The Tales Of Para Handy

I loved this comedy series on its original broadcast in 1994-95, and I remember the disappointment at its sudden end. It's important going into this series to understand what it is and what it isn't. It isn't a faithful adaptation of the original Para Handy stories by Neil Munro, published 1905-1923. Nor is it a remake of the earlier TV adaptations 'Para Handy - Master Mariner' (1959) or 'The Vital Spark' (1965-66 & 1973-74). Fans of these earlier works expecting more of the same may be annoyed by the changes. However, if you accept the 90s version for what it is, it has a charm all of its own. While the four main characters are recognisable from Munro's original stories, the setting and tone actually bear more resemblance to the 1954 film 'The Maggie'. The time is the late 1930s, and the era of the 'puffers' - small steamboats carrying cargo around the coasts and islands of Scotland - is coming to an end. Para Handy, captain of the 'Vital Spark', wants to carry on as he always has, wandering the seas at leisure, drinking in village pubs, and doing favours for people he meets. This brings him into constant conflict with the boat's owner, Andrew Campbell, a new character. Campbell is Para Handy's brother-in-law, but an unsympathetic, hard-nosed businessman determined to keep his shipping company profitable in an increasingly competitive market. The filming is single camera, with no laugh track. I would compare it in style to 'Heartbeat', whereas the 70s version was more like 'Dad's Army'. Among all the farce and high-jinks, the crew's lowly and precarious station in society is ever-present. The show actually opens with the crew being sacked from their jobs and although, of course, they get them back by the end of the episode, it sets the tone for the rest of the series. All their escapades take place against a backdrop of economic depression, possible unemployment and poverty, and hints at the approaching war. I wonder if that would have been developed if the show had run for longer. The four central characters are all ably played. Gregor Fisher ('Rab C. Nesbitt') plays Para Handy with subtlety, capturing the charm, cunning and delusions of grandeur of Munro's original character, while also conveying the sadness of a man who quietly fears his best days are behind him. Sean Scanlan ('Two Thousand Acres of Sky') plays Dougie, the first mate, who basically wants to be Para Handy, but lacks his captain's self-confidence. Rikki Fulton ('Scotch and Wry') is MacPhail, the grumpy and insubordinate engineer. Andrew Fairlie ('Rab C. Nesbitt') is 'Sunny Jim', a naive young deckhand. I should also mention the very important 5th character - the 'Vital Spark' herself, depicted by a real steamboat named VIC 27 or 'Auld Reekie', of the same design as the classic Clyde puffers. There is extensive filming actually on the boat at sea, making the 'Vital Spark' seem real and alive as she steams by beautifully shot Scottish landscapes. You get to know her inside and out, and sympathise with Para Handy's affection for the humble little puffer. Studios are often used for the interiors, but these are extremely well done and you really have to be paying attention to realise which is which. Original characters include Andrew Campbell (Paul Young) and the recurring Lady Catherine Ramsey (Carolyn Pickles - Emmerdale, Broadchurch). Lady Ramsey's addition is probably the least plausible aspect of the series - she is supposed to be an old flame of Para Handy's who married into the nobility. However, she produces a lot of the series' best comedy moments. Her extreme wealth, sophistication and independence contrast starkly with the crew's humble working class lifestyle. Look out, also, for one memorable guest star - a very youthful-looking David Tennant (Doctor Who, Broadchurch) as an idealistic young lover. The first series was 6 episodes, but the second only 3. Rumour has it that the show was cancelled during filming of series 2. The DVDs contain only the episodes themselves, so sadly there are no deleted scenes to enjoy, or 'making of' features to explain the show's ending. However, it is great to get all 9 episodes, including series 2 which was never released on VHS. I wish there was more to the series. I feel it had a lot more mileage in it than just 9 episodes. But it is a lovely, charming series, with depth, character and plenty of humour. I look forward to watching it many times on DVD, now I don't have to worry about wearing out my old tapes!

My granny introduced me to the original 60s/70s TV series, 'The Vital Spark'. She loves it, and I do to. When I saw this, I thought it was going to be a terrible 1990s re-hashing of the earlier stories. I couldn't have been more wrong. This is a great series that really stands on its own two feet and is well worth your time. It's very different in tone to the original TV series. That was a simple low-budget comedy that was very silly in places. This is a high-budget period piece, much more gentle in its comedy, and with elements of drama thrown in. The main cast is excellent. In particular, Rikki Fulton shines as Dan McPhail. Gregor Fisher's version of Para Handy is a little more alcohol-soaked and bumbling than Roddy McMillan's sly, scheming captain. But it fits this version of the story well. Roddy's version of Para Handy was sometimes the villain of the story, tricking his shipmates. In this version, the new characters of Andrew Campbell and Miss Kelly become the antagonists. There are also cameos by several famous Scottish actors, including Michelle Gomez, David Tennant, and Alex McAvoy (who played Sunny Jim in the original). If you're someone who has watched the original series and is wondering whether this is worth trying, the answer is "it's very different, but yes". It doesn't lean on the original series. It really is a classic in its own right. This is an overlooked, underrated Scottish classic.

Very good indeed. Good acting and beautiful Scottish scenery to boot. Nice gentle humour. You may need the subtitles depending on which side of the border you reside! Did find the background music a bit intrusive at times but still recommended.

Great example of scottish humor, delivered by some of Scotlands best loved actors. Uncomplicated good fun. Very enjoyable.

Just so funny and to me a real history and geography lesson as all filmed in an area where I lived as a youngster. Beautiful settings and cast all just superb. The "COO" on the forward hatch episode is brilliant. Just wish more had been produced. So pleased to have this fantastic set after waiting so long for it's release.

enjoyed many laughs

This DVD is not in the North American format. The seller should have realized it would not work in the country it was being sent to. I also should have been shown in the add what country format it was produced in.