"The Monocled Mutineer" (1986) TV series

Director:

Jim O'Brien

Writers:

William Allison (book) (1986)
Alan Bleasdale (writer)

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

31 August 1986 (UK)

Genre:

Drama | History | War

Plot Keywords:

Mutiny | WWI

Awards:

1 win & 8 nominations

Cast

Paul McGann	...	Percy Toplis (2 episodes, 1986)
Jane Wood	...	Annie Webster (2 episodes, 1986)
Dave Hill	...	Frank Webster (2 episodes, 1986)
Aran Bell	...	Fellows (2 episodes, 1986)
Terry Cundall	...	Bertram (2 episodes, 1986)
Peter Hutchinson	...	Norman (2 episodes, 1986)
Ted Richards	...	PC Fulton (2 episodes, 1986)
Richard Ireson	...	Inspector Ritchie (2 episodes, 1986)
David Miller	...	Spruce (2 episodes, 1986)

Runtime:

UK:75 min (4 episodes) | 310 min (DVD)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:M | UK:15 (DVD rating)

Filming Locations:

Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Wales, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

Percy Toplis was born in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England, on August 22nd 1896 and died, shot dead while on the run, on June 6th 1920. Accused of murder (1920), he was to be the first person in modern English history to be found guilty in his absence by inquest. he had his tongue cut out before burial, and was buried in an unmarked grave in Penrith's Beacon Edge Cemetery on June the 9th.

just how good was it?

whether you agree or disagree with the total factual accuarcy of this programme, it remains the most moving and thought provoking drama based around the first world war that i have ever encountered. the fact that it has only been repeated once since 1987 is a sad reflection on the cowardice of the modern day British establishment rather than then the alleged cowardice of ordinary men involved in an extraordinary war. if you ever get an opportunity to view this piece of work - DO - it will challenge your opinions and make you anxious for 2017 when perhaps the truth will be told. the performances of not only the principle actors but the lesser known characters were exceptional and the production was immaculate (i seem to remember that only authentic period cigarettes were smoked and the solicitors office in somerset that was painted pink to recreate the brothel was so effective that it remained that way for some time afterwards!)