John Thaw - 35 Years A Fan!!

Lewis...could be ending soon

2012-01-18T18:06:00.000Z

Take a look at this link where you can watch a video where Kevin is talking about Endeavour, Morse and Lewis.

http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-01-18/kevin-whately-hints-at-quitting-lewis

Vote

2012-01-05T17:12:00.001Z

http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-01-03/endeavour---should-it-get-a-full-series

http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-01-05/we-want-more-endeavour!---97-per-cent-of-radiotimescom-users-demand-a-full-series

Use the top one please to vote for more of Endeavour even if you haven't seen it yet, as every vote counts towards keeping John's memory alive.

Happy Birthday...John

2012-01-03T17:30:00.000Z

Today marks John's 70th birthday, so I think everyone should watch something to mark the occasion, for me I'll watch first episode of The Glass then a couple of Thick as Theives episodes.

Happy birthday John, you were/are simply the best actor we have ever had.

New documentary about John

2011-12-27T01:02:00.000Z

On Sunday (1st January) ITV1 are screening The Unforgettable John Thaw at 9:45-10:45pm, very rare do they show them as an hour long tribute. Just wish I could record it, but sadly I don't have a DVD recorder.

Mind you I think the reason this one hasn't been screened earlier when the series started is on 3rd January marks what would have been john's 70th birthday!

Also next Monday (2nd January) on ITV3 at 9:00pm is Endeavour the new prequel to Morse, obviously I'm more interested in John and that's what this blog is for, but I know a lot of folk will be interested in this, me included. Mind I like a good drama full stop, and that's what this looks like from the trailer I've seen on tv.

10th anniversary of John's death

2011-10-20T13:54:00.000+01:00

As you all know on 21st February 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the sad passing of this wonderful actor, and i think we should all mark it by watching what made us a fan of him in the first place.

So for me that will be "Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner", which i saw in 1973, and i've been hooked on him ever since. I plan on watching it on blu-ray as i've not watched it yet, because i was saving it for this occasion.

When you have decided what you are watching please leave a reply to this thread so everyone else can see what you have choosen.

Also for John's birthday and anniversary i will be updating the blog with a new slidshow and maybe a new layout, have to see first

John's 70th Birthday...

2011-10-20T13:46:00.000+01:00

As everyone knows on 3rd January next year (2012), marks what would have been John's 70th birthday, so i think we should all mark the occasion and watch some of his wonderful work!

If any of you have idea's of what you are going to watch then add them to this thread so everyone else can see, i haven't decided yet but when i have i will post mine. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone chooses.

New titles being released!

2011-09-09T16:18:00.000+01:00

Just received the following, and thought you all might like to know, as it's been a long time since we had anything new on John.

Don't know if any of you have a blu-ray player but if you do then REGAN is being released on blu-ray on 10th October by Network!

Also on DVD, by Network, is vol. 2 of Armchair Theatre, this is only available till 9th March 2012, then it will be discontinued, it contains the single drama COMPETITION, originally screened on ITV on 5th October 1971, starring John Thaw of course.

Competition‘You don’t want to believe a word your dad says. Nobody else does.’ Young Ray hardly needs the advice. A budding poet, he particularly wants his father to go with him to the poetry competition at school – but father has something else on his mind, and Ray’s awakening disillusion is confirmed.

visitor's counter

2011-08-25T13:57:00.001+01:00

For some reason my visitor's counter which was at the foot of the blog stopped working, so i've install a new one which is now at the top of the left hand side of my blog, which means i don't know how many folk have been on here since 2008 when i started it. So now it starts from today!

Filming starts on Morse prequel

2011-08-25T13:32:00.000+01:00

Sorry everyone i haven't been around for awhile, been having a few blog problems but hopefully all sorted out now!

Principle filming has now started on ITV’s Inspector Morse prequel Endeavour, which stars Shaun Evans as the young Morse, the role made famous by John Thaw.

Earlier this month the broadcaster announced the one-off drama’s plot would give viewers an insight into the origins of the detective, his love of crosswords, classical music, real ale and classic cars.

Set in 1965, the story follows the hunt for a missing schoolgirl which draws Detective Constable Endeavour Morse back to Oxford – the place which will ultimately shape and define his destiny. 

The two-hour drama has been written by Morse writer and Lewis creator Russell Lewis.

Deep in a full-blown murder investigation and led by Detective Inspector Fred Thursday (Roger Allam), Endeavour finds himself side-lined, discredited and at a dead end.

Facing down the demons of his past, Endeavour begins his own quest in pursuit of justice, risking all in the hunt for a truth that will haunt him for the rest of his days.

Joining Evans and Hallam are Charlie Creed Miles (Harry Brown), Richard Lintern, James Bradshaw and Thaw’s daughter Abigail.

Executive Producer Damien Timmer said: “We’re delighted Russell has written this brilliant one off drama for ITV. It’s a sharp and revealing script which gives us a new perspective on this legendary detective.”

Endeavour will air next year to mark the 25th anniversary of the very first episode of Morse.

Sorry for not being around

2011-07-01T16:49:00.002+01:00

Hello everyone
I just hope this works as my blog has been playing up, where it won't let me post anything.

I'm sorry I've not posted for quite sometime but I wasn't very well in March/April then when I was feeling better the blog wouldn't let me on.

I hope to be posting again soon
Take care everyone

LEGENDARY detective Inspector Morse is coming back - as a young upstart copper

2011-04-29T07:47:00.002+01:00

Just received the following article in my email box and thought some of you might be interested! Sorry i haven't been around much lately i've not been too well, but i hope to be back on board soon.

The Sun
By Colin Roberson
Friday 29th April 2011
ITV is making a prequel to the long-running series which ended 11 years ago with the death of the grumpy tec, played by the late John Thaw.

Writer Colin Dexter, 80, who dreamed up the Oxford cop for a series of novels, is an adviser for the new one-off drama.

It will focus on the young Endeavour Morse as he earns his stripes with Thames Valley Police. It is also likely to chart real ale and opera-loving Morse's stint at Oxford University and his time in the Army.

A show source said: "There is a whole rich seam of potential stories about Morse's personal life that we can mine.

"Colin Dexter did not give away huge amounts about Morse's past, preferring to make him an enigmatic character.

"He didn't even let readers know his first name until late in the 12 novels he wrote about him. Colin is advising and naturally has many ideas about what should be said about Morse - or what should not be given away."

ITV has yet to start casting the title role but a production team is being assembled. The show is earmarked for screening next year as a special to mark the 25th anniversary of the first Morse episode shown in 1987.

If it goes well there is expected to be a series. It could mean the end of the current spin-off Lewis, based around Jaguar-driving Morse's sidekick, played by Kevin Whately.

Inspector Morse ran for 33 episodes over 13 years. Nearly 14million viewers tuned in for the final episode The Remorseful Day in 2000 when Morse died of a heart attack in hospital.

CBE FOR GLAMOROUS GRAN SHEILA HANCOCK

2011-03-25T12:03:00.004Z

I thought some of you might find this of interest, so thought i'd post it, also sorry i haven't been around for a few days i've had ear ache and also my leg has been very sore, then the internet connection went down.

Sheila Hancock after being awarded her CBE
By Daily Express Reporter

Sheila Hancock took her family to Buckingham Palace yesterday where Prince Charles awarded her a “richly deserved” CBE.

A self-confessed fan and Palace aide also congratulated the actress. “It was lovely,” she said. Sheila, 78, was married to John Thaw, star of The Sweeney and Inspector Morse for 29 years until his death in 2002. She found fame in the sitcom The Rag Trade in the 1960s. Recently she has written bestselling memoirs and was a judge on TV’s Over The Rainbow.

Also at the Palace were Joanna, 36, her daughter with Thaw, left, and granddaughters Lola, 12, and Molly-Mae, 13.

Today's Choice - 15th March

2011-03-15T12:43:00.002Z

Hello everyone, i've got two drama's for you to watch today, so hope you enjoy which ever one you decide to watch.

15th March

Inspector Morse: The Settling of the Sun

Kavanagh QC: The More Loving One

There is none tomorrow so i'll see you all back here on Thursday!

Today's Choice - 14th March

2011-03-14T16:40:00.001Z

Hello everyone, here is today's choice for you, enjoy!

14th March

The Avengers: Esprit De Corps

I'll see you all tomorrow hopefully, having a few pc problems but nothing to major to worry about so far.

Today's Choice - 13th March

2011-03-13T12:28:00.002Z

Hello everyone, here is today's choices for you, hope you enjoy them.

13th March

The Sweeney: Big Spender
Inspector Morse: Who killed Harry Field

See you all tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 11th March

2011-03-11T14:40:00.002Z

Hello Everyone, hope you are all ok and looking forward to the weekend, lets all spare a moment or two for folks in Japan who are having a rough time at present with all these earthquakes.

Now onto today's choice's and i have two for you, so enjoy them!

11th March

Inspector Morse: Happy Families
Kavanagh QC: The Burning Deck

I'll see you all on Saturday as there is nothing for tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 10th March

2011-03-10T14:07:00.002Z

Hello Everyone, sorry i didn't make it on Tuesday, my server was down, so anytime i miss some of John's dramas i'll save them for is anniversary birthday (70) and the anniversary of his death (10) next year!

10th March

Kavanagh QC: Blood Money

This is one of my all time favourite stories, so looking forward to watching this tonight. Enjoy!

See you all tomorrow (hopefully).

Today's Choice - 6th March

2011-03-06T13:26:00.002Z

Hello everyone, got a great Sweeney story for you today, so enjoy! Lovely weather we are having in Manchester at the moment, hope it lasts.

6th March

The Sweeney: Stoppo Driver

See you all on Tuesday, you can have tomorrow off!

Today's Choice - 5th March

2011-03-05T14:11:00.002Z

Hello everyone, hope you are all having a nice weekend, here is today's choice for you to watch.

5th March

The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes: The sensible actions of Lt. Hoist.

This is a great drama and lovely to see John in period dress, he's so handsome!

See you all tomorrow.

Today's Choice - 4th March

2011-03-04T14:23:00.002Z

Hello everyone, today's choice is...

4th March

Kavanagh QC: Men of Substance

Can't remember what this one is about, but i'm sure it will come back to me tonight when i watch it again, as i've not seen it for ages. So it's good to have time like this to watch all of John's work to refresh the memory of dramas that you don't watch as often as you'd like too.

See you all tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 3rd March

2011-03-03T11:34:00.002Z

Hello everyone, only one choice for you all today, so enjoy!

3rd March

Kavanagh QC: Mute of Malice

This is one of my all time favourite Kavanagh stories.

See you all tom0rrow!

Today's Choice - 28th February

2011-02-28T13:16:00.003Z

Hello everyone, today's choice i've put as whole because on dvd that's how it's been released! Enjoy.

28th February

A Year In Provence

Well that's all for now, see you all on Thursday.

Today's Choice - 27th February

2011-02-27T14:43:00.002Z

Hello everyone, here are today's choices for you, hope you enjoy watching them.

27th February

The Sweeney: Golden Boy
Inspector Morse: Fat Chance

See you all tomorrow for the last day of the month!

Today's Choice - 26th February

2011-02-26T14:33:00.003Z

Greetings everyone, hope you all have a nice weekend, couple of John drama's for you today, here they are:

First is my all time favourite episode of Morse, for me the best acted performance by John in the whole series.

26th February

Inspector Morse: Dead on Time

Kavanagh QC: True Commitment

I shall see you all back here tomorrow for another couple of drama's. Enjoy!

Today marks the 9th anniversary...

2011-02-21T15:36:00.002Z

of the sad passing of a wonderful British actor: John Thaw for whom this blog has been for. Thoughout his short life he bought pleasure to millions of people around the world and continues to do so today.

May we all spare a few minutes of our day to remember this truly remarkable actor and also his family who dearly miss him like we fans do.

We remember you John with love.

Today's Choice - 20th February

2011-02-20T13:59:00.003Z

Hello Everyone, and what choices do i have for you today, well lets see...

20th February

The Sweeney: Cover Story
Inspector Morse: Second Time Around

Nothing now till Saturday.

Don't forget tomorrow is John's anniversary, so you can all choose something to watch and remember him by.

Today's Choice - 18th February

2011-02-18T13:41:00.002Z

Hello Everyone, hope you are still joining in watching all these wonderful performances of this amazing actor. Here is today's for us all.

18th February

Cry Freedom

John isn't in this film very much but when he is, he's brillient, well worth watching, enjoy! I'll be back on Sunday with more.

Today's Choice - 17th February

2011-02-17T14:42:00.002Z

Hello Everyone
Today's choice is my all time favourite performance by John!

17th February

Killer Waiting

Love this drama.

Today's Choice - 13th February

2011-02-13T15:07:00.002Z

Hello Everyone, on a very wet Sunday afternoon in Manchester! Only one for you today to watch, so enjoy.

13th February

The Sweeney: The Placer

Nothing now till Thursday when my all time favourite performance from John was screened, so looking forward to that. See you all then.

Today's Choice - 6th February

2011-02-06T14:38:00.002Z

Well hello there, long time no blog! Blame ITV for not screening much during John's life in February, anyway i have one for you today, wow put the flags out!!

6th February

The Sweeney: Night Out

Was watching John on tv last night, didn't know that Buried/Hidden Treasure was on so only caught the last five minutes of it. But afterwards was Inspector Morse: The Infernal Serpent which i watched till Primeval came on as i love that drama. That episode of Morse has a terrific cast in it, brilliently played by all. That's twice now i've seen this episode first on 3rd January as part of 'Today's Choice' and then on tv last night, and i'd never get bored of it.

Nothing on now till next Sunday so see you all then, have a nice week!

Today's Choice - 30th January

2011-01-30T13:49:00.002Z

Hello everyone, only have one for you today, but it's a good one, mind they all are with out lovely John.

30th January

The Sweeney: Jigsaw

There's no more now till next Sunday, so i'll see you all then. We didn't get an awful lot screened in February, so bit of a quite month.

Today's Choice 25th January

2011-01-25T20:57:00.002Z

Hello everyone, sorry i'm rather late today, but better late then not at all, been sleeping alot today due to the morphine, so thought i best post now before i forget!

25th January

Inspector Morse: The Secret of Bay 5B

If it's to late for anyone you can always watch it tomorrow. Well that's all for now nothing now till Sunday, so will give my leg a bit of a rest and hopefully i'll be here, see you all then.

Today's Choice - 24th January

2011-01-24T17:37:00.002Z

Hello everyone, very sorry i wasn't here yesterday, but i was in rather alot of pain still am but thought i'd try and post today for you.

24th January

Inspector Morse: Masonic Mysteries

Kavanagh QC: The Sweetest Thing

Hopefully i'll be back tomorrow, see you all then.

Today's Choice - 20th January

2011-01-20T14:12:00.002Z

Hello everyone, i've got two for you today, and both from the same character, so here they are...

20th January

Inspector Morse: Service of All the Dead
Inspector Morse: Twilight of the Gods

I'll see you all on Sunday, as there is nothing for Friday/Saturday so you can have these days off!

Today's Choice - 19th January

2011-01-19T17:53:00.002Z

Hello everyone, loved watching Deceived by flight last night, one of my all time favourite Morse stories. Today it's back to my favourite comedy, and believe me it's not easy just watching the one for today, i end up watching several of them.

19th January

Home To Roost: Leaving

This is one of my favourite stories, just when poor Henry think's he's got rid of his son, another one turns up, very funny!

Today's Choice - 18th January

2011-01-18T16:07:00.002Z

Hello everyone, here is your choice for today...

18th January

Inspector Morse: Deceived by Flight

See you all tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 17th January

2011-01-17T16:13:00.002Z

Hello Everyone, have a few choices for you today, so here they are...

17th January

Inspector Morse: Driven to Distraction
Inspector Morse: The Day of the Devil
Kavanagh QC: A Family Affair

So take your pick from that little lot and i'll see you all tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 16th January

2011-01-16T15:28:00.003Z

Hello Everyone, sorry i wasn't here on Thursday but my server was down, but i'm back now, so here are today's choices for you.

16th January

Redcap: The Patrol
The Sweeney: Thin Ice

See you all tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 12th January

2011-01-12T16:44:00.002Z

Welcome everyone, hope you are all fine, here is today's choice, just a nice little short one for you.

12th January

Home To Roost: High Noon

Looking forward to this myself tonight as i love this series, it's helped me though some tough times in my life. See you all tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 11th January

2011-01-11T17:26:00.002Z

Hello Everyone, sorry i'm a bit late, been watching the news about the flooding in Brisbane, as i have a friend there so bit worried. So i've been a bit side tracked today, anyway here's today's choice...

11th January

Inspector Morse: The Last Enemy

If any of you are in Aus where the floods are taking place, please take care of yourselves, see you all tomorrow.

Today's Choice - 10th January

2011-01-10T10:15:00.002Z

Hello Everyone
Got a couple of dramas for you today, so here they are...

10th January

Inspector Morse: The Sins of the Fathers
Kavanagh QC: Heartland

See you tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 9th January

2011-01-09T13:46:00.002Z

Hello Everyone, hope you are enjoying a new way of watching John for a change, here are today's offerings for you...

9th January

Redcap: A Place of Refuge
The Sweeney: Jackpot

See you all tomorrow!

Today's Choice - 6th January

2011-01-06T13:28:00.001Z

Hello Everyone

Here are today's choices, yes you get two today aren't you lucky!

6th January

Inspector Morse: The Dead of Jericho
Inspector Morse: Deadly Slumber

You get a couple of days off now, so i'll see you all again on Sunday.

Today's Choice - 5th January

2011-01-05T13:47:00.002Z

Hello Everyone
Here is today's choice only one was screened on this date in history and it is...

5th January

Home To Roost: Return to Clagthorpe

Enjoy, i'll see you all tomorrow! If you want to comment on what you are watching it would be nice to hear from you, so i don't feel i'm talking to myself, ha-ha!

Today's Choice - 4th January

2011-01-04T16:32:00.002Z

Hello Everyone, sorry i'm rather late if you are joining me in watching John, didn't get much sleep last night as leg was rather sore, so confession i almost forgot to post today.

Anyway here is today's, there is only one that was screened.

4th January

Inspector Morse: Ghost in the Machine

See you all tomorrow!

John's birthday

2011-01-03T13:22:00.002Z

Today marks John's 69th birthday!

So i'm really pleased that two dramas were screened over here on today's date, here they are if you all want to join in.

3rd January

Inspector Morse: The Infernal Serpent

Kavanagh QC: Nothing But the Truth

You can either choose one to watch or both of them it's up to you what you have on dvd.

Yesterday i choose Redcap as a tv station over here has been showing The Sweeney all last year, so as i'd not seen Redcap for a while that's what i chose. Also had new series of Primeval on tv so couldn't watch both of them, and i really love that series. But tonight i'll most likely watch both as i don't think there is anything else on, unless John is. Have to wait and see. See you all tomorrow!

New photos

2011-01-02T13:31:00.001Z

I've just posted some new photos in the slide show for John's birthday and his anniversary next month, if you want to take a look!

Happy New Year Everyone

2011-01-02T13:06:00.002Z

Hello, just thought i'd wish you all a very Happy New Year!

Now if you would all like to join me this year in watching John to mark my 50th birthday on 8th June here is todays choices.

2nd January
Redcap: A Question of Initiative
The Sweeney: Ringer

So feel free to choice either of those or both of them to watch today. See you all tomorrow, on John's birthday.

Merry Christmas to all

2010-12-21T17:38:00.003Z

Just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year for 2011.

As next year will be rather special for me (i turn 50 on 8th June), i'm planing to watch everything i have on dvd starring John in date order. By that i mean January - December.

I will post when there is something of John's screened for that date from my list of his career, and if anyone wants to join me in watching the same you can do!

First date will be 2nd January 2011, so keep you're eyes peeled, i'll try to post midnight for that day so everyone can join in if they want too.

Just one more thing take care everyone in this awful weather!

TV detective Lewis considers retirement

2010-11-29T12:35:00.002Z

Here is an article i received last Friday but due to health have only just got on pc to post it.

By Andrew Ffrench
Friday 26 November 2010

Lewis the Oxford-based television detective series may have survived cuts in ITV’s budget but the end could be in sight for the Inspector Morse spin-off.

Kevin Whately, who is currently filming the fifth series of Lewis in the city, has admitted to the Oxford Mail that he is considering his future as the detective after more than two decades in the role.

The star, who shot to fame in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, believes it may be time to pension off Lewis after a sixth series.

He said: “We will have done 20 films at the end of this series and I said we would not do it for as long as Morse, which ran for 33 episodes.

“This could be the penultimate series, and I am coming up to police retirement age.

“Lewis is a very successful series but two-hour plots are difficult to come by.

“In the end it could be up to me, but that’s a big decision, because lots of people’s jobs depend on it.

“I know I have been doing this role for about 25 years but as an actor I do like variation.”

When asked if he thought Det Insp Lewis should be killed off, Mr Whately said: “No, I think I should putter off into the sunset.”

The film crew began shooting the four episodes for the fifth series in July and are now completing filming for the last episode, Old, Far Off Unhappy Things, by Russell Lewis. The drama stars Juliet Stevenson alongside Mr Whately and Laurence Fox, who plays Det Sgt James Hathaway.

Locations include Lady Margaret Hall, the River Thames near Folly Bridge and the former US air force base at Upper Heyford.

Mr Fox bought a fishing rod from Fat Phil’s angling centre, in Abingdon Road, so that he could fish in the Thames during breaks in filming He said: “During the past few months we have been filming in lots of locations in the centre of Oxford, including Turl Street and Broad Street, and we love the way people come along and take an interest.

“People are proud of Lewis in Oxford, so they don’t give us grief when we’re filming,” he added.

Producer Chris Burt said: “We have had a very good welcome from people in Oxford and will be here for a few more days.

“Colin Dexter, the Inspector Morse author, will be doing his usual cameo. This time he will appear in a fancy dress shop.”

In March last year, Mr Whately hinted that the Lewis series could come to a premature end because of cutbacks at ITV but the axe never came and the series went from strength to strength.

Mr Dexter said: “It would be a shame if Lewis came to an end because it has become more popular as it has gone on.

“We have had a couple of very long innings already and all good things come to an end.”

Colin Cook, the city council’s executive member for development and tourism, added: “The Morse/Lewis franchise has been an absolute boon for Oxfordshire’s economy and must have generated hundreds of thousands of pounds for the area over the years.”

The John Thaw Foundation

2010-11-22T17:36:00.002Z

I haven't put anything about the foundation on here for awhile, so thought it was time to remind you all. Please join if you are a fan of this great actor so we can all raise money for this great charity.

Thank you.

Here's a new easy way to raise money for The John Thaw Foundation that does not involve parting with extra cash.

Everyclick.com has launched a new way to donate – it’s been christened “Give as you Live”. It means you can search the web, shop on line from your favourite retailers, trade on eBay and raise money for The John Thaw Foundation.

You get great search results from Yahoo!, content from leading shopping providers and access to all eBay auctions. Every search you make creates a donation for charity.

Our special address is http://www.everyclick.com/johnthawfoundation, all searches, shopping and eBay activity made from here will raise money for us.

Make sure you sign up so you can track your giving – it updates every 3 minutes, you’ll be amazed how quickly it adds up!

Everyclick has already raised over £1,521,198.65 for a wide range of charities around the UK, and Everyclick was voted website of the Year 2008 and has been recognised as a top 100 media tech company 2009.

Discover the new way to give to The John Thaw Foundation. Give as you Live.

New Morse/Lewis tour for 2011

2010-09-27T00:35:00.002+01:00

Please find down the right-hand side under Link lists an added adition for a new Morse/Lewis tour next year, it's from Brit Movie tours, who asked me if i would put it on and i'm happy too.

Just click on the link and it will take you to the website.

2010-08-14T01:58:00.002+01:00

On 11th October on blu-ray, Goodnight Mister Tom is being released, and i for one can't wait! Because so far there is only one other blu-ray disc out and that's Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, which i already have. So if you have a blu-ray player then add this to your collection, because as i'm sure you are aware this is an excellent drama and well worth having on this format.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Goodnight-Mister-Blu-ray-John-Thaw/dp/B003WOLF4G/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1281746629&sr=1-1

PS: It's also being digitially remastered onto dvd too, same date applies. Here is the link for the dvd version.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Goodnight-Mister-Tom-Digitally-Remastered/dp/B003XU7N7C/ref=sr_1_2?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1281747051&sr=1-2

Inspector Morse Tour of Oxford

2010-08-07T02:18:00.002+01:00

This was posted on the John Thaw forum, and thanks to my friend, Theresa for letting me know, i thought i'd post it here in case any of you might be interested... read on. Also please everyone forgive me for not being around much this year, i've had a lot of health issues to deal with, along with suffering a lot of pain with my leg, for which i'm on morphine now. But i haven't forgotton John and never will, and as and when i can i'll be back to add more stuff related to John in some way.

This luxury air-conditioned mini coach day tour from London will take fans into the world of author Colin Dexter’s famous detective creation Inspector Morse.

With Oxford being the setting for both the books and the TV series we will visit many locations familiar to Morse, Lewis and Hathaway.

We’ll stop for lunch at one of the most charming pubs in Oxford. You’ll also get a 2 hour guided walking tour of the locations featured in the series by an authority on the subject and see and hear many fascinating facts about this historic University town.

On the way to and from Oxford we will watch a couple of classic episodes of Morse and see if you can solve the answers to some questions relating to the detective.

The tour will finish in Kensington near to Gloucester Road tube station on the District Line.

Tour highlights include
Go inside St Michaels Church Bray where Morse investigates six murders and fights for his life on the tower before Lewis rescues him, in The Service of All the Dead
Enjoy the atmosphere and views overlooking the Thames at the pub where Morse takes Helen in Who Killed Harry Field
Visit some of the Oxford colleges used as fictional locations in the TV series
Have lunch at the ancient pub where Bill Clinton 'didn't inhale' and which featured in The Settling of the Sun
See Oxford locations also featured in previous episodes of Lewis as well as those from the forthcoming series

Here is the link for more information and how to book...

http://britmovietours.com/bookings/inspector-morse-tour/

Today we remember Ray Thaw

2010-06-09T01:36:00.004+01:00

It's 6 years since the sad passing of John's younger brother Ray, but as fans we never forget the kindness he showed to us and the help he give in keeping his brother's name alive.

RIP Ray

Inspector Morse Makes Stage Debut with Colin Baker

2010-05-05T12:36:00.003+01:00

I got this in my email this morning and thought you'd all like to read it, be interested to know what you think! If anyone plans on going could you write a review and send it to me so i can post it here for everyone to see, just in case it doesn't come to Manchester!

What's on Stage by Paul Wills
Eight years after the death of actor John Thaw, Inspector Morse, the character he played on screen from 1987 to 2000, will cross over to the stage for the first time – with former Doctor Who Colin Baker stepping into Thaw’s shoes.

House of Ghosts, a new stage play by Alma Cullen (author of four Morse screenplays) inspired by Colin Dexter’s original best-selling novels on which the TV series was also based, premieres on 27 August 2010 at Stevenage’s Gordon Craig Theatre before touring, until 4 December, to 14 other theatres, including a week at south London’s Richmond Theatre from 6 to 11 September.

The play sees the inscrutable Detective Chief Inspector Endeavour Morse looking to his past, when an old acquaintance becomes the lead suspect in a murder case that involves the on-stage death of a young actress. Baker will lead a cast of 15 in the premiere production directed by Robin Hurford and presented by Calibre Productions, the same company behind recent stage versions of Porridge, Dad’s Army and ‘Allo ‘Allo.

Producer Ed O’Driscoll said: “We’re keenly aware of our responsibility to the millions of fans of both the books and TV series and have tried to stay true to the spirit of Colin Dexter’s marvellous characters. At the same time, we’re obviously very excited by this unique opportunity to bring Morse to the stage with a new mystery to solve, that we’re sure will thrill audiences across the UK.”

Commenting on his new role, Colin Baker added: “More Morse! This in itself is exciting enough, but for me to have the opportunity to follow in John Thaw's footsteps and bring this sullen, intuitive intellectual to life on-stage, is both daunting and very exciting.

Whilst revisiting the character in Dexter's novels, I am both appalled, and greatly encouraged to discover just how many characteristics I share with the great Inspector. It's a great and fiendishly clever script - I simply can't wait.”

After Stevenage and Richmond, House of Ghosts visits Oxford, York, Cardiff, Coventry, Malvern, Chelmsford, Newcastle, Wolverhampton, Derby, Woking, Poole and Southampton, with further dates and casting to be announced.

Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox on the new series of Lewis

2010-04-24T06:21:00.001+01:00

I thought you all might like to read this, that came in my email box this morning. Enjoy!

Despite his initial cynicism Kevin Whately has found Inspector Morse spin-off Lewis to be a surprising hit. He and co-star Laurence Fox talk about the secret to its success.

Telegraph.co.uk 23rd April 2010 By Naomi West

‘Change’ may be the buzzword of the moment in political circles, but when it comes to entertainment there can be great value in consistency, in staying more or less the same. ‘Familiarity,’ says actor Kevin Whately when asked what he considers the appeal of ITV1’s Oxford-set detective drama Lewis, in which he plays the title role. ‘People have always liked it, so they carry on watching it.’

When Lewis returns to our screens next Sunday night, Whately, 59, will have been playing the steady police detective Robbie Lewis on and off for well over two decades. He had thought that he had seen the back of Lewis when he chose to appear in a play over participating in an episode of Morse in the late 1990s. But he was to be lured back to help conclude Inspector Morse’s story, opposite the much loved John Thaw as Morse, and then once more in 2006, four years after Thaw’s death, this time as the programmer’s title character.

‘I was a bit of a naysayer,’ Whately says of the time Lewis was mooted. ‘But it took off like a train so here we are back again…’ He gestures around his small beige caravan, during a break from filming.

This November morning, the crew is filming in Turl Street, a narrowish thoroughfare abutted by three of Oxford University’s colleges. Hanging around outside a coffee shop is the long-limbed, insouciant figure of Laurence Fox, 32, who plays Lewis’s side DS Hathaway. Fox is dressed in a sharp dark suit and overcoat (‘I try to steal as much of the wardrobe budget as possible,’ he says); the scene is an encounter between Hathaway and an aristocratic young woman who was a childhood crush. ‘At last, I’ve got a love interest that is not a transsexual who tries to murder me,’ laughs Fox.

The crew is as fleet-footed as a 20-or-so-strong group filming a major drama could be. In the chilly street, perfumed with the smell of lunchtime Bolognese from a nearby college kitchen, scores of pedestrians and cyclists pass through, untroubled by the activity. When the cameras start turning and the real students, townspeople and tourists are replaced by ‘background artists’ carefully choreographed to amble through the shot, the change is imperceptible (the only difference is that the extras are drabber than the occasionally flamboyant Oxford inhabitants).

‘It’s quite a guerrilla thing,’ Whately says of the city filming, though in the summer months, it proves harder not to cause a stir. ‘Especially because quite a lot of tourists have come to the city because they’ve seen Oxford in the Morse or the Lewis films.’

The casting of Fox as the brainy Hathaway opposite Whately’s down-to-earth Lewis has proved key to the sustained success of the drama (it attracted more than six million viewer’s last series and survived ITV’s budget cuts intact). Both undemonstrative, the two barely look at one another on-screen, but an engaging rapport has emerged. ‘It’s not necessarily written [in the script]… You can’t work on it. It’s either there or not,’ says Whately of their chemistry. Off-screen, Whately seems to take the role of a tolerant, if slightly disapproving uncle to the more waggish Fox. ‘I annoy him. He forgives me,’ is how Fox defines their relationship.

Both lead actors are equal in their lack of hunger for dramatic personal storylines for their characters. Fox, the son of actor James (Performance, Thoroughly Modern Millie) and nephew of Edward (The Day of the Jackal, Edward and Mrs. Simpson), is irritated by the fact that more details of Hathaway’s background are to be revealed in the forthcoming series. We already knew he used to be a trainee priest; now we’ll learn that he grew up on a country estate where his father was manager. ‘The less you know the more you care,’ he insists.

Whately argues that the drama works because the focus is not principally on the fortunes of Lewis and Hathaway, but on the murder case in each episode. ‘There is always a danger with a long-running series for it to disappear up its own a---, to become all about the regulars. Like hospital dramas where it’s the main characters getting ill. Here I’m very aware Lewis is the pivotal character, but the guests do all the acting.’ This series has pulled in a fine list of guest actors including Timothy West, Rupert Graves, Alan Davies, Diana Quick and Robert Hardy. ‘Thank God for the credit crunch,’ remarks Fox. ‘We’ve got some great people.’

As for the storylines, Fox says that this is ‘the best year yet’ – they take in a violent shooting on a country estate, a Halloween murder foreseen by a medium and a primary school teacher killed during a college-based quiz weekend. Fox remarks that in the past the far-fetched narratives could become ‘the elephant in the room’ during shoots.

They seem to have hit an enjoyable groove making this series. Fox became an exhausted new father while the previous series was filming; this time one-year-old Winston and actress wife Billie Piper have been ‘coming to visit loads’ since filming began back in July. During breaks he has taken to fishing in the Thames where it flows past the coach park where the film unit is based. Fox even insists on conducting his publicity interviews on the riverbank, rod in one hand, liquorice roll-up in the other. ‘We’re always filming near pretty places, so I’m not going to sit in the hutch all day,’ he says, referring to his trailer.

Brutal and imaginative murders aside, the world of Lewis and Hathaway is a convivial and attractive place to be, and one that looks unlikely to change any time soon.

DESERT ISLAND DISCS...John Thaw

2010-03-21T14:11:00.002Z

Hello Everyone

I've just found my audio tape of this radio show and it got me thinking while listening to it of something i could put on my blog for you all to read, so here it is. Enjoy!

DATED: 9th October 1990

Description: John talked about his life & work including references to his wife Sheila Hancock and his roles in Inspector Morse & The Sweeney and choose 8 records to take to a desert island (see below).
Interviewer: Sue Lawley.

1. Sibelius - Fifth Symphony in E flat Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Herbert Von Karajan. [John started to love classical music while at RADA and it was here that the breakthrough piece was Sibelius' Fifth Symphony - the first record played on the programme. John was playing Mephistopheles in a student production of Goethe's Faust and becoming anxious about the role and his ability to identify with it. Tom (Courtenay) advised him to listen to the Sibelius which he thought might help his friend and flatmate to work out something in the Mephistopheles persona. 'I was skeptical at first, but the moment I heard that music, I was transfixed and everything fell into place,' Thaw recalled.]

2. Puccini - 'In Questa Regia' from Turandot, sung by Dame Eva Turner, London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir John Barbirolli (Covent Garden 1937). [John first heard this while vacuum cleaning his Kensington flat, as a young actor. He was bowled over by the power of the singing which he could hear coming from the radio above the noise of the Hoover.]

3. Elgar - Cello Concerto (Opus 85) Jacqueline Du Pré, London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir John Barbirolli.

4. Schubert - Adagio from Quintet in C major (Opus 163) Pablo Casals, Isaac Stern, Paul Tortelier, Alexander Schneider, Milton Katims. [Like the earlier Sibelius and Puccini pieces, records three and four are profoundly moving. 'Your choices are likely to make you weep as much as to bring you comfort,' observed Lawley dryly. 'Yes,' was Thaw's simple answer. 'More than likely. There are buckets of tears there waiting to be shed if I'm caught unawares.']

5. Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin - 'Little Girls' from Annie, sung by Sheila Hancock. [Lawley talked at some length about Thaw's long and happy second marriage to actress Sheila Hancock. Unsurprisingly, the only record chosen that was not classical was one by his wife singing 'Little Girls' in the musical Annie.]

6. Mozart - Overture to The Magic Flute Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Otto Klemperer. [John fell in love with The Magic Flute the first time he saw it, and therefore it's no surprise that he wanted part of its overture with him.]

7. Richard Strauss - Four Last Songs Elizabeth Schwarzkopf Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra con¬ducted by George Szell. [He laughed, too, about his imagined affair with Elizabeth Schwarzkopf, saying, 'Sheila and I always say that Schwarzkopf is the only woman in the world who could ever rival Sheila as far as I'm concerned'.]

8. J. S. Bach - 'Erbarme Dich mein Gott' from St Matthew Passion Marga Hoffgen Stuttgart Radio Orchestra*. [John Thaw's final record choice was the searingly beautiful and poignant contralto aria 'Erbarme Dich mein Gott' from St Matthew Passion. 'It makes me cry,' he said, adding that if he could take only one record to his desert island, it would be this one.]

There was nothing shallow, brash or aggressive about John Thaw, as this revealing interview made very clear. He was privately much further from some of the abrasive characters he immortalized than many of his admirers realized at the time.

(*John Thaw's single choice was he reduced to only one record)

Book - apart from the Bible and Shakespeare, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. [John would often read this book to his children and hoped when his grandchildren were old enough to understand it he would read it to them. sadly, as we know that wasn't to be.]

One luxury - a comfortable armchair. [John joked about the quality of the soft furnishings in the matrimonial home, 'Sheila and I always had stiff necks and sore backs by Sunday evening after a day spent sitting over the Sunday papers. Then one day, we realized that we were probably sitting on the most uncomfortable chairs in London - so we bought six lovely new ones,' John said, explaining why his chosen desert island luxury would be a very soft, very comfortable, armchair.]

The above in bold is taken from the book - John Thaw 1942-2002 An Appreciation by Susan Elkin

NEW DVD...RELEASE!

2010-02-22T12:39:00.003Z

The Grass is Singing 1982 (American title Killer Heat), has been released on dvd here in the uk, it is available from an Amazon seller for £20.23 including postage and is exclusive to Amazon. The dvd has been released by NU Metro in South Africa, so unknown to me, but it's genuine release as i bought it first before posting this so i could tell you all. It arrived this morning, so going to watch it tonight. Click on 'new dvd..release' at the top and it will take you to the page.

Slide Show update!

2010-02-20T15:06:00.003Z

In time for John's anniversary tomorrow (21st Feb), i have updated the slide show which can be found at the bottom of this blog, hope you all like the new photos.

As always my thoughts are with John's family at this time. RIP John you were and still are to me simply the best.

John Thaw Foundation - Fund Raising Successes

2010-01-19T13:26:00.002Z

I just thought I'd let you all know about this, and if you all want to help raise money for the foundation then click on the everyclick.com link on the right, and use it as your search engine and help raise money for this wonderful charity that helps young people less fortunate then ourselves.

Little Actors Youth Theatre based in Neston is pleased to announce some recent fund raising successes.

The John Thaw Foundation headed by his widow Sheila Hancock and daughter Joanne Thaw, has generously given a third donation to help subsidise the costs for the young people in the community. We can offer substantial discounts on the fees for young people from low income families.

John's birthday

2010-01-07T14:37:00.002Z

Well hello everyone!

Sorry for not being around much, it's rather nippy here at present, and my leg doesn't like it, never mind.

Hope you all celebrated John's birthday last Sunday by watching something, i'd love to hear what you all watched. I myself watched three episodes of Redcap series 2, in fact the first three from this series, as i'd heard that Garfield Morgan had died and so i wanted to mark it in some way and didn't at that point want to watch the Sweeney, so i thought Redcap fits the bill. He's very good in the episode he's in called The Killer, sadly he gets killed before the first break, but it's lovely to see him in it. His character calls John's character Daniel for some reason, instead of John!

I've got some idea's that i want to add to the blog and one of them is changing the photos in the slide show, which i'll try and do before John's anniversary next month, though not easy as i'm rather uncomfortable sitting at my laptop, not to mention freezing!

Well that's all for now, take care everyone if the weather is bad where you are, and if you have to go out to drive or walk do it safely till next time bye for now.

Morse writer Colin Dexter cracks the crossword code

2009-12-11T14:29:00.002Z

Just thought some of you might like to read this, which i got this morning.

Thursday 10th December 2009
By Reg Little

INSPECTOR MORSE creator Colin Dexter has revealed he has had to end his 60-year love affair with crosswords because of failing eyesight. The author, who is approaching his 80th anniversary, was a cryptic crossword addict, but his failing vision has meant he can no longer complete the puzzles.

Mr Dexter, of Banbury Road, Oxford, suffers from a heart condition that has led to trips to the doctor and a recent short spell in hospital. He is also unable to follow TV screenings of Morse and spin-off series Lewis because of his deafness, and is now unable to accept many of the invitations he receives.

He recently had to pull out of a talk, and said: “It is the first time I have ever had to cancel any engagement.” Despite his vision problems, the author, who killed off Inspector Morse 10 years ago in his novel The Remorseful Day, has compiled a book of tips for tackling crosswords called Cracking Cryptic Crosswords, available in shops now.

“It’s only a slim volume, and a few friends have encouraged me to write it before my light goes out forever,” he said. “In addition to the real possibility this pastime offers of escaping the anxieties of Alzheimer’s, it is the most serene and civilised way of wasting time that I, now nearing 80, have as yet discovered.”

The idea for the book came from Mr Dexter’s friend Jackie Gray, a former city councillor and now a successful publisher, who saw the crime writer getting stuck into a crossword on an Oxford to London train. “He completed The Times cryptic crossword in the 15 minutes it took to reach Didcot,” she recalled. “I was in awe. Colin assured me that I could do it too, and then proceeded to tell me how.”

Despite passing on his passion for crosswords to Morse, Mr Dexter revealed he could not persuade John Thaw, the actor who played him, to become an enthusiast. Mr Dexter recounted their last conversation a few days before Thaw died of cancer. “He said, ‘I can never understand why I’m thought of as such a good actor. What I can do much better than others is learn my lines’. It was such a wonderful self-effacing view of his own talent. I loved him for that.”

DVD NEWS!!

2009-12-04T17:04:00.003Z

Just thought i'd let you of the following dvd's that are due for release next year (2010), these are all UK and they are...

15th February 2010

THE AVENGERS series 3 (John is in an episode called Espirit De Corps) available from play.com for £42.99 and Amazon for £42.98

THE RIVALS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES series 2 (John is in an episode called The Sensible Actions of Lt. Hoist available from play.com for £29.99

22nd February 2010

SGT MUSGRAVE'S DANCE available from play.com for £9.99

If and when i hear of anymore titles being released i will add them to this list, until next time take care everyone.

Monthly challenge - My favourite things

2009-10-11T01:58:00.002+01:00

This month (October) was My Favourite Things and i thought long and hard about this challenge before commiting to paper, John would always be my most favourite thing, i couldn't live without him, and though him i got my best friend when we were both on the John Thaw forum, and all that is thanks to my laptop, which gives me a gate to the outside world, because being disabled i don't get out much, and this way i get to see the world! Enjoy.

What made me a fan...

2009-10-02T13:27:00.003+01:00

Thought i'd show you what of John made me a fan back in 1973 by way of a scrapbook page, i'm currently on a website called daisytrail.com and every week we do a challenge, this week was MOVIE STARS, so think you can all guess who i did, so here it is, hope you like it.

Squatters wreck £2m home of Inspector Morse

2009-08-21T13:06:00.003+01:00

I know a lot of you are Morse fans and thought you might not have heard about this, so i thought i'd post it for you all to read.

By Tim Stewart
21.08.09
Squatters have turned Inspector Morse's once elegant home into an eyesore. Fans of the TV series will remember John Thaw's detective character pulling up in the drive of the large Victorian house in his vintage red Jaguar.

Although the ITV drama - filmed between 1987 and 2000 - was set in Oxford, the house is in Ealing. The property is part of the Castlehill Park Estate, home to Queen Victoria's father, the Duke of Kent.

Members of the Inspector Morse Appreciation Society regularly travel to see the house, which was once worth more than £2million. But they have been horrified to find it is now derelict with boarded-up windows and doors.

The squatters have stripped valuable fittings from the house and left its overgrown gardens strewn with junk furniture and rubbish. The Poles first moved into the property's garages - former stables - last September.

When the weather turned cold, they broke into the house through a back door and up to 15 were living there until they were evicted by owner, Newcastle Building Society, just over a month ago. The society has boarded up the windows and doors to prevent the squatters from returning. Nearby residents have branded the property an "eyesore" and demanded that the building society cleans up the site.

So far, it has failed to remove the rubbish, which includes tatty mattresses, suitcases and a barbecue set. Neighbour of 30 years Don Liyanage, 63, said: "It is such a shame to see a once fine property in such a state. I have seen Inspector Morse Appreciation Society members standing there dumbfounded that such a beautiful house from the show could be reduced to this. I used to enjoy watching the filming and John Thaw was a nice man.

"But now I have a total eyesore next to me. No one has ever paid attention to the elegance of the property and the squatters broke in through the back door and stripped it of piping, fireplaces and other valuable fittings.

"I have complained to Ealing council about the rubbish but they would not tell me who the owner was. I've had to use my own detective skills to even find out who owns Morse's house."
The building society says it plans to renovate the property and has hired renovation company The Haywoods Group with a view to renting it out as flats. A spokeswoman said: "The property was formally taken into possession by Newcastle Building Society during June. The Society will continue with its plans to refurbish the property and the planning permission is in place."

Been a while

2009-08-15T10:53:00.002+01:00

Hello everyone
Sorry for not being around much lately, been in rather a lot of pain as the weather here in Manchester isn't tha!t warm for what is supposed to be summer, so i don't sit at my laptop that much.

I'm working (in my head) on projects for the the blog on John to add in hope they will be of interest to you as well as myself, and will when i get chance start putting these on here, they just need a bit more thought.

Also i'm open for any idea's you may have of what you'd like to see here, please email me and let me know and i'll see what i can do, as i have a huge collection on John and thousands of photos i've got enough stuff to keep this blog going for some time yet!
Take care everyone

News...

2009-06-18T13:31:00.002+01:00

Inspector Lewis has been given the go ahead for a 4th series, even though ITV are still axing programmes. Filming in Oxford will start in July with 4 more stories.

John Thaw DVD news from UK releases

2009-05-09T12:14:00.010+01:00

Here is some exciting news i've just found out, from my friend in the know, that the following two dvd's are being released next month here in the UK!

This is terrific news for me as my birthday falls right in the middle of the two dates, so i get double john...YIPPY!!

1st Plastic Man out 1st June 09 @ play.com for £8.99

(Now available for pre-order @ amazon for £9.49)

2nd The Capone Investments out 15th June 09 @ play.com for £9.99. (Now available for pre-order @ amazon for £11.49)

UK - Lewis new series

2009-03-16T12:04:00.003Z

Hello everyone just to remind folk in the UK that Lewis series 3 starts Sunday 22nd March at 9pm. I can't wait, seen some clips and my beloved bridge is there, so really looking forward to watching the new series. Hope it gets good ratings so it continues, as it's a brill series and worth keeping.

Last night i watched "And the moonbeams kissed the sea", which is my all time favourite episode so far, and it's not because I'm in it either, ha-ha!!

But i think the character of Philip is a lot like me, and so it makes me feel at home watching it, and I'm glad that Lewis and Hathaway treat him well.

Life goes on for a wife less ordinary

2009-03-12T12:44:00.003Z

Just found this article and thought you might want to read it, sadly i can't tape the programme as my tv isn't working and i don't get my sick money till next Thursday and by then it will have come and gone. Enjoy!

By Ian Wylie
March 12, 2009
Sheila Hancock realised that her husband John Thaw would not survive. “I knew he was going to die,” she reflects.

The couple discovered he had cancer some nine months before she was, sadly, proved correct. “John did his usual – he was going to be all right – and he was, up until about three days before he died he was absolutely amazing.

“Bereavement is a process that everybody in their life will go through and until you’ve done it you don’t know how mad you go.
“There comes a time after about three months when people say, ‘How are you?’ And if you keep saying, ‘I feel awful,’ then they get bored with it and are thinking, ‘Oh, shut up.’” Actress, campaigner and writer Sheila, 76, wrote best-selling book The Two Of Us about her relationship with the Manchester-born star of Inspector Morse, The Sweeney and many other productions.

One of Britain’s favourite actors, he died in February 2002 at the age of 60. Burnage-raised John and Sheila were married for 30 years.

She talks about their time together as the latest subject for Piers Morgan’s Life Stories (ITV1, Sunday, 10pm), a series which has attracted a peak audience of over five million viewers.

Former newspaper editor Piers asks: “You must miss him dreadfully?” Sheila replies: “I don’t miss him dreadfully, no, it’s six years now.

“I had this terrible seizure in Venice. We’d been to Venice many times and we’d never seen the real bronze horses, just the replicas.

“I used to try and drag him up the stairs to see the real horses but he said, ‘No, let’s have a coffee in the square.’ And this time on my own I saw them and I was gutted that he was never going to see them. So I had a bit of a do then. But on the whole, no. I’ve made a good life for myself. I’m very lucky.”

Asked how volatile their relationship was, she replies: “Very. John was an alcoholic; I’ve made no secret of that.”

Sheila believes he was probably an alcoholic when they first met. “I think so but it hadn’t really done him a lot of harm. He was a drinker. My first husband was a drinker, my father was a drinker. I like drinkers, I really do.

“But there is a fine line between being a fun drinker and being a boorish alcoholic.” She adds: “But I like tempestuous, you see.”

Sheila also talks about her own personal battle with cancer, when she coped without relying on John. “I cope very well on my own – when I got cancer I was devastated, but I though, ‘I’m going to fight this bloody thing.’ John could have supported me more but it wouldn’t have made any difference. I still had to do it on my own.”

She met John when they were cast together in stage comedy So What About Love? At first, she tried to get him thrown off the show. “I did, I’m afraid. He was very poor in it at rehearsal, he really was. He hadn’t done a lot of comedy.”

Sheila recalls the first meeting. “I was wearing – John often reminded me of this, and I wouldn’t wear it now – a full length red fox fur coat with a mini skirt. I came into the theatre and I said, ‘I’m so sorry, darling,’ and put down these bags. I looked across and there was this creature sneering towards me.

“I thought, ‘Right!’ So I went over and said, ‘So you’re John Thaw?’ And he didn’t even answer, he was so rude. All leather jacket and stubble. He just ignored me.

“We rehearsed for a week and he was absolutely awful, so I had a quiet talk and said, ‘Can we replace him?’ And they said, ‘No, there’s nobody available.’”

This fourth show in the six-part series also features filmed contributions from friends and family, including her daughters Joanna and Melanie Thaw.

“When I see what good mothers my own children are I feel really ashamed – they spend time with their kids. I was here, there and everywhere. I neglected them badly and when I was married to John it was a really obsessive marriage and they kind of came second a lot of the time.

"So I wasn’t a great mother but I’m glad I’ve got them now, I really am.”

Morse creator wows audience

2009-02-27T16:41:00.002Z

Just came a cross this article and thought you all might enjoy it...

Inspector Morse refuses to fade away.

The curmudgeonly cop was Colin Dexter's most famous creation and his best-selling novels were turned into British television's best detective series.

John Thaw played the opera and real ale-loving bachelor on the small screen until Morse collapsed with a fatal heart attack in an Oxford college quadrangle.

That was more than eight years ago but the series remains in a state of perpetual repeat on digital television, the DVDs still sell and an Inspector Morse Society thrives.

The author kept the audience smiling with remarks like: "My only claim to fame is making Oxford the murder capital city of England."
In only 33 episodes there were 91 violent deaths.

Mr Dexter explained that the inspector he created on paper was modified for the small screen, reading a page about Morse's successful sexual adventures to illustrate the point.

On television every attempt to woo women ends in sad failure.

But most of Mr Dexter's delightful and enlightening talk was devoted to classic English novels and poetry.

His love for the subject was displayed with charm, wit and the timing of a natural storyteller.

Assistance came from the veteran actor Gabriel Woolf, who read extracts with controlled passion from Gray's Elegy, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, AE Housman's A Shropshire Lad and Bleak House by Charles Dickens.

Mr Dexter described the latter as "our greatest novelist and this his greatest book".

In answer to questions from the audience Mr Dexter explained: "My inspiration for writing the Inspector Morse novels was a pint of Glenfiddick malt whisky a day."

Sadly, he recounted how his drinking and smoking days were over, following doctor's advice.

The size of the audience was disappointing for such an entertaining evening but did include Alastair Reed, who directed two of the television Morse films and lives near Taunton.
By Philip Welch

Today marks the 7th anniversary...

2009-02-21T05:08:00.004Z

May we all spare a few minutes of our day to remember this truly remarkable actor and also his family who dearly miss him like we fans do.

We remember you John with love.

NEWS UPDATE

2009-01-24T14:14:00.002Z

First of all let me explain that for a few months i've had no pc, well now i have a laptop, second in Oct last year my kitten ran up the back of my bad leg, and now i can't sit for any length of time.

Also with having just got a laptop i need to load all my files and photos, the photos are on disc and for some reason unknown to me my new laptop's disc drive has stopped working, so until my sister rings her catalogue up (where she ordered it for me), i can't do much

Anyway here is some news from the UK, of a dvd release of one of John's works.

THICK AS THIEVES: THE COMPLETE SERIES is being released on 9th February (though also heard of date 28th January) so not sure but Amazon have Feb date. Released by Network for £14.99 Amazon price £9.98. I've just pre-ordered mine.

Please keep popping back as i hope to be fully up and running soon.

Take care everyone

Sorry! Not around much...

2008-12-06T14:05:00.003Z

At the moment i am suffering a lot with my leg, as it hates this horrible cold weather we are having, but i just thought I'd pop on quickly and let you all know that I've not vanished off the face of the planet, I'm still here.

As soon as the weather starts getting warmer or my leg improves or both (i wish) then I'll be back, just keep on popping by and one day you'll have a nice surprise of something that wasn't there the last time you visited.

So in case i don't get back before Christmas i just want to wish everyone who visits all the best for the season, hope you all get what you want, and you have a peaceful one, and see you all back in 2009, (but i hope before then if i can).

Today we remember Ray Thaw

2008-11-15T11:16:00.005Z

On 15th November 1944, Ray Thaw was born, today is the anniversary of Ray's birthday, and fans of John remember him with affection for all his help on the John Thaw site that he give. Rest in Peace Ray and today I'm also thinking of your family who will be remembering you today especially.

New releases on DVD in FRANCE!!

2008-11-14T12:31:00.003Z

My friend Theresa has told me that Martine who lives in France, says the following are now on DVD over there, so hope this is of some help to our French friends:

The Sweeney

Inspector Morse

Kavanagh QC

If anyone has any information on releases in your country let me know and I'll post it here for everyone else.

My Top Ten The Sweeney Stories - No 4

2008-11-14T11:59:00.003Z

Hello Everyone, sorry i've not been around much, would prefer to have given you these top ten over ten days, but as my leg is rather sore for me to sit at a pc at the moment and also looking after a kitten who is rather frisky to say the least, i'm getting a little side-tracked. But normal service will resume shortly.

Thou Shalt Not Kill… (First screened on UK TV on 24th November 1975, writer Ranald Graham.) Can Regan ensure people's safety in a deadly hostage situation when a bank robbery goes wrong?

John is at his absolute best, and shows Regan's angry side for not allowing him to catch the villians before deaths happen, a great story, Ronald Lacey is brilliant as one of the robbers, his final scene is truly harrowing, but for his character understandable.

My Top Ten The Sweeney Stories - No 5 Regan

2008-11-10T12:14:00.004Z

Regan… (First screened on UK TV on 4th June 1974, writer Ian Kennedy Martin.) Jack Regan is a good cooper, but his tough, intuitive style is becoming unfashionable in Scotland Yard seeking a new, technocratic image. When a policeman is mysteriously murdered, Regan breaks all the rules to find the killer but he finds there are men in the Flying Squad equally prepared to break him.

I've never forgot watching this for the first time when it was screened, I'd not long been out of hospital and to watch John for part of the evening really made my day. I said to my mum that I thought Regan would make a good series, so wasn’t surprised when it was.

I really love this story, about this loner policeman (Regan) who really wants to nick villains his way, and not always by the book, but realises that he also needs help even though he doesn't really want to ask Carter for it.

The music for this story was excellent and very moody to show how Regan felt and thought, seeing him with the old lady who had lost her grandson, was beautifully done, and so tender, only John could give Regan the roughness but also the gentle side of his character, and it shows in this story. Brilliant

My Top Ten The Sweeney Stories - No 6 Messenger of the Gods

2008-11-08T11:39:00.004Z

Ooops, what have you done?

Messenger of the Gods… (First screened on UK TV on 7th September 1978, writer Trevor Preston.) A huge consignment of mercury has been stolen and Regan and Carter believe 'Lukey Carter' was part of the gang. But Lukey has an alibi - on the night in question he was with a lady and it wasn't his wife-to-be.

This stars the lovely Diana Dors, and she steals this story from John and rightly so, I wouldn’t cross her, ha-ha!!

The scene where Regan helps carry her and puts her on the sofa and she’s sat on the cake, and gets up and slaps him, is so funny, but I bet that hurt, ouch!! Then poor Regan getting an ear full in the station from her, and doing a runner at the end from her with Carter when they see her coming to the station.

Sorry for delay in posting but kitty is rather a handful, and i'm getting seriously scratched and bitten, think i'll need new skin and blood transfusion by the time he's one, ha-ha!! Will try and post when i can, though also in a lot of pain with my leg too, never rains but pours oh well never mind, take care everyone.

My Top Ten The Sweeney Stories - No 7 Nigh Out

2008-11-04T11:36:00.004Z

Night Out… (First screened on UK TV on 6th February 1975, writer Troy Kennedy Martin.) The irresponsible, praise seeking Superintendent Grant, the head of a rival Crime Squad is aware that a team of villains is searching the contents of a bank vault.

For something special, but he won't act until he's traced the source of the radio signals that will lead him to their boss. Grant discovers that the woman who lives above the pub that is situated next door to the bank, and whose window the villains intend to use in their eventual rooftop getaway, is a face from Regan's past. Regan is drafted in against his will and forced to pay her an unexpected visit.

This is a very funny episode, especially as Regan doesn't want to be with his lady friend to start with, but then he gets into the swing of things and starts enjoying himself, even having her cook him a meal.

Great scene when Regan falls on the roof into the water, makes me laugh, and then when his lady friend puts his gun in the dishwasher, this is such a good episode love it!! Also love the outtakes for this episode that are on the boxset as a bonus, very funny.

My Top Ten The Sweeney Stories - No 8 Sweeney 2

2008-11-03T11:25:00.005Z

I wouldn’t doze off if I were you!

Sweeney 2… (First released in UK cinemas 14th May 1977, writer Troy Kennedy Martin.) As his final instruction before being arrested and sent down for corruption, Chief Inspector Jupp (Denholm Elliott) tells Reagan to nail the gang responsible for some particularly violent bank robberies, one of whom uses a gold-plated sawn-off shotgun.

My two favourite ways of seeing John are in blue and wearing a leather jacket, and I get both in this film, ain’t I lucky!!

Also love the final scene where Regan and Carter are having a good time in the pub and Regan’s girlfriend arrives, and he’s so happy, great! It’s a real good feel type film this, especially the ending, as it was time for John to move onto other things and leave Regan behind.

My Top Ten The Sweeney Stories - No 9 Faces

2008-11-02T10:58:00.004Z

Faces… (First screened on UK TV on 8th September 1975, writer Murray Smith.) Three high profile robberies in the space of two days are the work of mercenaries hired by European political agitators. A covert government intelligence agency warns Regan off but he's determined to catch the villains.

I had to pick this because of the kitten that Colin Welland his holding and it curls up on his arm to go to sleep, so cute I love it! Also seeing John in those green overalls makes him look really sexy, and he really looks like a workman without trying.

My Top Ten The Sweeney Stories - No 10 I Want The Man

2008-11-01T12:00:00.005Z

Well it looks like The Sweeney is what you have all voted to see, so here goes.

Hijack!

I Want The Man… (First screened on UK TV on 10th November 1975, writer Ray Jenkins.) Maynard a retired boxer is planning to do a job, using money from a jewellery hest to finance it, passed from villain Frankie Little to Maynard’s girlfriend in a restaurant. Regan is tipped off by Popeye, his informant, but when he gets there she has done a runner with the jewellery and Popeye has been abducted by Maynard’s men.

My ultimate favourite scene in this story is from the photo, where the squad are trying to guess what the villain’s plans are, Haskins says ‘Hijack’, to which Regan replies ‘Hello Guv’, with a straight face, wonderful!!

Another scene that gets to me is a tenderer but a horrible one for Regan because of his job, and that’s having to search underneath the baby and you can tell he hates himself for having to do it, but it’s his job.

Normal service will resume shortly...

2008-10-29T22:02:00.004Z

I hope!!

Sorry for not being around much at the moment but blame the cat!!!! We have a 10 week old little fella called Bluey, and i love him to bits, but he's a handful and all my time is spent keeping an eye on him so he doesn't get into what he shouldn't, (i'm sure he wants to be an electrician as he's forever chewing the cables), ha-ha, but he is good most of the time, (says i with fingers crossed)!!

This means that i don't have anytime for myself to do anything else, haven't had chance to work on my top ten for next month yet, mind haven't been on the pc much either, as i'm far too tired, but i hope to be back and posting when he gets a bit more calmer and not into stuff to much.

So everyone please bare with me, i will be back with you all as soon as i can, even if i only have a few moments of an evening while my sister is looking after him, as long as i don't fall asleep at the pc, ha-ha!!

Review: Colin Dexter at Ramada Hotel

2008-10-21T13:29:00.003+01:00

ALMOST completely deaf, with deteriorating eyesight, on paper Colin Dexter may not sound like a particularly promising public speaker.

The author of Inspector Morse, however, is a witty raconteur with a fine line in self-deprecation.

Dexter, 78, related fascinating tales of working with John Morse and Kevin Whately and explained the inspiration behind the famous character.

The biggest laughs and applause were saved for an anecdote about his first attempt at completing a walk-on part in the show, hampered by his inability to hear the director’s call of “take one”.

Other highlights included a reading from one of his Morse novels, to prove that Morse did indeed “get some action with the ladies”, and a story about his attempts to watch Billie Piper’s raunchy Secret Diary of a Call Girl TV show behind his wife’s back.

The sell-out audience at The Ramada was transfixed by Dexter and the drop of a pin could be heard when he was working his way toward his many punchlines.

After the interval, he answered any questions and could have gone on all night. Judging by the audience’s reaction, nobody would have minded.

My Top Ten Kavanagh QC Stories: No 1 Blood Money

2008-10-10T09:50:00.005+01:00

Blood Money… (First screened in the UK television on 10th March 1997, writer Matthew Hall.) When surgeon Hilary Jameson successfully operates on a computer tycoon involved in a car accident, she has every reason to suppose he'll survive.

Within a matter of minutes, however, the patient's wife learns that he is dead. What happened in that brief period? This is the problem Kavanagh must solve when he prosecutes on behalf of the widow.

As I said with the previous one I could easy have swapped them around, and maybe next time I’m asked they will be. But for now this is my number 1 choose, it’s no better than the previous one or worse, they are both for me the best, but you have to put them in some kind of order so here they are.

This again is a very emotional episode, and often has me in tears, as it makes me think of my mum who I lost through cancer, and of course John.

For me the opening scenes of the operation are a little un-nerving as I hate the sight of blood, but it’s also appropriate for the telling of the story.

The best performance in this story goes to Josette Simon who plays Hilary Jamerson, she is remarkable. I was really pleased that her character was cleared of all blame.

I thought the kiss between Sheila and John was beatifully done and very tender, nice moment.

The funniest part was the guys at the end in Peter’s room having tea, and then Helen comes in and Peter wants to tell her what everyone thinks of her. But because she’s just given Jeremy a plum job he tries to tell him that everything is fine, very funny.

I thought Sheila was fantastic as the grieving widow, the scene where she plays Sarah at home after hearing the news and breakdown, is really powerful and very emotional.

I also love where she’s in court giving evidence, and dear old Jeremy is getting several over on Kavanagh, by getting her to tell what Kavanagh doesn’t know, very good.

But then as always Kavanagh comes back trumps with Hilary and gets down to what really happened to Sarah’s husband, much to Jeremy’s amazement.

Good to see the hospital not getting away with what they thought they would, just for the sake of funds for their centre.

Ashmolean prepares for £61m revamp

2008-10-09T10:42:00.005+01:00

Photographer Theo Chalmers and graphic designer Greg Jones in front of the giant poster of Laurence Fox and Colin Dexter

Oxford Mail
By Andrew Ffrench
Giant posters of Morse author Colin Dexter and Lewis actors Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox are urging passers-by to visit Oxford's Ashmolean Museum before it closes for a major revamp.

The dramatic photographs celebrate the museum's famous collections in the run-up to the launch of the revamped building in a year's time. The images are designed to get people visiting the museum before it closes on January 1 for major building work.

There will be no public access to the Beaumont Street museum or café until autumn 2009, but the shop will remain open for business. The large-scale graphics are on show for four weeks.

Museum director Dr Christopher Brown said: "We are extremely grateful to the individuals who have generously given their time and support to this campaign.

"Photographer Theo Chalmers has created a magnificent series of portraits with which the public can identify. Our thanks also goes to Oxford Bus Company, which has been working with us on an innovative project to keep the Ashmolean in the public eye during the final phase of the museum’s exciting developments."

Other well-known faces will also be appearing on OBC buses in the near future. The portraits illustrate Oxford's history of crime and punishment, and the subjects are pictured holding items related to the imprisonment of the Oxford Martyrs in the Saxon tower of St Michael at the Northgate Church, in Cornmarket Street.

Thomas Cranmer, Nicholas Ridley and Hugh Latimer were imprisoned for their Protestant faith under the Roman Catholic rule of Queen Mary, before being burned at the stake in Broad Street in 1555 and 1556.

An online exhibition is being developed for people to upload their favourite stories about the Ashmolean collections, or to share experiences which they have enjoyed at the museum.

Founded in 1683, the museum is the most important museum of art and archaeology outside London.

The £61m refurbishment, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, will include 39 new galleries.

Designed by renowned architect Rick Mather, the development will also feature a new education centre, conservation studios, a walk-through between the museum and the Cast Gallery, and Oxford’s first rooftop café.

To find out more about the online exhibition, visit http://www.ashmolean.org/

My Top Ten Kavanagh QC Stories: No 2 Ancient History

2008-10-09T10:22:00.005+01:00

Ancient History… (First screened in the UK television on 17th March 1997, writer Nigel Kneale.) Kavanagh prosecutes an apparently blameless family doctor in an unprecedented war crime trial. The court hears devastating testimony as victims of Nazi atrocities re-live their experiences in concentration camps, but it's left to a witness for the defence to reveal the final truth.

I think my NO 1 and 2 were the very best of Kavanagh, and sadly something has to be at 2, and this is the one I've chosen, though ask me another day and it would have been no 1, because I love both stories equally, neither of them to me are better than the other.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m mad interested on the Second World War, and for this reason alone I had to pick this story, it is very harrowing to listen to those who were victims of what happened during their time in concentration camps.

Credit where credit is due, Warren Mitchell as Rypin, Frederick Treves as Beck and Sara Kestelman as Halina are outstanding, and bring this story to life, they should have got awards for their performances in this.

The scene where James is questioning her in court, and then turns and says softly to himself, “Why didn’t he shoot her”, only John could have given this story the grace and dignity it deserved.

Even watching Matt, searching the internet, and James still finding him doing it the following day, and the scene with Lizzie’s father, I just love this story so much, it sure is one of the best Kavanagh dramas, and dam hard to put at no 2.

John is at his pure best in this story, and it shows in the courtroom scenes, especially questioning Halina but also the others who were also convicts of the concentration camps.

Colin Dexter to appear at Library Theatre, Manchester

2008-10-08T09:15:00.002+01:00

Colin Dexter, the man behind the phenomenally successful series of Inspector Morse novels, presents From Books to Box, an entertaining one-man show in which he explains the trials and tribulations involved in transforming full-length novels into 90-minute screen dramas, many of which starred the much-loved Manchester actor John Thaw.

His first Inspector Morse novel, Last Bus to Woodstock, was published in 1975. He started work on it during a windswept family holiday in a cottage in North Wales, and, 13 novels later, the final instalment, The Remorseful Day, was published in 1999.

In the manner of Alfred Hitchcock appearing in minor roles in many of his films, Colin, a graduate of Cambridge University and a former teacher, made a brief appearance in a few of the 33 episodes of the BAFTA-award winning Morse made between 1987-2001 - although he was not given a speaking role until 1993!

Dexter appears at the Library Theatre for one night only on Sunday, 16th November at 7.3pm. For more information, please click here.

My Top Ten Kavanagh QC Stories: No 3 In God We Trust

2008-10-08T09:06:00.005+01:00

Oh, bless...

In God We Trust… (First screened in the UK television on 14th April 1997, writer Russell Lewis.) Driven by a desire for justice, and to help his former colleague Julia Piper, now married to an American lawyer, Kavanagh flies to the US to assist with the appeal of a convicted murderer on Florida's death row. While he's away his wife, Lizzie learns that she has Cancer.

From the very beginning you can tell this is going to be a very emotional and powerful story, starting with the murder shots being shown in black and white.

But there is also humour within the story the scene in the underground car park with the gunman is rather funny until Julia’s waters brake, and James has to rush her to the hospital then you know it’s serious.

James fighting a lost cause trying to get William Dupree clemency when the governor Cotton is against him because of his grandson, who he knows did the killings.

The brutal truth of the execution of Dupree and the grandmother screaming but you don’t hear her, and then after it’s over you see her drained, she wasn’t the only one by the end of this story.

The scenes at home with Lizzie and James are delightful and charming, James and the viewers still not knowing what’s coming.

The Boat scene is one of the most emotional scenes I've seen on television and it was beautifully acted by John and Lisa, I just loved it. When James says “I don’t know what to do” Lizzie says: “All you have to do is love me”, and James replies “Always”, tears me apart, it so reminds me of my mum dying of cancer, and I never got to tell her how much I loved her!!

COLIN DEXTER WINS!!!

2008-10-07T09:31:00.004+01:00

Last night saw the Crime Thriller Awards on ITV3, where at this event the viewers who had been voting for the six selected authors was to be announced, and win the inaugural ITV3 Writer's Award for Classic TV Drama.

...And the winner was Colin Dexter, he was so humble about it, thanking Ted Childs, Chris Burt, then Kevin Whatley finally saying John Thaw who he missed terribly, he's not the only one said i.

I'm so pleased that Colin won as it shows everyone that Inspector Morse hasn't been forgotten, and he's still as popular now as he was 33 years ago when Colin first wrote about him, and i'm sure he will continue to be one of the favourite detectives because his character was so well written.

My Top Ten Kavanagh QC Stories: No 4 A Family Affair

2008-10-07T09:21:00.006+01:00

The Look...

A Family Affair… (First screened in the UK television on 17th January 1995, writer Adrian Hodges.) When a father takes the law into his own hands and snatches his young son, it leads to a custody battle another case for Kavanagh. Allegations of child abuse and professional misjudgements create further complications.

George Costigan is a marvellous actor (anyone seen him in Sherlock Holmes with Jeremy Brett, he was incredible in his role, one of his best accomplishments) and has appeared several times with John over the years, I thought his performance in Kavanagh was pure class, and this is one very complicated case.

The scene where Lizzie sets the clock early so she and James can have some love before he goes to work, is beautifully done, and his James's face in the morning when his daughter comments to him is wonderful.

The scene between Michael and Peter, and the teacher are very disturbing, the way the father hits the teacher with a baseball bat, ouch!!

Then we have James, Jeremy, Peter, and Tom watching the sex video in James’s office, but trying not to look as if they are paying attention, very funny.

Lovely to see the singer Toyah making her drama appearance in Kavanagh (though she might have done stuff that I don’t know about), thought she was rather first-rate and had me in stitches.

John Shrapnel who played the judge I thought was exceptional, granted he came to the wrong decision in the end, mind couldn’t blame him the way the father managed to persuade everyone.

Finally the last scene with Peter (played by Peter England) the young lad, I thought was outstanding, and watching him finally breakdown because his father didn’t want anyone to know what he had secretly planned with his son, pure class!!

My Top Ten Kavanagh QC Stories: No 5 End of Law

2008-10-06T07:38:00.005+01:00

Are you sure?

End of Law… (First screened in the UK television on 25th April 2001, writer Stephen Churchett.) (2-Hour Special) The body of a beautiful young Hungarian computer science graduate is discovered and a middle-aged businessman denies her murder although her body was found in his hotel room.

When he is found guilty, an appeal is prepared and questions emerge about the dead woman, was she working as a prostitute or plying a more secretive international trade? Meanwhile approaches are being made to Kavanagh to become a judge, so how much support will Sarah be able to rely on from one of London's most highly respected criminal advocates?

As we see here things were changing for Kavanagh, and the possibility of him becoming a judge. Though several people had other ideas if he carried on with the case, not that, that prevented him from doing his job.

I think the lovely Samantha Bond was excellent as Sarah Swithins and I’m sure she would have been a good character to have had in the series had it continued.

James and Peter talking about him becoming a judge, and peter thinking of reasons why he shouldn’t, those reasons being the same ones why Peter himself didn’t take up the position when it was offered to him in the past.

Loved the scene with James and Kate by the river, all those lovely boats, and also the guy who was working on his boat.

When James is walking and thinking as to whether to take the position of judge, or to carry on with the case and never be asked again, possibly a hard decision for some but not for James who makes the right one.

My Top Ten Kavanagh QC Stories: No 6 Memento Mori

2008-10-05T09:30:00.006+01:00

Don't believe everything that he says...

Memento Mori… (First screened in the UK television on 17th March 1998, writer Russell Lewis.) Kavanagh is back in chambers after the death of his wife. In this case, Kavanagh is defending a mild-mannered doctor (Tom Courtenay) accused of murdering his wife.

Although the prosecution has several witnesses who provide evidence, the accused maintains his innocence, claiming that the drug he described was simply to treat her manic depression. After the verdict, however, Kavanagh learns of an ironic twist.

It’s great to see John’s very dear friend Tom making a breathtaking appearance in this story, and he’s terrific. Tom as Dr. Felix Crawley is amazing, his court room scenes are electrifying and he sure is one of the best guest stars the series ever had.

The funeral of Lizzie was very moving, loved how Peter laid his hand on James’s shoulder to let him know he was there for him, and then seeing James doing the housework and being so bored at home, I really felt for him, knowing he should be at work where he’d be happier.

Finding Emma in his office, James was rather astounded can’t say I blame him, loved the scene when Emma give her concert recital and James and his kids were there, loved the song!

Kate with her father on the stairs because of missing her mum, and then at breakfast saying she was supposed to be there for him, I thought was rather touching.

Usually Jeremy is a clown most of the time in this series, but not this time, he’s very serious in court and skilful at questioning Dr. Felix Crawley getting him angry enough to convict himself.

My Top Ten Kavanagh QC Stories: No 7 Mute of Malice

2008-10-04T11:16:00.006+01:00

Make me one, please! No tomato though...

Mute of Malice… (First screened in the UK television on 3rd March 1997, writer Charles Wood.) Kavanagh defends a client who has become mute after announcing he has killed his brother. The suspect is an ex-soldier who served with UN forces in Bosnia; could the trauma of his time spent there in some way be connected?

How do you communicate with someone who either can’t speak or won’t, not to mention bring it over on screen and keep everyone interested? This would have been hard thing to do with anyone else, but in the hands of James and Alex it comes off with compassion for their client.

The opening scene in Bosnia with the dead bodies is very disturbing, and you can appreciate from the start that the priest Edgar is going to have problems.

Loved the scene with the judge and Jeremy’s wig business, had me in fits of laughter, and then buying himself a new one, and the judge still being strange with him.

Nice of James to make lunch, though he didn’t make me one, mind I don’t like tomatoes so that’s most likely why, ha-ha!!

Richard Pasco was inspiring as the vicar and so different from his role in Dead on Time, lovely to see him again.

Also the scene with Lizzie at home alone, having all the lights on and stereo and TV to make it seem as if the house was full, felt sad for her, as I know how that feels being isolated.

My Top Ten Kavanagh QC Stories: No 8 Men of Substance

2008-10-03T09:23:00.004+01:00

The reason i picked this photo is i just love the colour of his braces, with a crisp white shirt he looks so smart, and it's nice to see him in 'office' but without his jacket on.

Men of Substance… (First screened in the UK television on 4th March 1995, writer Matthew Hall.) Kavanagh is forced to replace the prosecutor who suffers a heart attack while on a Customs case involving the importation of drugs from Holland.

A lorry from Holland is found to be smuggling 15 kilos of heroin into the country and everyone involved in the shipment denies all knowledge of the haul. When their heavies threaten Kavanagh's wife, he becomes more determined than ever to put them behind bars.

The scene where Lizzie and James are arguing is very well done, I know how it feels when parents are at each others throats, and Lizzie is very good at giving him that ‘look’ when James isn’t home when he should have been.

When Matt punches his so called best mate in the club at his birthday party after he sees him and her dancing together, is very well choreographed. Then poor Lizzie being besieged by the heavies sent by Gregson in the hope that Kavanagh won’t do his job in court, but it only makes him more determined to get him put in prison.

The lovely scene where James holds Lizzie after the assault at home, I thought was beautifully and tenderly done, these two worked well together, a shame Lisa was taken out of the series as I rather liked her. As for Tom in the garden party, he was suffering in this story, and nice to see him also getting a large part of the story.

What a lovely scene of James and Lizzie in the park and as they are about to kiss, the entire pigeons fly up in the air, thought that rather funny. Finally the lovely scene between father and son at the end having a drink together, I loved seeing so much of the family, and they are a typical family with all their problems etc.

My Top Ten Kavanagh QC Stories: No 9 The Ties That Bind

2008-10-02T12:42:00.006+01:00

The Ties That Bind… (First screened in the UK television on 7th April 1997, writer Edward Canfor-Dumas.) Kavanagh fights for justice on behalf of a young man brutally killed, in a rare private prosecution for murder. The odds, however, are against him, since there are powerful reasons for the truth to be kept hidden.

I thought the actress who played Hazel was very good, and there were some very apprehensive scenes in the court that came over very well.

On a comical note Jeremy awaiting to join ‘the club’ at breakfast time when the ‘letter’ arrived and he’s trying to not seem interested making himself a cup of tea, but his enthusiasm takes over him and he can’t wait to tear the letter open. But sadly he finds he’s not been accepted, this is a lovely little scene, and Nicholas is exceptional in this role, you really feel for him.

This is what made Kavanagh work so well that there were three accomplished actors who kept the stories going equally on their own when they were on screen, the things poor Jeremy often does have my in stitches laughing at him.

Then there is Oliver Ford Davies who plays Peter Foxcott, he spends most of the time in the background, but when he’s needed he’s right there and he also keeps the peace when needed, I like the character of peter a lot.

My Top Ten Kavanagh QC Stories: No 10 Bearing Witness

2008-10-01T12:40:00.008+01:00

Hello Everyone

Hope you all enjoyed seeing my top ten Morse stories last month and enjoyed watching them yourselves, so I decided to carry on and this month after the voting is my top ten Kavanagh QC stories. Like last month they will be counted down over the next ten days, feel free to join in watching them, and also let me know what you think of my choices or views on the episodes.

Bearing Witness… (First screened in the UK television on 7th April 1998, writer Edward Canfor-Dumas.) Kavanagh represents a Jehovah's Witness mother when a hospital wants her 13-year-old son to have a blood transfusion that will save his life.

When the mother refuses, Luke is made a ward of court and the hospital seeks judicial permission to go ahead with the transfusion. The hospital wins its action, and Luke is given a transfusion. Escaping from hospital with the help of his mother, Luke dies shortly afterward.

Then his father, prompted by a national newspaper, brings an action for manslaughter against his estranged wife, Kavanagh is called as a reluctant witness.

This is a very difficult story to pull off, and show you aren't with or against what Jehovah's people believe in, but in the hands of the cast and crew of Kavanagh there is no need to worry, this was done with both tenderness and compassion, a very good story.

The young actor who plays Luke (Joe Roberts) was very good, as was the entire cast, John sure had talent around him when he performed and that made whatever he did worth watching, as you knew you were watching the best.

One of my favourite scenes was where Jeremy was being chased by dogs, and when he headed back to the house and is sitting around the table telling them how he convinced them who he was by showing them his socks, i was in stitches laughing, brilliant scene!!