A frustrated drapers assistant attempts to escape his mundane marriage and failing business by faking his own death and seeking a new life on the open road. A delightful and well turned out adaptation of the H. G.
Wells novel, perfectly suited to the traditional Sunday teatime slot. Andrew Sachs, fresh from his success in Fawlty Towers, proves himself a versatile lead, capturing the whimsical melancholy and poetic soul of Wells’ protagonist without ever resorting to caricature. The production benefits from a strong supporting cast and a faithful script by James Andrew Hall that retains the author’s gentle satire regarding the British class system and the stifling nature of Edwardian commerce.
The location work is evocative, and the pacing is brisk enough to keep the episodic nature of Polly’s journey engaging throughout. It is a warm, literate, and thoroughly professional piece of television that honors its source material while providing high quality family entertainment.
Production Details
UK / BBC One / 5x30 Minute Episodes / 1980
Writers: James Andrew Hall
Based on: H.G. Wells
Producer: Barry Letts
Directors: Lovett Bickford
Music: Stephen Deutsch
Main Cast
Andrew Sachs as Alfred Polly
Peter Bourke as Platt
Anita Carey as Mrs Polly
Christopher Good as Parsons
Christopher Benjamin as Garvace
Ronald Herman as Mansfield
Glynn Edwards as Mr Rusper