MovieChat Forums > A Dorothy L. Sayers Mystery (1987) Discussion > Petherbridge/Walter s Lord Peter Wimsey...

Petherbridge/Walter s Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries

posted 17 years ago by strat-flats
9 replies | jump to latest

The newer series of Peter Wimsey mysteries (1987) is miles ahead of the earlier Ian Charmichael series in the depth and accuracy of the characters. Dorothy L. Sayers spent 12 novels and many short stories developing Peter's subtly complex and multi-faceted personality. Harriet, too, was intricately crafted. These two actors (Petherbridge & Walters) portray those complex characters exquisitely, exposing their vulnerability and their flaws. Their careful handling of the developing relationship between the characters with all its uncertainties and woes is very close to the way it was handled in the books. While the Ian Charmichael portrayal captured the "silly-ass man about town" element of Peter's character, it lacked the depth and complexity necessary to understand Wimsey as Dorothy L. Sayers wrote him. As fun as that earlier series is, it doesn't do justice to Dorothy L. Sayer's characterizations. The best way to enjoy her is to read all of her books, but, barring that, don't miss the Petherbridge/Walters stories on VHS or DVD!

[–] rfade 16 years ago

You are dead on accurate about Petherbridge and Walter! I just wish they had chosen to do Busman's Honeymoon along with the other three. Oh, Well!

[–] fkd1963 16 years ago

Wrong!

No one can beat the portrayal of LPW by Ian Carmichael. There was depth, humor, and passion in his perf; the production also had better casting. The "new" Bunter is bland and too young. You would never believe that he was LPW's assistant in WWI. The main high point of the new LPWs is the perf by Harriet Walter as Harriet Vane. This underrated actress can be seen in a small role as Keira Knightley's mom in ATONEMENT.

[–] trekbikeus 15 years ago

Petherbridge was a brilliant Wimsey. Absolutely perfect. Carmichael was too goofy and boisterous in my opinion.

[–] Bill Hussar 15 years ago

I recently watched Petherbridge's Wimsey stories and am currently watching Carmichael's. I am not sure if I agree with the statement that Petherbridge's version is closer to the books version, but what I can say that I simply enjoy Carmichael's version far more than Petherbridge's.

[–] lotsofwordz 15 years ago

Petherbridge knocks spots off Charmichael in terms of depth and sheer quality of acting and interpreting the character as he is portrayed in the books.

Walter is sensational as Vane.

Bunter is not too young at all. He could have been 19 in 1918. Work it out. And he was a batman, not an 'assistant'.

I know that this series is about Peter and Harriet, but it's a tragedy that Petherbridge didn't do Nine Tailors, the best of the Wimsey books.

Anyone know where the soundtrack can be obtained? Thanks.

[–] kcolor 11 years ago

I enjoy both versions of Lord Peter. Bunter seems too familiar with his employer, rather than too young. I guess the producers didn't want an excruciatingly correct Bunter, but I think that was part of his charm.

[–] wimseymaniac 13 years ago

I guess it`s a bit unfair to contrast Petherbridge and Carmichael- both are brilliant actors and they both capture the essence of Lord Peter as they appear in the books in question- it`s obvious that the Lord Peter Wimsey we meet in all the Harriet Vane books is quite a different character to the Wimsey in the earlier books. We get glimpses of his inner depth, but they are only finally revealed when he meets her and is forced to show that he is not the clown he usually presents to the world. So Petherbridge`s characterization simply had to be vastly different from Carmichael`s. Having been a devotee of the novels, I enjoy both versions immensely- but I`m rather disappointed with the short shrift they gave to "Gaudy Night", they made quite a hack of it.

It is our choices that show what we truly are... far more than our abilities.

[–] kdr50 11 years ago

Certainly cannot imagine Carmichael as Peter the lover: Petherbridge and Walter were perfect in their trilogy. If only they'd done a better job with Gaudy Night and gone on with Busman's Honeymoon. Carmichael captured the pain and manic energy well but not the look of Peter Wimsey, not for me.

[–] Maddyclassicfilms 7 years ago

I couldn't agree more! Petherbridge is perfect as Peter. He steals every scene with just a glance, his acting is very subtle. I think he and Harriet Walter are perfect together, their shared scenes together are my favourites in the entire series.

I wish they had made more episodes featuring these two.

Go to bed Frank or this is going to get ugly .