Public Eye - The Complete 1969 Series [DVD]

For fans of this series, 1960's nostalgia, but quality television in general, this is an absolute treat. This DVD set focuses on the fourth series from 1969 set in Brighton (almost all the earlier episodes are sadly lost.)I had never seen these episodes, all but one in black and white, but had been hugely impressed by the later colour ones. I never seriously thought I'd be let down but even I was delighted by the quality of the seven stories. They really form a serial rather than a conventional series as they track Marker from his release from prison (following a wrongful conviction) through his parole and eventually setting up his own inquiry agency.For those who have seen the later series, the same qualities are still present but amplified. Marker is a loner with the right principles but here he is more introverted, more bitter and resentful. The stories show his rightful frustration as the authorities and most of the public refuse to trust him and dog his every move. He is determined to plough his own furrow, refusing to make the "friends" that the "experts" such as his well-meaning probation officer feel he needs. He encounters the familiar stories of misery, corruption and vindictiveness which he handles skilfully but wearily.There are some recurring characters that help the continuity and contrast. Mr. Hull, the probation officer (John Grieve) tries to help Marker but often has his hands tied by the official rules. Helen Mortimer (Pauline Delany), Marker's landlady, is the only person with whom he develops a warm but not especially close relationship. There are hints that it could have developed further - certainly on her part - but it remains firmly platonic. In two episodes Stanley Meadows plays Rylands, a dodgy private detective with whom Marker is uneasily placed.All these parts are really well-played but especially impressive are Alfred Burke, Pauline Delany and John Grieve, who inspire great affection in their portrayals. The writing though is the key. Roger Marshall, the co-creator of the show, penned all the stories with superb results, maintaing great continuity. Direction is uniformly excellent, best demonstrated in the brilliantly stark and bleak titles. Robert Earley's evocative theme is also perfectly reworked. This was a series that was made with real care - nothing was out-of-place.All the episdeos are of high quality but most notable are "My Life's My Own", featuring a very fine performance by Stephanie Beacham, "The Comedian's Graveyard" (with Tessa Wyatt and Joe Melia as a seedy comic), and the final "A Fixed Address" which is in colour.The DVD set also includes various extras, including a very arly episode (actually not so effective due to Marker's limited role), rare stills but best of all great interviews with Marshall and Alfred Burke who talk with great insight. I have been delighted with this purchase and there are many more people who will appreciate it - hopefully you're one of them.

Pinter meets Raymond Chandler? Well, not quite but the compelling aspect of this series was the spare approach to dialogue and the grinding reality of the plots. No special effects, no guns or car chases, just plots and dialogue straight from the 'kitchen sink' era of British drama. That's not to say this is dreary or commonplace. It is hard not to be drawn completely into each plot with its inevitable twists and turns as Marker tries to make sense of the world on his terms. It is a sad fact that no one wants or makes such simple yet highly watchable series any longer.The main background to this series is that Frank Marker, interned for an honest mistake for 12 months of a two year sentence is released early on parole and chooses to reestablish his life in Brighton. Full marks to Alfred Burke for carefully transforming his character from released jail-bird to optimistic enquiry agent in 7 episodes. Quite a remarkable feat of acting. He is ably supported throughout, in one instance by a very young Terence Rigby (completing the allusion to Pinter) and an equally young and very pretty Deborah Grant. Well worth watching just to see these two performers in an early appearance.I was at first disappointed to find that this series was only 7 episodes but it is worth pointing out that the third disk contains a number of treats. Firstly, interviews with both Alfred Burke and Roger Marshall (the writer and originator of the series). Also included is a complete episode from the now lost previous series. There is also a small short on how the series was restored). Finally there is a wonderful booklet with an introduction and appreciation, and a short story by Roger Marshall which reprises Marker's relationship with Mrs Mortimer. I've bought a number of classic series on DVD and I can honestly say none has come with this vital background information which is essential to understanding the importance of the drama.All in all a very satisfying product, well thought out, beautifully presented and much more importantly fantastic entertainment. I already have my order in for the next series and will no doubt complete the whole collection over time.

This was purchased on a whim, following a conversation at work.I was explaining to my work colleagues that a TV program episode was made in our street in Hove in 1969!The inside of the house next door to us was used for the filming a scene in part of the episode, and I remember it well (as a nine year old kid at the time), as they used our house to power the cables for the lights and cameras etc, and my Nan got £10 for her trouble (which at that time was probably a fair bit more than a weeks wages!).This series was set in Brighton, and I was greatly interested in the street shots and it all reminded me on how these areas looks at the time.It brought back some memories!The episode filmed in our street offered a good view of the houses etc as I remembered them.You have to remember that in those days home video recorders didn't exist, so we only got to watch the episode once a few months later!However I remember that this program was very popular at the time, and on watching this DVD it confirmed to me that the acting and production were extremely good and I really enjoyed it.It was a bit of a shock though when all of a sudden the episodes changed from black and white to colour ones (just goes to show what happened to TV in the sixties!).All in all a good buy, both for the nostalgia and entertainment.I might just buy the other series now.