"Jam & Jerusalem" (2006) TV series 2006-????

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3

Release Date:

24 November 2006 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

The comical misadventures of friends involved with a women's club. Based on the BBC series "Jam and Jerusalem".

Plot Keywords:

Womens Club | British | England | Small Town | Ampersand In Title

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Sue Johnston	...	Sal Vine (16 episodes, 2006-2009)
Maggie Steed	...	Eileen Pike (16 episodes, 2006-2009)
Jennifer Saunders	...	Caroline Martin / ... (16 episodes, 2006-2009)
Dawn French	...	Rosie Bales / ... (16 episodes, 2006-2009)
Pauline McLynn	...	Tippi Haddem / ... (15 episodes, 2006-2009)
Suzy Aitchison	...	Susie (15 episodes, 2006-2009)
Sally Phillips	...	Tash Vine / ... (15 episodes, 2006-2009)
Salima Saxton	...	Yasmeen Vine / ... (14 episodes, 2006-2009)
Patrick Barlow	...	Vicar / ... (13 episodes, 2006-2009)
Rosie Cavaliero	...	Kate Bales (12 episodes, 2006-2009)
Doreen Mantle	...	Queenie (12 episodes, 2006-2008)
Hazel John	...	Pauline (11 episodes, 2006-2009)
Simon Farnaby	...	Spike (10 episodes, 2006-2009)
Elanor Grimes	...	Spar Girl / ... (9 episodes, 2006-2009)
Robbie Richardson	...	Colin Pennow (9 episodes, 2006-2008)
David Mitchell	...	Dr. James Vine / ... (9 episodes, 2006-2009)
Thomas Assafuah	...	Raif / ... (9 episodes, 2006-2009)
Menna Trussler	...	Megan (8 episodes, 2006-2009)
Nigel Lindsay	...	Marcus (8 episodes, 2006-2008)
Freya Edmondson	...	Freya Martin (7 episodes, 2006-2008)

Also Known As:

Catterfield (USA) (working title)
Clatterford (USA)
Untitled Jennifer Saunders/Joanna Lumley Project (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

60 min (2009) | 30 min (2006-2008)

Country:

USA | UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:PG (some episodes) | Australia:M (some episodes)

Filming Locations:

North Tawton, Devon, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

The title, "Jam and Jerusalem," specifically refers to the hymn "Jerusalem", which is a hallmark of women's clubs in the UK and is traditionally sung during each meeting. The title also refers to the idea that these women's groups have discussions about domestic topics, such jam-making. As these references are largely unknown in the U.S., the title was changed to "Clatterford" to make the series more relevant to American audiences.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Loose Women: (#13.214)" (2009)

Soundtrack:

Village Green Preservation Society

A Wonderful, Wonderful Show

So, yeah, it's not abfab and it's true: at first, it feels like one of those inside-joke french and Saunders sketches that go on too long. HOWEVER, this show isn't meant to be the laugh-fest that abfab was. It's a much more balanced and calm series, one that finds humor in very human situations and subtleties. This may sound far-fetched, but there definitely is a sort of Chekhovian feel to Saunders' writing. Nothing much happens, but it is fascinating to watch the characters interact. The show touches on the awkwardness of living with such truth -- and therein lies the comedy (as with Chekhov, some viewers will only read tragedy... it's really a matter of perspective). The reason it may not catch on at first is because of the time necessary to establish the characters (there are perhaps too many) and adjust to the numerous subplots (it is an extremely ambitious show, spanning many tele-genres). Because of the character development and greater humanity of the writing, the show feels more like a full TV series than Jennifer Saunders' other work, and I think it's a sign of a certain maturity on her part. The classic Saunders quirks and humor are all still there, but it's toned down to approach something more like reality (unlike abfab, it is sans a laugh track, if that says anything). So, yeah, you have to realize Jam is a different animal.

Also, you've got to give Saunders credit for assembling a fine ensemble of older woman -- a demographic that is widely ignored by contemporary TV.