Wurzel Gummidge.
Mackenzie Crook has captured the moment once more in his adaptation of Wurzel Gummidge. The Scarecrow is really scary and this lovely evocative drama gently makes you laugh but then there is the frisson of fear as the unknown is called on. Anyone who has seen The Detectorists will remember the gentle humour that ran through it and also the loving look at the countryside. Well Crook has managed it again. With hints of a pagan nature era, he goes and chats to the 'tree of trees' to unbind the spell that has made the seasons stop. Reminding us that on the Winter Solstice not so long ago, for three days the sun stays where it is before it moves on again. The crows are called into action (remember the magpies in The Detectorists as their nest of gold coins fell to the ground below). too divest the tree of trees in the supermarket of all the plastic bags that hang so untidily from its branches, in return for the secret of how to start the seasons again. The key is to be found in a pattern on Wurzel's neck tie, and one night the scarecrows gather in the ten acre field to make the pattern. This is made like a crop circle under the full moon, and of course everything returns to normal, the apples ripen in the orchard and the wheat turns yellow overnight.
A pretty eco fairy story but cleverly written and the countryside, which is Bedfordshire is glorious.
Wurzel Gummidge on BBC Iplayer
Wurzel Gummidge on BBC Iplayer
It is on my viewing list for this evening - I will let you know how much I enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteWell I hope you liked it, watched the 'Green Man' second episode last night.
DeleteI just tuned in to it for 5 minutes earlier on to see if it "worked for me" but no, bring back John Pertwee, though I am sure it has been well-received.
ReplyDeleteJennie you missed the magic, I read somewhere that John Pertwee was too ephemeral. Though no one can beat Una Stubbs as Aunt Sally.
DeleteI thought this was lovely, both episodes. Truly a highlight of this Christmasses television viewing.
ReplyDeleteThink Mackenzie Crook has such a gentle sense of humour that shines out in his portrayal of people. We need more of him on television. The BBC manages always to pull something out of the hat over the Xmas festivities.
ReplyDelete