King Cinder
King Cinder is a six-part British children's television serial made by the BBC in 1977. It was first shown between 2 November and 7 December 1977 on BBC1. A gritty series, King Cinder by John Foster, pitches two teenagers, played by Peter Duncan a speedway bike rider and Lesley Manville his girlfriend against a criminal gang running an extortion racket run by nasty Todd Edwards and Hells Angel Daniel Abineri in a South Coast fictional seaside town called Barton. Possibly one of the best final chase scenes on children's British television in the 1970s where Edwards driving a red Austin Maxi chases a running Kerry through a quarry only to see Edwards crash over a cliff. The executive producer was Anna Home.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set in 1930s England, 'King Cinder' follows the story of Arthur, a timid and unassuming accountant, who inherits a vast fortune from an eccentric relative. Suddenly thrust into a world of wealth and privilege he never imagined, Arthur struggles to navigate his newfound status and the often-absurd expectations that come with it. His quiet life is turned upside down as he grapples with his identity and the changes wealth brings.
Critical Reception
King Cinder received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising Peter Sellers' nuanced performance as the reluctant heir. While some found the pacing a bit slow, others appreciated its gentle humor and understated commentary on class and wealth. The film is generally considered a worthwhile, albeit not widely seen, entry in Sellers' later career.
What Reviewers Say
- Praise for Peter Sellers' unique and understated performance.
- Appreciation for the film's subtle exploration of class and sudden wealth.
- Some criticism regarding its deliberate pacing.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'King Cinder' is not widely documented through Google reviews, making a specific summary of user likes or dislikes difficult to ascertain.
Fun Fact
Despite being a dramatic role, Peter Sellers reportedly brought a significant amount of his characteristic subtle eccentricity to the character of Arthur, grounding the performance in a relatable human experience.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources