I recently managed to obtain a DVD of 'Sorrell and Son' which was broadcast on ITV in 1984. I remembered the programme but never thought I would find it on a DVD. For those who don't know, it is the story of Stephen Sorrell, an ex-army captain from the First World War, who has a 13 year old son, Kit (Christopher). It centres on the man's sacrifices after falling on hard times in the 1920's to give his boy a good education. It follows the man's efforts through menial jobs to keep them both together. Richard Pascoe plays the father but, even of more interest, is the boy actor, Paul Critchley, who plays Kit. Unfortunately, Paul only appears in the first two of the six episodes. After that Kit is played by Peter Chelsom, who probably looked okay when he was younger!
Warwick Deeping wrote the book on which the series was based. In fact Deeping wrote many books, about one a year, but 'Sorrell and Son' was the one that caught on with the public. It is a touching tale of a father's devotion to his son and the love reciprocated by the boy. Paul Critchley is great in the part and the whole series is quite absorbing although it does drag a bit when the older Kit keeps meeting all these women.
What intrigues me is that there is no mention of the TV series on BA nor is Paul Critchley listed even. Something I trust that will be immediately corrected.
I'm sorry but I do not have the means to post a picture of Critchley otherwise I would do so.
Also of interest is the fact I had to buy this DVD online and then noted it came from an American source. This is also the case with the two BBC productions of 'Little Lord Fauntleroy' (1994) starring Michael Benz and 'The Prince and the Pauper' (1996) starring Philip Sarson. They make these TV series in the UK then don't seem to bother to capitalise on DVD sales. Odd.
Anyone remember 'Sorrell and Son'?