Blackeyes (1989– )

Blackeyes is an attempt to explore "what does go on between men and women in their heads, to show the possibilities of the ways that they see each other." Complex and multi-layered, the ... See full summary »

Stars:

Michael Gough, Carol Royle, Nigel Planer

Cast

Series cast summary:
Michael Gough	...	Maurice James Kingsley (4 episodes, 1989)
Carol Royle	...	Jessica (4 episodes, 1989)
Nigel Planer	...	Jeff (4 episodes, 1989)
Gina Bellman	...	Blackeyes (4 episodes, 1989)
Colin Jeavons	...	Jamieson (4 episodes, 1989)
Hannah Morris	...	Little Jessica (4 episodes, 1989)
John Shrapnel	...	Detective Blake (3 episodes, 1989)
David Westhead	...	Mark Wilsher (3 episodes, 1989)
Nicky Bee	...	Stilt Man (3 episodes, 1989)
Gary Love	...	Colin (2 episodes, 1989)
Peter Guinness	...	Photographer (2 episodes, 1989)

Storyline

Blackeyes is an attempt to explore "what does go on between men and women in their heads, to show the possibilities of the ways that they see each other." Complex and multi-layered, the interweaving narrative threads include novelist Maurice James Kingsley who appropriates accounts by his niece Jessica about her life as a professional model. Kingsley's embellishments become a trashy bestseller, "Sugar Bush," tracing the rise and decline of fictional fashion model Blackeyes, victimized by men. Angry and betrayed, Jessica begins to rewrite Kingsley's novel to set Blackeyes free from the abuse of men.

---

Plot Keywords:

female nudity | tv mini series | adaptation directed by original author | sex | based on novel

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Details

Country:

Australia New Zealand UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 November 1989 (UK)

Filming Locations:

Grand Hotel, Eastbourne, East Sussex, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Television New Zealand (TVNZ)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

49 min 49 min (4 episodes)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in Screenwipe: Episode #2.3 (2006)

User Reviews

Complex, worth it!

One of Potter's last TV dramas, it was panned by the popular press for its sex scenes. This however was a front for a more basic tabloid journalistic problem - no-one understood it. Not surprising as this multilevel play is three stories not one, each containing a variation of the most desired woman

• Blackeyes. Underlying each of these scenarios are the questions of men

and their sexual desire and idolatry of women, each as fruitless fantasy.

The acting is superb and the inter change between the various levels of the story mesmeric, however it is over long. Most of the third part could have been cut without loss. This is a small price to see one of the greatest TV dramas ever constructed. With the BBC having lost its nerve to produce drama of this depth I doubt if we will ever see its like again.