Read Me, Father

Read Me, Father

Yesterday saw our poor postman staggering to our front door to deliver our latest archive television related items. In this case the complete set of 'Bless Me, Father' books.

I do love a book and although I do read e-books there is something very satisfying about holding a proper printed book in your hands. And, as Andrew says, if you drop it in the bath although it may end up a bit soggy and curled up at least it won't stop working completely.

And believe me, he knows - having once dropped Arthur Lowe's biography into the bath in a hotel on the Isle of Wight. We laughed a lot at the thought of Arthur in full Captain Mainwaring mode with glasses askew, emerging from the bath dripping wet..

I've not really had time for more than a cursory glance at the books.  But from what I've seen already many of the plots used in the television series come directly from the books.

They have the feel of a James Herriot book, but without the (sometimes) sad animal stories. The older I get the soppier I become and I find myself getting emotional very easily, especially when it comes to animals.

As Andrew said earlier in the week we've watched the complete series of 'Bless Me, Father' from start to finish, but I'm very tempted to dig it out and watch it through again.

I very much enjoy Arthur Lowe's performance as Father Duddleswell. Apart from the odd moment or two he is very different from Captain Mainwaring.

Daniel Abneri looks very young in the series and is excellent as curate Father Neil Boyd, the  innocent thrown into the deep end and having to deal with the tricky parish priest. Not to mention the troublesome Dr Daley (played by Patrick McAlinney), who is rather too fond of drinking.

Completing the main cast is Gabrielle Daye's housekeeper Mrs Pring, who is determined to burst Father Duddleswell's bubble of pomposity at any cost.

The series features many well guest stars such as Peter Bowles, Cyril Shaps, John Ringham and Derek Francis as Bishop O'Reilly. Derek seems to have been pigeon holed as various religious characters around this time having also appeared as Father Matthew in 'Oh Brother!' and 'Oh Father!'.

You've also got David Ryall as Father Duddleswell's next door neighbour, nightclub owner Billy Buzzle, who with his dog Pontius is a thorn in his side. Much comedy is derived from the goings on between the two.

We'd recommend 'Bless Me, Father' as it's a great series and worth it for the relationship between the main characters. Even though they quarrel and bicker they are all very fond of each other. And the show has a sunny feel with the 1950s setting really helping it.

The complete 'Bless Me, Father' can be purchased from Network here

(Written by Lisa Parker )