TV
French Fields (ITV 1989-1991, Julia McKenzie, Anton Rodgers)
French Fields was not so much a sequel to Fresh Fields but more a continuation of the series (albeit three after the final season of Fresh Fields) with a subtle name change and new locale. It saw Hester and William, the couple from that series decide to up sticks and move to France William Fields (Anton Rogers) is offered a new job there.
Of course there was the initial shock of a whole new culture to get used to, middle class Barnes was very different from their new village life in St Martin near Boulogne. Luckily for William and Hester they had a pair of boorish English neighbours in the shape of Hugh and Jill.
The idea of upping sticks and moving to Europe, France in particular, was very big in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Co-Author John Chapman himself owned a home in the Dordogne.
production details
UK / ITV – Thames / 18×30 minute episodes 1×45 minute episode / Broadcast 5 September 1989 – 8 October 1991
Creator: John Chapman / Producer: James Gilbert
cast
Julia McKenzie as Hester Fields
Anton Rodgers as William Fields
Pamela Salem as Chantal Moriac
Liz Crowther as Jill Trendle (series 1-2)
Robin Kermode as Hugh Trendle (series 1-2)
Valerie Lush as Madame Remoleux
Sally Baxter as Emma (series 1)
Karen Ascoe as Emma (after series 1)
Philip Bird as Peter
Brian de Salvo as Henri Nadal (series 1)
Nicholas Courtney as Marquis (series 1 – 2)
Olivier Pierre as Monsieur Dax (series 2 & special)
Philip McGough as Monsieur Dax (series 3)
Bridget McConnel as Madame Dax (series 2-3)
Victoria Baker as Marie-Christine Dax (series 2-3)