Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #53447 in DVD
• Released on: 2006-10-16
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Formats: Box set, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 4
• Running time: 600 minutes

Synopsis
Real-life husband and wife team Michael Williams and Dame Judi Dench prove it's never too late to fall in love in this classic British comedy series about the bumpy road to romance for an unlikely couple of middle-aged lovebirds.

Customer Reviews

A FINE series.
A Fine Romance ran from 1981 to 1984. Written by "The Good Life" co writer Bob Larby, A Fine Romance follows the growing relationship between two shy middle-aged people. It starred a giant of theatre (but generally at that time, unknown to television) Judi Dench as Laura Dalton, and her real life husband (also better known as a theatre actor) Michael Williams, playing lead male Mike Selway. Supporting the husband and wife duo were Susan Penhaligon, playing Helen Barker, Laura's pretty and exasperatingly happily married younger sister and her husband Phil Barker (actor Richard Warwick).

Laura is plain but clever interpreter, and almost forty. Her sister and husband although well meaning (wanting the same wedded bliss, they have found, for Laura) forcefully introduce her to any of there allegeable male friends. The series opens with Laura talking to her sister while Helen gets ready for a party. Laura well knows another forced introduction is likely to be on the cards. It's only when at the last minute, the intended male friend can't make the party, does Phil invite Landscape gardening, bachelor Mike. Laura is unimpressed, with the bumbling Mike and seeks safety from the attentions of her sister and brother in-law (who continue to push her and Mike together, despite them hardly hitting it off), by hiding in her sister's bedroom. However when Mike stumbles into the same bedroom and they begin talking, they realise they had more in common than they first thought. There situations of being middle aged and single, put them on a even footing and decide to mutually help one another. Unlikely to be able to leave the party alone without either Phil or Helen pouncing on them, Laura and Mike choose to be seen leaving together, and so starts a fine romance...

A Fine Romance is a master piece of its author Bob Larby, genteel, restful, full of subtly and (as if you hadn't guessed it) funny. Its bitter - sweet and clever comedy, not full of belly aching laughs but sly jokes and real life observations that become funnier the more you watch them. I am a big Judi Dench fan (it was mainly for that reason I bought the series) however I must admit Michael Williams for me is the star of a fine romance. I defy anyone to watching a fine romance not to feel affection for Mike Selway, who so clearly has his limits but tries his hardest with stubborn Laura (who in return gives Mike a bit of much needed backbone).

Why then not five stars you may ask? There is nothing wrong with the writing, acting, direction or storylines, but it is a little dated (it was made over twenty years ago now) and might not be that watch able for some younger viewers. Im certainly not going to give away how it ends, but it is a FINE romance. And a FINE piece of television.