Enjoy the Peter Wimseys
I have the entire collection of the Carmichael Wimseys, and although I agree with the reviewer who said the actor doesn't meet my image of the character, I also have to say that he does grow on one with each succeeding play--and, because of it's vintage (970's), the series is in fact more like filmed theater, which makes it all the more enjoyable. By the time I got to Lord Peter Wimsey - Murder Must Advertise I enjoyed the Carmichael take on the character. I'm not sure quite who could play this role true to the author's version. The Edward Petherbridge Wimsey Dorothy L. Sayers Mysteries (The Lord Peter Wimsey-Harriet Vane Collection - Strong Poison / Have His Carcass / Gaudy Night)was also difficult to engage with, but his version was also very good. Perhaps the character is so much a creature of mind that there is no definitive Wimsey except that in ones head.

The sets are marvelous, the costumes impressive, and the music enjoyable. Everything about the play is what a reader of the older genre, the classic who-done-it, expects the period and the "English" to be. It's like a visit to a past that probably never existed but that is enjoyable nonetheless. Anyone who enjoyed the books will definitely enjoy the plays.

Wonderful series.

The Test of Time
Well, this isn't something I'd watch multi-times if I had it at home. Like all BBC productions from 70s, it is cheaply made, though probably exact on the details, but stagebound, in that it's all set in rooms, the set decor really nice, but somewhat claustrophic. Cheap/regular video rather than film. Makes it look sketchy on screen instead of precise. I don't find the lead character to be that interesting. Though it is still a cozy mystery (takes place betw the two World Wars) it is excessively talky, the actors physically plain, sometimes irritating, and lacking in charm. Makes it more REAL that way, but less FUN. It's nice to see something NEW, but at the same time, if given a choice between seeing again my least favorite Midsomer ep or any Miss Marple or Poirot or one of the lesser-known sleuths, or watching one of these Wimsey's, I wouldn't be grabbing for Lord Peter.

"Waiter take away Lord what's-his name"
"He's been dead for two days..."

We are introduced to the Bellona club were young Captain George Fentiman (John Quentin) and Lord Peter Wimsey (Ian Carmichael) two war survivors are talking a little too loud about General Fentiman (Ralph Truman), Georges grandfather. General Fentiman is not responding and for good reason he is dead. Upon further investigation we find that the general's sister Lady Dormer has also died the very same day. Poor George will only inherit 2000 pounds. However who gets the lion's share of the estate all hinges on who died first. Lord peter as a friend and a snoopy armature sleuth must ascertain the answer and if there is foul play the perpetrator. In any case this is a most unpleasantness at the Bellona Club.

I think sometime these programs are made for those that have already read the book because you can not put everything from the book into the series the highlights and major information is all there but some of the how they got to the information is missing in obvious gaps. Still the essence is captures quite well.

Ain't it just a good movie!
I've read this series. I held off watching this because, frankly, Ian Carmichal doesn't fit my mental picture of Peter Wimsey. Now I'm glad I got it! It's four episodes on two DVD's. Ian Carmichal is terrific! He may not have the face or the figure I pictured (for some reason I think Peter is blondish, misplacing his hair in front, and much-much leaner) but he has the character down perfect. He's an extremely skilled actor and it's a delight to watch him. These are quite funny, the characters are all very individual, and I'mm looking at getting all the others in the series.

The best transfer yet!
This has got to be the best transfer to DVD yet for the Carmichael Wimsey series. It is very crisp and clean. All you Wimsey will be thrilled! Buy it now, you will be pleased!