‘French Fields’ looks at two fish out of water
Anton Rodgers and Julia McKenzie were perfectly cast in the 1989-1991 comedy classic, French Fields (based on the original series, Fresh Fields). The British import, which has played on PBS for several years, is now available on DVD from Acorn Media. The three-disc set includes all 19 episodes of the funny adventures of William and Hester Fields, two lovable Brits who decide to take a chance and move to France. William is an accountant who gets headhunted for a job across the Channel, and Hester is all too excited to follow him to the land of snails and frogs.
The premise is a great setup for a sitcom, lending the two main characters plenty of opportunities to get into trouble and have some hilarious cultural clashes along the way. Whether it’s Hester trying to master the French language or William getting used to a two-hour lunch in the middle of the day, these two are strangers in a strange land.
The episodes, written by John Chapman and Ian Davidson, are smart, clever and built around beautifully structured conversations. However, the words are not the only selling point here. If it weren’t for Rodgers and McKenzie, the series would feel rather dull. But these actors bring such talent to these 19 episodes, it’s no wonder French Fields was a hit and continues to delight audiences on DVD. There’s a real chemistry between the two, and it actually feels like they could be a married couple. They finish each other’s sentences and almost always end each conversation with a hug and kiss. The Fields family is one that values togetherness and a sense of humor.
French Fields also dispels the myth of the Brits and their stiff upper lips. Hester, in particular, is a lady of the world, willing to let an adventure take over her life. William, too, has a way of enjoying every day in France, despite the difficulties of the new culture. And when husband and wife are together, sex and food are never too far away.
The supporting characters become nice additions to the series, although they are far less interesting than Hester and William. There’s Chantal, Hester’s new French friend, and the Trendles, the British weekenders who live next door to the Fieldses. The couple’s children and grandchild are also featured, plus William’s boss and secretary. But all of these characters are never as richly entertaining as this “happy couple” from across the Channel.
Much of the humor holds up 20 years later, although the pilot episode serves as the best segment. Once Hester and William get situated in France, the humor becomes more comfortable, which is only appropriate. This oddball pair of empty nesters, him with his big glasses and her with her ditzy lines of dialogue, never grow old.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
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French Fields
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Starring Anton Rodgers and Julia McKenzie
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19 episodes on 3 discs
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Approximate running time: 473 minutes
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Rating:
