Play For Today: Blue Remembered Hills (BBC Drama, Helen Mirren, Robin Ellis)

Blue Remembered Hills is one of the essential Dennis Potter works, made by a writer at the very top of his game. Hot on the heels of his equally essential Pennies From Heaven.

This period drama, made for the Play For Today strand, combines many of Potter’s favourite tropes. Adults playing children, the Forest of Dean setting and the Period setting of Potter’s own childhood.

Story wise it is ostensibly a classic tale of children enjoying a day of playing in the woods in the school holidays during World War II. The kids are played by the likes of Colin Welland, Helen Mirren, Michael Elphick and Robin Ellis and there is an air of menace that is never far away. For one them, Donald Duck (another fab Colin Jeavons performance), the day will end in tragedy.

Heartbreaking, mesmerising and unforgettable.

Series: Play For Today  Season 9 Episode 15

Cast: HELEN MIRREN as Angela; ROBIN ELLIS as John; COLIN WELLAND as Willie; MICHAEL ELPHICK as Peter; COLIN JEAVONS as Donald Duck; JOHN BIRD as Raymond; JANINE DUVITSKI as Audrey

Writer: Dennis Potter / Music: Marc Wilkinson / Producer: Kenith Trodd / Director: Brian Gibson

UK / BBC One / 1×70 minute episode / Broadcast 30 January 1979