Mrs Bradley Mysteries - Vol.1 - Speedy Death [1998]

This is a great series for those who like period mysteries such as the Poirot and Lord Peter Wimsey productions. But beware - there are only 5 episodes in total:1. Speedy Death2. Death at the Opera3. The Rising of the Moon4. Laurels are poison5. Worsted ViperIn the UK (i.e. Region 2), the BBC have released all five episodes as a two-disk box set (with no extras).In America the first, feature length, episode - Speedy Death - was released separately. There are therefore TWO US boxed sets - but still only the same 5 episodes:Qne is called "The Mrs. Bradley Mysteries," but it only includes episodes 2-4 inclusive plus a few extras."The Mrs. Bradley Mysteries Series 1", on the other hand, includes "The Mrs. Bradley Mysteries" plus "Speedy Death" on a separate disk (and the same extras).

Purchase comprises 1 DVD and at £50+ is quite simply NOT worth it!! Miss Fishers Murder Mysteries are much better written and produced and at a fraction of the price of this exhorbitant disk.

Dame Diana Rigg stars as Mrs Bradley. I agree with other reviewers in that she's too old to play the character as she was written in the books, but I think she brings something special to the small screen version and, what can I say, I like her as Mrs B.Anyhow, back to this first episode of the TV series:Mrs Bradley's chauffeur, George, played by Neil Dudgeon, takes Mrs Bradley to her ex-husband's funeral. Being the free spirit she is, Mrs B does something rather unorthodox at the funeral, then goes to visit her goddaughter, who has become engaged to someone who later dies... and there is a very neat little surprise or two :-)If you enjoy clever twists and turns, such as an "oh MY!" surprise you probably won't see coming, or if you enjoy beautiful costumes, beautiful scenery, and clever dialogue, then I suggest you watch this overlooked and underappreciated episode.

Dame Diana Rigg, best known as thoroughly independent Emma Peel of THE AVENGERS, stars here as Adela Bradley, a thoroughly idenpendent woman of the '20's. Adela has been married but has managed to 'correct the error', and now has embraced the new study of psychology applying it to solve the various crimes that seem to happen around her.Adela has been invited to her god-daughter, Eleanor's engagement party. The young woman's life had been filled with tragedy; her mother's early death, and then a car accident that has left Eleanor confined to a wheelchair. Finally it seems that life is beginning to improve for the young woman, Adela is introduced to the fiance, a charming young man, all is well until the groom to be is found dead in the bath. An event that is shocking for more than one reason! Still all involved conclude that it is an unfortunate accident (or perhaps a fortunate one) all except for Adela that is.Soon there are more matters that bear looking into, a shooting, blackmail and some interesting actions that are not quite what they seem. Naturally Adela sorts things out in the end if not quite to the satisfaction of all.The characters are delightful, particularly Mrs Bradley who is given to wry asides to the camera. The relationship between Adela and her chauffeur George is introduced but not explained, leaving the viewer to wonder just what, if anything is going on between the two. This is very much in the style of the 'cozy' mystery, a small isolated group of suspects, a quirky hero and sidekick whose lives are as important as the plot. There is an underlying current of risque matters that is more reminscient of Sayers than Christie.This is for anyone who is a fan of Christie, Sayers or Wodehouse as well as those of Diana Rigg. The story is fast paced, characters well done, the production is excellent and the mystery well planned and fairly laid out for the viewer - all clues are present but challenging to sort out. In addition the devices of Adela's comments, the witty dialogue and subplots make this a delight.

It's a treat to see these again. I first saw them on TV in my late teens and appreciate having them on DVD. This is a complete collection of the Mrs. Bradley Mysteries.Mrs. Bradley Mysteries are set in the 1920s. If one is looking for a Miss Marple or Inspector Morse mystery, shop around because these have their own flair. In the background behind the mysteries, they touch on period architecture, fashion, social culture, feminism in that time period, and the still huge difference between the classes and the genders.Definitely a "cozy" with its own style and atmosphere, each mystery wrapped up neatly in an hour.

Since I obtained the video, everybody I know has been utterly fascinated by the stories. I have long been an enthusiast of Diana Rigg's abilities as an actress and of Gladys Mitchell's stories. Neil Dudgeon who plays Mrs Bradley'S chauffeur, George Moody, is an excellent character actor in his own right. Peter Davison who plays the somewhat bemused Police Inspector Christmas is a suitable foil for Mrs Bradley. As always in these types of stories he gets everything wrong and is put on the right track by Mrs Bradley and George Moody, whom he insists on calling Mr Mooney, which says about all we need to say about this character. There is, of course, another character which is in most of the scenes and that is the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost. What a lovely car!Altogether, this series has wonderful stories, excellent actors and of course the Rolls Royce.

I do love the way Adel Bradley talks to the camera, One feels included in her understanding of human nature.The relationship between her and her chauffeur is a delight.Neil Dudgeon plays the chauffeurs role with sympathy, vulnerability and humour.Dame Diana was an inspired choice for this character and has you nodding and smiling with her sagacious remarks.Also at times one feels she is impatient with some of the characters and then she surprises you with great tenderness.The Peter Davison character, inspector Christmas, was a knockout surprise in the last episode. He is always a fond memory of Dr, Who days and his character is just so different in this series.