The Ruth Rendell Mysteries: Set 4
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DVD details
Actor: George BakerBrand: Acorn
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 353 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2009-04-14
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Acorn Media
DVD Reviews of The Ruth Rendell Mysteries: Set 4
DVD Review: You Have Two Absorbing Mysteries Here
Summary: 4 Stars
"The Ruth Rendell Mysteries Set 4," fourth installment of the British television series made by Granada for the United Kingdom's ITV (Independent Television Stations), arrives on these shores. The shows aired in the UK from 1987-2000; they aired in syndication on public television stations here in the 1990s. The popular British mystery series is, of course, based on the prolific work of best-selling English crime writer Ruth Rendell, surely one of the most acclaimed, award-winning queens of the contemporary literary psychological mystery/thriller. The current series consists of two feature -length Inspector Wexford mysteries; it stars George Baker as the Chief Inspector; Christopher Ravenscroft as his deputy, DI Mike Burden. The set consists of two DVDs, runs approximately 353 minutes, and includes a bonus program, "Super Sleuths." Each of these episodes has been previously available individually. The set lacks subtitles, and could use them, as all Rendell's well-brought up characters speak softly.
Episode 1. Simisola. Wexford's Nigerian-born doctor privately asks the Inspector to find his 22-year old daughter Melanie, who has suddenly disappeared. The effort to track Melanie will lead to two murders, and develop into an emotionally-charged case heavily influenced by issues of race and class.
Episode 2. Road Rage. Rendell's favorite town, Kingsmarkham, is in an uproar as environmental activists disrupt the construction of a local highway bypass. The body of a young and beautiful long-missing German tourist turns up in the nearby woods: she has been sexually assaulted and strangled. A group that claims to consist of radical environmental activists kidnaps several villagers for leverage, Wexford's wife among them.
By American standards, Grandpa Wexford looks old enough to be long retired from the police, but what do we know? The series is deliciously filmed, on location in the English countryside and its small cities, and there are sufficient cars, character actors, and extras to give the productions a realistic look. Granada has really not stinted in the making of these. And each episode builds to a powerful conclusion, despite the fact that they are not based on the author's top-notch work, but are based on works perhaps too limited by convention, political correctness, and the 1990's headlines of the day. "Simisola," in particular, reminds me of Sam Goldwyn's well-known witticism, "When I want to send a message I'll use Western Union."
Mind you, as a woman and a human being, I strongly approve of this specific message, and believe Rendell has a right to send it, but the mystery does suffer for it. Be that as it may, you have two absorbing mysteries here, and mystery lovers who do not already own these separately should welcome them.
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Description of The Ruth Rendell Mysteries: Set 4
The psychological crime dramas as seen on public television
In these two Inspector Wexford specials, the kindly, compassionate detective investigates the disappearance of his doctor?s daughter and an environmental protest that goes horribly wrong. As always, award-winning writer Ruth Rendell weaves incisive social observation into her compelling plots, showing why critics and fans regard her as the reigning queen of the British literary mystery.
Simisola--Chief Inspector Wexford?s Nigerian-born physician asks the detective to look into the abrupt disappearance of his 22-year-old daughter. The trail eventually leads Wexford and DI Mike Burden to two murders, and the investigators grapple with an emotionally charged case complicated by racial and class misunderstandings. Approx. 152 min.
Road Rage--While environmental activists disrupt the construction of a highway bypass, the body of a missing German tourist turns up in the woods, strangled and sexually assaulted. As clashes between protesters and security forces escalate into violence, a radical group engineers a series of kidnappings, with Wexford?s beloved wife among the hostages. Approx. 201 min.
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE Super Sleuths: Inspector Wexford, a documentary featuring George Baker; and Ruth Rendell biography.
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