"A Very Peculiar Practice" (1986) TV series 1986-1988

User Rating:

8.6/10   

Writer:

Andrew Davies (writer)

Seasons:

1 | 2

Release Date:

21 May 1986 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Plot:

A surreal comedy series tracking the career of Stephen Daker, a young doctor who works for the health centre of a modern British university.

Plot Keywords:

University | Clinic | Medical

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Peter Davison	...	Dr. Stephen Daker (14 episodes, 1986-1988)
Graham Crowden	...	Dr. Jock McCannon (14 episodes, 1986-1988)
Barbara Flynn	...	Dr. Rose Marie (14 episodes, 1986-1988)
David Troughton	...	Dr. Bob Buzzard (14 episodes, 1986-1988)
Amanda Hillwood	...	Lyn Turtle / ... (8 episodes, 1986-1988)
John Bird	...	Vice Chancellor Ernest Hemmingway (7 episodes, 1986)
Lindy Whiteford	...	Maureen Gahagan (7 episodes, 1986)
Michael Shannon	...	Vice-Chancellor Jack Daniels (7 episodes, 1988)
Joanna Kanska	...	Grete Grotowska (7 episodes, 1988)

Runtime:

50 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono | Stereo

Filming Locations:

University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

Andrew Davies originally wanted to film the series at UEA (University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK). But UEA where unhappy as to how the University would be portrayed. Instead, the exterior shots we all done at either Keele or Birmingham University.

Movie Connections:

Followed by "Screen One: A Very Polish Practice (#4.1)" (1992)

Really weird but great fun, one of the best series ever!

Judging by the small number of comments, AVPP was only shown once outside of the UK. Like most great television, it was probably too way out for most viewers at the time. Initially I was drawn to it by the presence of Peter Davison and the lovely Barbara Flynn. Other reviewers have explained the story and refreshed my memory. A superlative cast and remarkable script, touches of 'The Twilight Zone' and 'The Outer Limits', a memorable theme and soundtrack - and those two nuns.

The sequel in the form of a TV-movie, 'A Very Polish Practice', may have put a lot of people off the original series, which is a pity.

If you ever get the chance, watch the original series from start to finish.