The Irish R.M.: The Complete Collection takes place at the turn of the 19th-20th century as Major Sinclair Yeates (Peter Bowles, Rumpole of the Bailey), a retired British army officer, considers relocating to assume a post as Resident Magistrate in rural Skebawn, Ireland. From the moment he arrives, this luring pastoral countryside lulls him into a sense of peace and harmony, but he finds his logic assaulted by the contradiction between the well-mannered and pretentious Anglo-Irish gentry and the simple but wild and unruly Native Irish Commoners.
It is this curious affection and misunderstanding that has been the experience of the English and their Irish neighbors, and was now to become Major Yeates biggest struggles with his new job, the culture, and with his mischievous landlord and neighbor Mr. "Flurry" Knox (Bryan Murray, Perfect Scoundrels), the local Master of Fox Hounds and an avid horse fancier. Soon after moving into his rental, the Major and his servants are abruptly awakened by the sound of horns, hoofs, and howling as a fox has been chased into the basement of his home with the dogs of the hunt in quick pursuit. He inadvertently discovers that the property he has just rented is used during the hunting season.
Flurry Knox is an ambitious fellow, being born of the gentry but manipulates his strategies throughout the spectrum of society. Unfortunately, the mild Major Yeates falls victim to his many schemes and winds up in surprising and unfortunate circumstances. The folly and humor of these events makes for enjoyable entertainment and casts a thumbs down at the aristocrats and their artificial social mannerisms.
The Magistrate finds the justice system needs to suit the public needs. However, his gentle but righteous nature conflicts with the class boundaries and the slower pace of rural Irish life. The Major eventually marries Phillipa (Doran Godwin) who joins him on the estate and the people of Shebawn welcome the English couple with open arms. The gentry invite them to social events and the country folk try to force gifts and attention on him. He is respected by all and plays an intricate part in most social and community activities and sports.
One of Ireland's beloved events at the turn of the century is horse trading and races, in which Flurry Knox is always intricately involved. He's very charismatic and charming, but known as somewhat of a horse thief. His socialite lady, Sally Knox (Lise-Ann McLaughlin), lends a twist of romance to the mix, while Phillipa brings order and etiquette to uphold her husband's status. Flurry's incorrigible groomsman, Slipper (Niall Toibin), is generally drunk and assisting Flurry in carrying out his misadventures and Flurry's eccentric elderly grandmother, Mrs. Knox (Beryl Reid), upholds their social status with diamonds dripping off her fingers, but with elegant china in the cabinets long ago chipped and cracked.
Colorful characters bring charm and warmth to the Major's household, especially Mrs. Cadogan (Anna Manahan), his loyal housekeeper who attends to his every need. Her brother, timid Peter (Brendan Conroy), also lives at the mansion and is the Major's groomsman, and then there's Maria, the family Irish water setter that seems to follow instructions poorly.
The Irish R.M.: The Complete Collection presents classic stories by authors Somerville and Ross showcasing the personal and social status of the gentry and peasantry. It peeks into the extraordinary and mundane situations of living in the turn of the 19th-20th century in rural Ireland. The dress, customs, and living conditions are detailed in their portrayal, and the filming took place entirely on location in County Kildare, Ireland. The Major serves as a balancing agent of good and evil between his eccentric Irish neighbors and these stories are classic period pieces taken from the real lives of the two authors.
The Irish R.M.: The Complete Collection consists of six DVDs. There are three series of two discs, each progressing from the Major's decision to go to Ireland as Resident Magistrate and concludes in a surprising fashion. The episodes depict sporting events, the mischievous adventures of Flurry Knox, and romantic escapades. One of the most eye-opening events was when a fire occurred in a multi-storied home, and people lined up with everything and any type of vessel they could find to put out the fire. Times were tough for both rich and poor, and the attire and conversation would reveal their economic status and locale. This was all lighthearted humor and does not touch on the serious topics of religion or politics of the period. The series may be slow-paced as the characters are developed, but the characters and stories are so enjoyable that you'll be wishing for more.
The Irish R.M.: The Complete Collection contains a featurette entitled "The Making of a Television Series on the Irish R.M." that contains brief interviews with cast and crew. The director shares some difficulties in filming fall hunting scenes in hot weather and shares some interesting background for viewers, while cast members talk about accents, production headquarters, and the authenticity of the period hunts.
Having been produced in the 1980's, the image quality may have flaws and imperfections. However, in my opinion, these are taken into consideration and the overall perfection lies in the acting and delightful storytelling that has been loved by generations. The audio is vintage quality and the light merriment of the Irish musical background gives it that wonderful Irish beat, together with the comical introductory art.
With 18 episodes, there's much hilarity and laughter. One of my favorite episodes is "Holy Island" when a capsized ship carrying barrels of rum causes the entire village to come and partake of the gift from afar. In "The Friend of Her Youth," the Major's sister receives an old friend who has an aristocratic air that seems to smell, and in the final episode, "The Devil You Know," the Major has finally learned his lesson in Irish humor.
This perfect classic period piece of entertainment, The Irish R.M.: The Complete Collection, has been an historical and cultural revelation, and I have enjoyed the activities and antics of these Irish people throughout the entire series. This is ageless family entertainment, and I would welcome viewing other series of this nature.
