Dick Turpin The Complete Series [DVD]

This is a marvellous period piece of story-telling, even if the character of Dick Turpin is somewhat romantisied! Although these series of progammes contain a great deal of swashbuckling, sword-play and humour, I am concentrating, in this review on Dick`s relationship with women. In series one, during the episode entitled "The Pursuit" the lovely Lady Belinda (Stacy Dorning) shows that she is a match for any man by adopting the career of a highwayrobber. She and Turpin fall in love, even though she outwits him by stealing his loot! The beautiful girl shows great enterprise when she declares to her cousin: "Here`s a small fortune Charles, and all got with a good horse, a pistol, and a `Damn you, you dog! Stand & Deliver!` Charles, however, proves a traitor, and it is left to our hero, Dick, to rescue this lovely heroine from being transported to Virginia U.S.A.The programme: "The Hostages" is notable for the scene in which a lovely noblewoman, played by Mary Maude, falls from her horse into a river and is rescued by our highwayman hero. She awakes to find herself in bed and then realizes that she is unclothed! With what delicacy the scene is handled when this handsome man tells her, "Yes, I undressed you madam," and seeing that she is suffering from amnesia, nurses her back to health, showing a love and respect for the lady.This is completely reversed in the second series when, in the programme: "Deadlier Than The Male" Turpin is seen being looked after and cared for by the beautiful heroine,(Lindsay Duncan) In the same context "The Fox" shows how Lady Julia Manderville, (Sarah Bullen) a proud, noble beauty, whose highwayman brother was killed by Lord Manderville`s men, is helped to escape by Dick who has fallen deeply in love with her. There is one noticeable thing when they set off: during the hunt sequence, her ladyship rode a big, roan-coloured horse; now she is well-mounted on a large, splendid black stallion, equal to Turpin`s mount, "Black Bess" It seems symbolic that these two handsome people should ride similar horses: the beautiful noblewoman riding a stallion, Turpin astride his black mare; a slight sexual connotation, one senses, for it seems to link them closer together. After Dick defeats Lord Manderville in a dual, he approaches the beautiful Julia, now re-mounted. The lovely noblewoman looks down fondly at this man who has obtained her freedom and loves him very much, "Goodb`ye, Turpin," she says tenderly, "good fortune on the road." Then, wheeling her magnificent horse away, canters off to a new life of happiness, leaving Dick with a joyful heart.The episode entitled "The Hanging" has a similar theme, but this time Dick runs off with the gorgeous lady, played by the beautiful Jennie Linden; oh, how fabulous she looks on a horse in an earlier scene,plus when she tries to assume the `Foine country wench loike oi` accent. obviously false, for as Turpin says, a farmer`s wife would not ride a horse of such good quality. Note how Turpin`s sense of mischief is made apparent: when he and the lovely lady of the manor are riding away in the final scene, he declares, "Well, you`re Lady Harrington," she replies, "And you`re Dick Turpin," Dick acknowledges this with, "Your obedient servant Ma`am," she murmurs, "And yours". And we know from their seductive looks that their acquaintanceship will not end with mere words, for she asks, "And how long shall I be your...ahem...`hostage` Mr. Turpin!" her bright eyes dancing with merriment. "As long as you like!" he laughs, thinking of the pleasure to come when he beds her, for the lady is more than willing! "Dick Turpin`s Greatest Adventure" however, strikes a more "adult" note, which prompted a "12" censorship ruling. The tone is set in the first scene, when a gibbet containing a man`s skeleton is shown. When Dick robs the Attorney General`s coach and the lovely Lady Melford (Susan Hampshire) asks fearfully, "Do you mean to harm (i.e.rape)me?" The question raises a smile; in fact this gorgeous noblewoman will later find that this dashing highwayman intends to do just the opposite, for in a later scene, the camera is in the lady`s boudoir and performs a smooth, sensuous "glide" down Turpin`s sword; a definite phallic symbol. We then hear soft moans of bliss from her ladyship, leading to the most beautiful, tender love-scene in the whole series. The camera pans to the bed and this handsome couple are shown lying together,Turpin having "serviced"(with her willing consent)this lovely noblewoman. Lady Melford expresses her contentment with this arrangement. "Then, if you`re content: I`m satisfied." Turpin declares. This brings a deep sigh of ecstasy from the beautiful lady - the scene being enhanced by the beautiful bird-song! - Her later remarks are significant. "They`ll hang you oneday I suppose; such a waste," she whispers tenderly, adding, "when Lord Melford visits America, you must call on me again". Deeply unhappy in her marriage,she has committed adultery, become Turpin`s mistress and in so doing has demonstrated her deep love for him. Thus, any class and social barrier that might have existed between them has been dissolved. However, the joy this radiantly beautiful noblewoman finds in the situation is tempered by the fact that she realizes it cannot last, therefore it is important to enjoy the present moment. Also, by the tender way she strokes this handsome robber`s hair and her fulsome looks of adoration, we know that she is receiving true and perfect love from Turpin which,in her "arranged" marriage with his lordship, she is denied. All this makes this a DVD worth purchasing, if, like me, you are a unashamed romantic!John Harman

Brilliant series with excellent characters and acting. Very nostalgic to see this again after 40 years. So nice to see the beautiful English countryside and old houses.Richard O'Sullivan is perfect as the hero of the common people (although not at all historically accurate) and has at least one swordfight each episode.I love the dramatic theme music as well with the atmospheric opening credits. They simply don't make them like this any more.

I remember watching this as a kid in the late 70's,it seemed pretty good fun then, so I thought I would give it another go.And I wasn't disappointed, made by a team including British quality TV stalwart Richard Carpenter,who also brought us the excellent Smuggler & Catweazle (as well as many others).This is a quality show,from the moment Turpins horse rears up in the moonlight to the strains of the spooky theme tune, you are hooked! the stories are excellent, with the right mix of drama and comedy, with the 'Upright Man' being my favorite, Richard O'sullivan is excellent as Turpin,as are all the cast really, the villains ham it up nicely and It looks good,attention to detail has been paid to clothing and the way people spoke in the 18th Century, unlike later offerings such as BBC's Robin Hood where they all seemed to wear modern clothing and Robin himself spoke as if he had just walked out of an episode of Corrie!If you are a fan of nostalgic British TV, when people made the effort, do yourself a favour and snap this up, you won't be disappointed!

dvd had not been packed into the box properly and arrived with loose discs, but was otherwise as hoped and reminded me of a great series, albeit more aimed at children than adults at the time.

The rollocking theme music backdropped by a moonlit chase culminating in the silhouette of a gently swaying gallows both frightened and fascinated me as a small boy.Coming back to the series as an adult I must say it's actually bloody good tv.I bought all the series separately myself, at not some small expense, so this is an extremely good value, even at MSRP.The weakest of the 3 seasons is "Dick Turpin's Greatest Adventure" which was an attempt to reinvent the series with a longer story-arc however it's still well worth watching.If you're familiar with anything else written by Richard Carpenter you'll probably recognise some of his favourite plot themes being recycled in this (at least twice *smileyface* ).Expect to see some beautiful English countryside, ramshackle barns and old country houses.Overall, great entertainment.

I last watched these programmes as a 10 year old boy. The DVD set shows all the episodes, some of which I remember and are good quality drama fitted into 30 minute episodes. There's a strong cast and it's good to see Richard O'Sullivan in his prime as Dick Turpin, the 'Highwayman with a Heart'. The picture quality isn't your HD of today but I think it adds to the nostalgia. I would recommend this series to anyone who saw the original transmission and fans of a bit of rollicking good fun.

Got this for pure nostalgia; love this series as it's exciting, swashbuckling stuff in every episode. Richard o Sullivan is just right for the role of Dick Turpin who in the series, is cast as a dashing hero similar to Robin Hood, rather than how he was in real life; his antics as a highwayman are used to lighter effect. But put simply, this is great fun and highly recommended!

A series all my family enjoyed all those years ago. I think it used to be shown around late tea-time on a Saturday evening with a host of British actors now most have passed on. Still good to watch today as it was back then and memories come flooding back from a time that has long gone. All the series are here and at a good price, worth watching.

Good product, bref subtiles.

Als Geburtstagsgeschenk für meinen Mann gekauft (der die Story nicht kannte) und als gut und amüsant befunden 😁Ich selber kenne die Geschichten noch aus meiner Kinderzeit - es war eine willkommene Reise in die Vergangenheit!Bought as a birthday present for my husband (who didn't know the story) and he found it to be good and amusing 😁 I myself still know the stories from my childhood days - it was a welcome journey back into the past!

many thanks for excellant customer service and speedy delivery. I would definetely use this service again given the proffesionalism. all the best for the festive season ewan