- Set in the Oxfordshire countryside at the end of the 19th Century, this rich, funny and emotional series follows the daily lives of farm-workers, craftsmen and gentry in two contrasting communities: Lark Rise, the small hamlet, gently holding onto the past and Candleford, the neighboring market town, bustling in to the future.When young Laura Timmins leaves Lark Rise for a job at the local post of
Olivia Hallinan, Dawn French, Julia Sawalha, Liz Smith, Brendan Coyle, Claudie Blakley, Mark Heap, Ben Miles, Olivia Grant, Linda Bassett, Karl Johnson. When young Laura Timmins leaves Lark Rise for a job at the local post office in Candleford, it feels as if she is departing to a different country. Her new life under the wing of the independent and effervescent post-mistress, Dorcas Lane, is eye-opening and exciting, but as Laura witnesses the scandals, feuds and struggles of the villagers and townsfolk, she realizes that she too has to face the future. Having turned her back on her childhood hamlet, she must find her own path to womanhood.The BBC’s costume drama juggernaut struck gold once more when it decided to tackle the work of Flora Thompson. And in adapting her books in the form of the television production Lark Rise to Candleford, it has brought another compelling piece of drama to the screen.
Lark Rise to Candleford is set at the end of the 19th century, and it follows the story of two communities in the midst of a developing Oxfordshire. One is a fast-growing market town, the other a sleepier, quieter place that’s holding more onto the past. Centered on Laura, the eldest daughter in the Timmins house, as she leaves the quieter life for work in the market town, the stage is then set for a quality drama series.
There’s a lot to enjoy in the 10 episodes. The cast, for instance, is simply terrific, with Julia Sawalha, Dawn French, and Olivia Hallinan rightly taking plaudits. And the journey of their characters, along with those of the strong supporting cast, is simply wonderful television. Mixing in humor, drama and the production values we seem to take for granted from the BBC, Lark Rise to Candleford is really quite a treat. And what’s more, it’s proof positive that when it comes to television period drama, there really isn’t anyone doing it better. Super stuff. –Jon Foster
Buy “Lark Rise to Candleford: The Complete Season One” For Only $38.98
March 15, 2008
#1
I was very disapointed in this BBC production. Although it is well done, it bears very little relationship to the books which together form one of the greatest autobiographies ever written. I guess the producers didn’t think the books were dramatic enough and felt obligated to add plot lines not in the books. More respect for the source material would have produced a better product. If you love Lark Rise to Candleford, do not buy this. -Marge McCracken
March 15, 2008
#2
This production succeeds in creating a lost world by its setting, adaptation of a classic memoir, and superb acting. I look forward to the next season.
March 15, 2008
#3
This series is fabulous! I watched the whole first season in a few days. I have already ordered season two, and can’t wait to see it.
March 15, 2008
#4
All of us who are fed up with TV and DVD trash, can resume hope that someone out there is making gold for viewers. The detailing, the acting, the real characters and the overall “magic” that’s unveiled is excellent. I am so grateful to have found this series, and I hope they will continue to make more. The cost is so little for such fine entertainment. If I were rich, I’d see to it that ever household received what our hearts and souls yearn to have once more.
March 15, 2008
#5
I love series produced by BBC. They always seem to get the characters, settings and costumes just right. I have been waiting for another good series especially after watching Cranford.
Anyway I am hooked now so am off to order the sequel..