The Beiderbecke Tapes (1987– )

Trevor Chaplin teaches woodwork and likes to listen to jazz. Jill Swinburne teaches English and wants to help save the planet. They live together and just want a quiet life. Then they meet ... See full summary »

Stars:

James Bolam, Barbara Flynn, Dudley Sutton

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
James Bolam	...	Trevor Chaplin (2 episodes, 1987)
Barbara Flynn	...	Jill Swinburne (2 episodes, 1987)
Dudley Sutton	...	Mr. Carter (2 episodes, 1987)
Malcolm Storry	...	Mr. Peterson (2 episodes, 1987)
Keith Smith	...	Mr. Wheeler (2 episodes, 1987)
Beryl Reid	...	Sylvia (2 episodes, 1987)

Storyline

Trevor Chaplin teaches woodwork and likes to listen to jazz. Jill Swinburne teaches English and wants to help save the planet. They live together and just want a quiet life. Then they meet John the barman who died but is much better now. John gave them a tape which led to meeting Dave the wimp. They find out about The Peoples Front For The Liberation of west Yorkshire. The man with no name called Mr Peterson came to see them. He was followed by the six men in grey suits. Jill goes to see The Oldest Suffragette In Town. Trevor and Jill go on a trip to Amsterdam with their class from "San Quentin High". Trevor and Jill meet The Honourable Order of Elks who are "looking for a bit of action".

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Plot Keywords:

man with no name | jazz | edinburgh scotland | government conspiracy | tv mini series | 

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Genres:

Drama | Music | Mystery

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 December 1987 (UK)

Filming Locations:

Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands

Company Credits

Production Co:

Yorkshire Television (YTV)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

151 min 151 min (3 parts)

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The music was played by Don Lusher (trombone), Roy Willox (melody saxophone), Stan Sulzmann (tenor saxophone), Dave Willis (bass saxophone), Paul Hart (violin), Les Thatcher (guitar and banjo), Dave Hartley (piano), Chris Laurence (double bass), Allan Ganley (drums), Kenny Baker (cornet) and Frank Ricotti (vibes).

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Connections

Featured in Time Shift: Alan Plater: Hearing the Music (2005)

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Soundtracks

"Cryin' All Day"
Written by Frankie Trumbauer and Chauncey Morehouse
Performed by Bix Beiderbecke

User Reviews

Barbara Flynn

It is interesting that Barbara Flynn starred in two of the best pieces of British TV drama in the 1980's and 1990's. She played a critical role in both Biederbeck series and in Cracker, two seminal pieces that will remain powerful for as long as there are machines in your living room capable of reproducing them. Yes Robbie Coltrane and James Bolam drove both pieces, and Jimmy McGovern and Alan Plater's writing deserve all the credit due them, but Barbara Flynn was in both and each time produced performances that would not be outshone. In Biederbeck, Flynn had more input and so is the better representation of her talents, but in Cracker, despite the smaller role, she is still able to hold her own in superb company. I recommend both to you reader and watch her in everything she does, she is so good.