MovieChat Forums > As Time Goes By (1992) Discussion > Geoffrey and Judi's chemistry

Geoffrey and Judi's chemistry

posted 9 years ago by Maddyclassicfilms
5 replies | jump to latest

The main reason I love this series (and think it was so successful) is due to the incredible chemistry between Geoffrey and Judi. They really do act like they are a married couple. I love the comic scenes between Lionel and Jean but think the tender moments between them are the best. Lionel can be difficult at times but he adores Jean and she him.

Geoffrey is marvellous in the scenes where he has to look at Judi in a really tender and loving way. You can see how much Lionel loves Jean all in a single look he gives. Brilliant performances from them both and their chemistry can't be faked it's genuine.

It is my business to protect your majesty.... against all things.

[–] contradad-1 9 years ago

Agreed. The actors make the relationship seem so natural you completely forget that they are actors playing a role. The chemistry is perfect.

[–] cutch74 8 years ago

I agree 100%!My favorite scene that shows comedy & tenderness is right before Lionel proposes to Jean. Just as she leans in to cuddle up to his shoulder, he leans forward making her head fall between his back & the sofa. Of course, finishing up the proposal with his knee locking up bringing Jean down onto the floor with him .

[–] pacwarbuff 7 years ago

I think it's a case of Geoffrey (a hero of mine, really) having great chemistry with everyone. His scenes with Philip Bretherton (Alastair) are obviously of a different nature, but both actors are supremely in character whenever they interact. Lionel is at his "most Lionel" and Bretherton brings out an aspect of Alastair we rarely see when he's with other characters.

Geoffrey Palmer is a superb actor.

[–] CobblersAwls 7 years ago

Agree with all of the above!

This show is one of those in which after the fact we could never, ever imagine anybody else in these roles. They are so iconic and perfect, it boggles to imagine it might have been cast differently.

Eons and eons ago, read an article with Geoffrey or the producers in which they said the show was created for Geofrrey.

Then they had to find an actress. Several were mentioned who, for some reason, did not pan out. I read the role was written originally for Jean Simmons!

Hard to fathom how different the series might have been without Judi's stellar performance and inhabiting of Jean.

The idea that Judi was "second choice" was stunning in retrospect. But that's show biz, ha.

And the rest is history!

[–] GlenEllyn (21144) 2 months ago

Oh my stars! The chemistry between Judi and Geoffrey is what really makes this a stellar series! I don't think it would have been as successful as it was if not for those two actors.