Although, technically, the Barchester Chronicles miniseries is not a mystery, it certainly qualifies as “cozy.” This miniseries is a favorite of ours— not only because of its terrific plot, or because it stars some wonderful actors (Geraldine McEwan, Nigel Hawthorne, Alan Rickman, Donald Pleasence, Clive Swift, Susan Hampshire, ETC) but also because the scenery is absolutely and wonderfully British.
The BBC production is based on two of Anthony Trollope’s novels (Barchester Towers and the Warden), and deals with the power struggles between those who are truly good people and those who only have the appearance of being good because of their chosen professions. (This is quite a brief summary of the plot!) I first saw the production years ago when it originally aired on Masterpiece Theatre. You cannot imagine how excited I was when I discovered that it was available now on DVD. I lost absolutely no time in getting it so that my family could enjoy it. And, they have!
One thing to remember, though, is that the Barchester Chronicles was made in 1982, and was meant to air on television. So, although the settings are beautiful, and the plot is delightfully “cozy” – it does not have the appearance of today’s productions. But, even without today’s razzle-dazzle special effects and the multi-million dollar salaries spent to procure “major stars,” it is one of our very favorite shows.
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*****I wrote this review way back in 2006, but we still think it’s a terrific series. If you are a member of Netflix, they have the DVDs. Also, your library might just carry the DVDs. It truly is an exceptional British television mystery series. May 2014
Anne says
I remember watching this when it was first on television and everybody was hooked on it. I think some of these old series are so good, even though they don’t have the “production values” (is that the right phrase?) because it’s the story and the acting that is most important, not the looks or the white teeth of the actors, (although I certainly don’t mind looking at handsome men on the t.v.!)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Anne, The Barchester Chronicles is absolutely one of the best series! My husband, daughter, and I love it.
anon says
I just discovered this great web site. Thank you for putting it together!
One thing that I did not find on your TV list was the Dr. Blake mystery series. It’s great (Australian) and I think fits into the Cozy category.
You might want to check it out.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Anon, the Dr. Blake DVDs available over here are not for our “region”. (The description says a multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player is required.) Netflix allows you to “save” the first season, but they aren’t sending the discs out. I have heard wonderful things about the show, and am really looking forward to watching it. I was hoping that Acorn would show it, since they show Mr. and Mrs. Murder and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. No such luck yet…
Kay says
I don’t know how I missed this one as I love watching Brit TV. Had to watch it on YouTube but enjoyed every minute of it.