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Reader's Paradise

The #1 Ladies' Detective Agency on TV

17 years ago

I have read all of The #1 Ladies' Detective Agency books and find them wonderfully vivid and full of wisdom. They may not be Tolstoy but they are enjoyable reading and ring very true.

HBO has made a mini-series which begins this Sunday night, March 29. Six episodes, I think. The local paper gave it a good review. I don't get HBO so will have to wait for the DVD but I hope some of you who do get the channel will report your opinions.

Meanwhile, I will cotent myself with the next volume, supposed to be published in April.

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Comments (8)

veer
17 years ago
Ginny, this has been made as a collaboration between the BBC and HOB and is being shown here on UK TV for six Sundays of which we have seen two. As you say, nothing heavy, but an easy to watch series with no sex or violence (makes a pleasant change) and all filmed on location in Botswana.

Here is a link that might be useful: The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
ginny12
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks for that, Vee. The clip would not play, unfortunately, but please tell us this. The text refers to a previous movie. I don't think a movie or TV series has been shown in the US. Maybe we are getting things a year or two behind the UK?
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Chris_in_the_Valley
17 years ago
It will air here weeks after it airs in the UK according to critic Sepinwall. Filmed in Botswana too. How great is that?

Here is a link that might be useful: Sepinwall's review
veer
17 years ago
Ginny this series is the follow-up to the original TV film which was shown over here last year. Directed and scripted by the English film-maker Anthony Minghella (Truly Madly Deeply, English Patient, Cold Mountain, Talented Mr Ripley etc). He died very suddenly about a year ago but I'm not sure who has taken over the direction of this series.
I imagine last year's movie has been shown somewhere in the US, or should be available on DVD.
J C
17 years ago
I love the picture of the beautiful lady in the colorful dress! I wish we could see this in the U.S., my mother would love it. Maybe soon -
ginny12
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks, Vee and everyone. It does seem as if te US is getting what was shown in the UK last year--logical, as it is based on the first book in the series. I'm not sure if HBO will immediately follow with the second set of episodes.

The first book, as shown last year in the UK, is out on DVD, but only in the UK DVD format. I'll just have to wait.

A further point. It sounds as if the TV version has added plot lines and characters not in the books. Not sure how that will work.
dido1
17 years ago
Reviews (in the Radio Times, Guardian) so far have not been enthusiastic but on the other hand, not damning. Sounds like something it might be pleasant to go to sleep in front of.
pammyfay
17 years ago
I JUST finished reading the first two books in the series (I really enjoyed them--quick, funny reads). Somehow I don't think my imagination about the people and places will quite reach the vividness of the series. But, alas, I don't have HBO. I'll have to sneak over to a friend's house while she is out for the day!

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