Search - The Anthony Trollope Collection (The Barchester Chronicles / He Knew He Was Right / The Way We Live Now) on DVD

Great Renditions of Stories Ahead of Their Time

Canary | USA | 02/19/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Anthony Trollope was remarkable, a man who understood feminist issues before there was a name for them. His female characters are often strong and sympathetic, and his insight into social issues made his novels more than ordinary potboilers. I do prefer the novels, where Trollope's wit and sometimes snide observations give depth to every scene. But every one of these elegantly filmed stories offers a long, luxurious look into a world long gone, and is perfect for a long lounge before the fire on a dismal day."

A Cup of Tea, A Cozy Chair, Ahhhh......

Barbara Moring | Deep in the Heart of Texas | 06/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anthony Trollope is a master of developing memorable characters. This collection brings us Melmotte of The Way We Live Now, played by David Suchet. All Poirot fans know Mr. Suchet. Hard to pick just one from The Barchester Chronicles. I choose the insufferable Rev. Slope, played by Alan Richman of Harry Potter fame. The rogue, Col. Osborne (Bill Nighty) from He Knew He Was Right.

Superb acting, beautiful settings and costumes, plus a glimpse into the world and conflicts of Victorian England make this series both informative and entertaining. Included in each DVD is a biography of the author and casts and a history of Peterborough Cathedral...wonderful additions."

Outstanding Entertainment...!

David2022 | 04/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Anthony Trollope Collection arrived yesterday in perfect condition. I immediately was mesmerized by the excellent care in which the dialogue and setting of scenes regarding, "He Knew He Was Right" was filmed. Quick wit and well chosen actors were portrayed in this series. I am very, very impressed.

I am more familiar with the Jane Austen Series, especially "Persuasion" and "Sense and Sensibility," and was unsure the writing would stand up to her flow of the spoken word... it did! I am incredibly happy with my purchase and am proud to have this series as part of my collection. I watched the entire four parts of the movie in one sitting, and only wished it could have lasted another six hours... Excellent!



Cheers~"

Excellent adaptations of Trollope's works

Booklover | United States | 01/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a huge Anthony Trollope fan. I particularly enjoy how he writes about women. Trollope's 19th century women are surprisingly feminist, deep, and complicated. He was ahead of his time in describing how women could be quite powerful despite their social and political limitations.



The Barchester Chronicles is noteworthy for Mrs. Proudy. She is a force of nature who can be quite vengeful if wronged. Per usual with these BBC productions the acting is excellent with Nigel Hawthorne, Alan Rickman, and Geraldine McEwan stealing their scenes. This one also includes an extra featuring a profile of Peterborough Cathedral.



He Knew He Was Right is probably the weakest of the three adaptations, but it's still good. Louis is likely insane but lives in a society that does not understand mental illness. This leads to tragedy. Some of the subplots are more interesting as they depict the schemings and power grabs by women. Acting honors go to Caroline Martin, David Tennant, and Anna Massey. This one also has an excellent feature/biography on writer Anthony Trollope. It provides fascinating insights into Trollope and the women in his real life as well as in his books.



The best of the adaptations is the wonderfully contemporary The Way We Live Now. Greed, corruption, fraud, deceit, discrimination fill this story in a similar way to what we've experienced in our own era. The acting is, again, top notch. David Suchet and Shirley Henderson blow everyone else off the screen.



It took me a while to view all these because I wanted to savor them. This is one of the most entertaining, enjoyable dvd sets I've ever bought."