

Never the Twain
Never the Twain is a British sitcom that ran for eleven series from 7 September 1981 to 9 October 1991. It was created by Johnnie Mortimer, and was the only sitcom he ever created without his usual writing partner, Brian Cooke. Mortimer wrote the entirety of the first two series and four episodes out of six of the eighth, with the rest being mainly written by Vince Powell and John Kane. It starred Windsor Davies and Donald Sinden as rival antique dealers, and also starred Derek Deadman, Zara Nutley, Robin Kermode, Tacy Kneale, Julia Watson, Honor Blackman, Teddy Turner and Maria Charles. The title is taken from the Rudyard Kipling poem; The Ballad of East and West.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set in the late 19th century, 'Never the Twain' tells the story of a wealthy and influential woman who is determined to defy societal expectations and pursue her own desires. The series explores themes of forbidden love, social constraints, and the pursuit of personal freedom against the backdrop of a rigidly stratified society.
Critical Reception
As a television miniseries, 'Never the Twain' received a generally positive reception, praised for its period detail and strong performances, particularly from its lead cast. It was noted for its exploration of complex emotional relationships and social commentary relevant to its era.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its compelling portrayal of a woman challenging societal norms.
- Noted for its authentic period setting and costumes.
- Appreciated for the nuanced performances of the lead actors.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this older television miniseries is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The series is based on a novel of the same name by the acclaimed British author, Catherine Cookson.
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