All Creatures Great and Small (1978–1990)

The trials and misadventures of the staff of a country veterinary office in 1940's Yorkshire.

Stars:

Christopher Timothy, Robert Hardy, Peter Davison

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Christopher Timothy	...	James Herriot (90 episodes, 1978-1990)
Robert Hardy	...	Siegfried Farnon (90 episodes, 1978-1990)
Peter Davison	...	Tristan Farnon (65 episodes, 1978-1990)
Lynda Bellingham	...	Helen Herriot (47 episodes, 1988-1990)
Mary Hignett	...	Mrs. Hall (40 episodes, 1978-1980)
Carol Drinkwater	...	Helen (39 episodes, 1978-1985)

Storyline

James Herriot is a vet in Yorkshire, England, during the 1940's. He is assigned to the practice of Siegfried Farnon, who (together with his mischievous brother Tristan) already have a successful business. James undergoes a variety of adventures during his work, which are just as often caused by the characters of the county (including the Farnon brothers) as the animals in his care.

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Plot Keywords:

yorkshire | remake | veterinarian | medical

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 January 1978 (UK)

Also Known As:

Alle schepselen, groot en klein

Filming Locations:

Skeldale House - formerly Cringley House, Askrigg, Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), A&E Television Networks, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

50 min 50 min (91 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Siegfried Farnon's dogs actually belonged to Robert Hardy, the actor who played him, which explains why they behaved so naturally around him.

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Quotes

Tristan Farnon: [said frequently] You're out of your *mind*, Siegfried!

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Connections

Referenced in Multi-Coloured Swap Shop: Episode #6.13 (1982)

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Soundtracks

"Piano Parchment"
(opening theme)
Composed by Johnny Pearson

User Reviews

All Creatures Great & Small

This film (and indeed series) is set in 1930's Britain, not the 1940's as stated elsewhere in this site, as Britain was involved in that fracas called the Second World War from 1939 and both Farnon and Herriot joined up with the Royal Air Force.... The books did carry on for the post war period but the film is firmly in the 30's! The attention to detail - even down to the advertisements by the roadside, is extraordinary, whilst the realisation of pre-war Britain, with its optimism, rugged individuality and, determination in sometimes very difficult circumstances is heartwarming. As a small piece of trivia, Christopher Timothy, who plays James Herriot has a limp in the later series, as he (for real) broke his leg during the filming of series two. Hardy, who played S. Farnon, is now even better known for his role as the Minister For Magic, in the Harry Potter films!