Rent Jewel in the Crown (Miniseries) (1984)

Paul Scott - late-flowering of a master - Jewel in the Crown (Miniseries) review by CP Customer

Paul Scott was a phenomenon. For most of his life, he wrote little of note - and was better known as the literary agent of writers such as Muriel Spark, who did not rate him. Then - after wartime service in India - he began writing novels inspired by his observation of the last days of the Indian Raj. He lived long enough to know that finally he had achieved something memorable : the books themselves and the mini-series of 4 television films based on them are outstanding, important pieces of work.

Seeing the mini-series again alongside reading the novels has been a terrific experience : the acting across the board is pitch-perfect : not a weak performance among them. Art Malik's poignant Hari Kumar - Tim Pigott-Smith's horrendous Ronald Merrick - Geraldine James and Charles Dance - not to forget Dame Peggy Ashcroft's wonderful Barbie Batchelor and the supporting cast of Raj Ladies The dvd collection explains the care with which the tv series was made : altogether this is quality work - which deserves regular network revival so that younger people come to know what the best of the best looks like.

Revisited - Jewel in the Crown (Miniseries) review by MD

As great as when I first watched it. Then I had a small screen. This time around I got a real sensation of India.

A thorough piece of history - Jewel in the Crown (Miniseries) review by BP

Just looked at this for the third time since its creation forty years ago and still remained absorbed, informed and entertained by this excellent drama.

We would recommend it to anyone interested in the days of the British Raj, especially in the second World War years leading up to Independence. It's there in excellent detail of dress, manners and social mores. Presented in a balanced way, showing both the snobbery and the resistance to it , the understanding and guilt of setting up (for whatever good intentions) as invaders.

Now about to borrow Staying On!