The Beiderbecke Trilogy

Star Review

An unusual and extremely enjoyable series from the 1980s, the Beiderbecke serials were thrillers with two normal, everyday protagonists. James Bolam, best known for The Likely Lads, stars as Trevor, a laconic woodwork teacher who loves jazz and has a relationship with divorced English teacher Jill (Barbara Flynn - a great, underrated actress). Each episode sees them in an unforeseen intrigue, such as when they accidentally obtain a tape detailing plans to dump nuclear waste in the Yorkshire dales.
The plots are engaging and enjoyably rambling, but the real joy of the series lies in the interplay between the two likeable leads. (At one point Barbara snaps to Trevor: "I give you fair warning, Mr Chaplin. If you get engaged to that girl, I shall insist you move into the spare room.") The zingy dialogue from screenwriter Alan Plater has drawn favorable comparison to the beloved Thin Man comedies from the 1930s and 40s. The third star of the show of course is the music with the jazz score superbly capturing the mood of Bix Beiderbecke's legendary style.

MovieMail on 6th November 2006

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Film Description

The complete Beiderbecke! This tremendously popular comedy-drama detective thriller sees teacher and jazz-fan Trevor and girlfriend Jill finding themselves involved in various mysterious situations. The award winning trilogy, written by Alan Plater and starring James Bolam and Barbara Flynn, was inspired by musician Bix Beiderbecke (1903-31). Features The Biederbecke Affair, The Biederbecke Tapes and The Biederbecke Connection. This is engaging, quality television.

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DVD Extras

• 6 discs
• Get Lost: All four episodes of the precursor series to The Beiderbecke Trilogy, starring Alun Armstrong and Bridget Turner as two teachers trying to enjoy a half-term break
• Archive interviews with Bolam, Flynn and Plater, while filming The Beiderbecke Tapes in 1987
• Commemorative booklet on the making of the Trilogy (and Get Lost) by Andrew Pixley
• Soundtrack CD featuring the music of Frank Ricotti and legendary trumpeter Kenny Baker.

Film Details

Cast

Beryl Reid, Barbara Flynn, James Bolam

Technical Details