Love Among the Artists

1 9 7 9 (UK)
5 x 60 minute episodes

Moving swiftly from Mrs Simpson’s Rooming House for Single Gentlemen to the rarefied atmosphere of Buckinghamshire high society, Stuart Latham’s adaptation of a very early novel by George Bernard Shaw was courageous in its avoidance of ponderous explanation and its willingness to allow character and dialogue to clarify the complexities of action.

Volatile and irascible musician and composer Owen Jack (John Stride) arrives at the elegant home of embryonic new woman Mary Sutherland (Geraldine James) in order to teach her young brother music. He also sets about training Madge Brailsford (Jane Carr) for the stage.

Disreputable and dishevelled, Mr Jack nevertheless reveals himself to be one of nature’s gentlemen – albeit with a nice line in arrogance and unequivocal statement. Miss Sutherland’s expressive features and ability to appear at once plain and pretty are strengthened by a quiet determination.

Verbal exchanges in Love Among The Artists were frequently spirited and entertaining, though there was an occasional tendency to self-consciousness. Massive popular acclaim was always unlikely.

Supporting roles were handled with care and intelligence. Denise Coffey’s roguish landlady was especially pleasing and Jane Carr’s pert and sprightly Madge Brailsford showed her to be an actress of some talent.

This five-part serial was produced by Granada Television and adapted from a novel by Bernard Shaw providing a witty look at society in Victorian London.

Owen Jack
John Stride
Mary Sutherland
Geraldine James
Adrian Herbert
Martyn Jacobs
Madge Brailsford
Jane Carr
Polly Simpson
Denise Coffey
Mrs Herbert
Judy Campbell
Mrs Beatty
Mary Wimbush
Letty Cairns
Joanna Dunham
Mr Brailsford
John Horsley
Colonel Beatty
Leonard Kavanagh
Mr Sutherland
Michael Barrington
Charlie Sutherland
Frederick Alexander
Lady Geraldine Porter
Joan Greenwood
Mrs Phipson
Helen Lindsay
John Hoskyn
Gary Watson

Episodes

Excursions and Explosions | Education and Achievement | Successes and Surrenders | Dilemmas and Decisions | Education Completed