness by Alan Bleasdale who captures the real essence of Liverpool at this time. By far the best moments feature King Kenny (Dalglish) who even turns up dressed as a Fairy Godmother. A great series for those who have / had dreams of running out at Anfield in front of a packed Kop.