MoPoshy
Absolutely brilliant
Cooktopi
The acting in this movie is really good.
Humaira Grant
It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.
fowler-11
"Summer's Lease" was the first John Mortimer book that I ever read and it transported me to Tuscany then- and it does so every time that I've read it since. The film version manages to capture much of the magic of the book in a story about a slightly dysfunctional family vacationing in a somehow sinister, rental villa in Tuscany. While the family dynamics appear to be the main purpose of the plot, this is in fact, a mystery as wife Molly searches for details about the mysterious owner of the rented villa; asking questions of the quirky residents of the local `ex-pat' community and following the `della Francesca' trail in search of the art works of Peiro della Francesca, and ultimately `The Flagellation", `undoubtedly the greatest small painting in the world.' The scenery of Tuscany is enhanced by the background music (by a group called Chameleon) in a way the mere pictures could never do - an acceptable compromise for the book's descriptive prose. There are lots of laughs from the antics of the various characters, especially those of Molly's randy father, played to perfection by John Gielgud, but the underlying sense of intrigue is never lost. A very enjoyable mini series that, sadly, is not available on VHS or DVD. Well worth watching it ever appears again.
KOG_VOS
This drama was superbly cast, especially John Gielgud as Molly's philandering father. However Molly's journey of self discovery was underdeveloped as was the eventual climactic meeting with the mysterious "T. Buckland Kettering".The scenery of Tuscany is beautiful enough, but the acting does fall down in some places. For anyone wanting to appreciate Mortimer's classic, I suggest you read the book.
jhigginbottom
I'm writing on behalf of my elderly Mother In Law (86)who has lost her one and only copy of Summer's Lease.By way of background I should explain that to my ongoing regret I inadvertently taped over her VHS copy - unfortunately - it was not `record' protected.I have explored a number of obvious avenues but have not been able to track down a copy. Apparently, it is not available on video and as far as I know it has not been repeated on free to air TV in Australia since it was first shown. The ABC originally ran it about 10 years ago which was when my MIL taped her personal copy.In order to restore my credentials with my MIL (and family harmony!) I am desperately looking to beg, borrow or buy a copy.I would be grateful if anyone knows where I can obtain a copy - preferably in VHS PAL.
ggfinn
John Mortimer has a slightly wicked sense of humour, well demonstrated in this superbly written and acted work. Not likely to be enjoyed by the non-literate or younger adult, but a treasure for the middle-aged parent. Humor, conflict, sex and mystery are all here in pleasing proportion.Gielgud plays a randy, pseudo-socialist grandfather. His character and lines allow him to steal the show. Susan Fleetwood as mother and grandaughter gives a standout performance as well, overshadowed only by Gielgud's wonderful material and skills.Great television is alive and doing well in Britain. It is sad that so few people have had a chance to see this work. It appears to be unavailable for purchase. Those fortunate enough to have made a copy when it ran on PBS, please share it with your friends.
