This is the video set I'd want if stranded on a desert island. Along with the books, of course!
Every few years I treat myself to Mapp and Lucia I and II, and each time I find it riveting. I'm having a go at it again now upon the 20th anniversary of its making. Dame Geraldine was born to play Lucia! She is so affected, so sly--but so admirable! Clearly in charge, her war with Mapp has us wondering who will win the current battle but we are never in doubt about who has the upper hand in the war.
I could watch it for the costumes and settings alone. Dame Geraldine has that beautiful model thin figure that shows off the fabulous ensembles so well. I can't imagine what the costume budget was for this series but she changes clothes in each scene so it must have been generous. Even Reg Cartright's wonderful illustration that is shown at the credits is bright and visually interesting. Truly, the art direciton of this production is superb!
But visuals aside, this comedy of manners is hysterically funny. I am glued to the tube each time I watch it.
I was a card carrying member of the Tilling Society for a while, an association that actively worships "Fred" (E.F. Benson, author of the Lucia novels) and that has a large annual gathering in Rye, England which is the real life setting of the fictional Tilling.
Lucia and her small society engenders this kind of cult following. Watch the series, read the books. If you like wry English humor and "village genre" literature, you'll love this set!
