Product: Brideshead Revisited [VHS] (1982)
Rating: 5.0
For Evelyn Waugh Tragics
Whilst Brideshead Revisited does not have the humour of many of Waugh's novels, it is engaging and mesmerising as it traces the relationship of a youthful Charles Ryder with an English family and their manor house and estate.Charles forms a relationship with the youngest son, Sebastian, who falls into depression and alcohol abuse because of the family expectations placed on him by his mother and older brother who are both devoted Catholics. Charles later marries but this breaks down as he is drawn into a relationship with Sebastian's older sister, Julia. The video production follows the narrative of the book closely and Anthony Andrews is cast to perfection as the lost man/boy Sebastian.Charles, played by Jeremy Irons is the link between all the characters and tells the story with a first person voice-over. As the drama unfolds and the family disperses, the house, Brideshead, falls into disrepair, becoming a barracks for army personnel in World War 2. I saw this production on TV many years ago, and have always wanted my own copy. This one was used but in great condition. Thanks Amazon!