Even Neil, the troubled drifter who predicted a dire future for himself at 35, has realized a youthful aspiration. Of the few 42 Up kids who might be said to have transcended class, only the downwardly mobile Bruce remains in England. Most subjects seem comfortable with Apted, this guy who's been showing up with a movie camera like clockwork every seven years. That includes being comfortable enough to refuse to discuss things that are too personal, and Apted doesn't push too hard. The series doesn't pretend to be psychologically probing, and anyway, with 11 people and 35 years to cover, there's time to register only the most salient details.
Audiences can supply their own insight into body language and significant glances.
Starts Fri., June 30.