Love On A Branch Line Details

H.E. Bates would recognise this

Rather in the style of H.E. Bates' charming tales of rural eccentricities and bears more than a passing resemblance to 'The Darling Buds of May', but still original nevertheless. Undemanding viewing that all turns out nice in the end.

[Highly rated reviewer]

BBC Drama as it used to be

This is John Hadfiled's novel adapted for screen by Dabid Nobbs who does a fine job. Whimsical and humourous it creates a world of strange liberation and escapism for civil servant Michael Maloney who is sent down the Branch line to assess if a small research institute should be shut down. The institute is set in a 'darling buds of may' perfect English setting on Lord Flamborough's estate played wonderfully by Leslie Philips. Flamborough has opted to live on his train. Maloney must decide between the ambrosian but eccentric idyll or catch a ride back to normality. This is a series well worth watching - standard BBC fare from the Drama Dept. No swearing, no violence yet still a sexual and spiritual awakening for Maloney. We were glad we rented it - refreshing change!