Paradise Postponed/ Titmuss Regained Movie Review
Not Quite Paradise
There is one overwhelming reason to watch PARADISE POSTPONED: Michael Hordern. As Reverend Simcox, the bumbling, eccentric, kindly but secretive clergyman, Hordern reminds the viewer why he was one of the giants of English acting in the 20th-Century.
The main characters and story arc of this compelling (but very long!) series is put forth in the product description. Being a John Mortimer creation (he adapted it from his own novel) there is ample wit in the dialogue and a political undertone that drives the story and makes the characters resonate even more strongly. The series was highly successful and spawned a sequel, TITMUSS REGAINED, also included in this DVD release.
There are, of course, a number of excellent performances on hand, from David Threlfall’s despicable Leslie Titmuss to the tragic Jill Bennett (scorned wife of playwright John Osborne). But it is Michael Hordern who stays with you.
He’s the most unlikely of stars. Yet the warmth that emanates from him in virtually every part he plays makes him eminently watchable and attractive. Whether supporting Richard Burton in any number of films—from ALEXANDER THE GREAT to ANNE OF THE THOUSAND DAYS, though most memorably in THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD—Hordern always manages to draw focus. He is simply one of the ultimate examples of that quality that every actor strives for: he is interesting.
The episodes of this enjoyable but perhaps flimsily-plotted series (it’s really not that hard to figure out the pay off!) are as follows:
Episode 1: Death of a Saint
Episode 2: The Temptation of Henry Simcox
Episode 3: Chez Titmuss
Episode 4: Living in the Past
Episode 5: The Wrongs of Man
Episode 6: The Lost Leader
Episode 7: And a Happy New Year to You, Too!
Episode 8: Enigma Variations
Episode 9: The Gods of the Copy Book Headings
Episode 10: Faith Unfaithful
Episode 11: The Simcox Inheritance
TITMUSS REGAINED is three episodes in duration:
Episode 1: Today
Episode 2: Tomorrow
Episode 3: And the Next Day…
How much you are drawn into the story will depend on how much you enjoy drama that focuses on character rather than plot revelation, action or earth-shaking events. Fans of Michael Hordern will simply relish him in yet another great, understated performance. Those of you who know the face and not the name might want to take a look and watch PARADISE POSTPONED from the perspective of Hordern’s masterful performance. No one does it like the British. Michael Hordern is one reason why.
