Love for Lydia (1977) (Episode 1)

Part 1 of 13 of the 1977 period adaptation. Young reporter Edward Richardson despises his job at Evensford's small-town newspaper and longs to be a real writer. As he gazes out the window one Christmas through a sudden fall of snow, he glimpses a young girl, dark-haired and pale, riding between the elderly Aspen sisters in the back of their chauffeur-driven Daimler. Learning that she is their niece Lydia who has arrived to stay with them after the death of her father, his boss Bretherton sends him to do an article on her arrival and he finds himself entranced by the seemingly shy and reticent Lydia... Starring Christopher Blake, Mel Martin, Beatrix Lehman, Rachel Kempson, Michael Aldridge, David Ryall, Christopher Hancock, Patricia Leach, Jeremy Irons, Sherrie Hewson, Peter Davison, Ruby Head, George Waring, Emrys Leyshon, George Lamb, Bruce Ogston and David Hallworth. Originally broadcast on September 9th 1977, this was a 13 part adaptation of H.E. Bates semi autobiographical novel. It would be fraught with difficulties being made, including the replacement of original adapter Richard Bates - son of the novelist - by LWT's controller Cyril Bennett halfway through. New writer Julian Bond then was hospitalized for a short while due to a gall bladder operation. Despite all the turmoil behind the scenes, one thing the series did do was give breakthrough roles to hitherto unheard of names, such as Jeremy Irons, Peter Davison and Mel Martin, who plays the titular character. Set in the 1920's, it's beautifully shot, gets the period just right and has a lovely theme tune. However, be warned: it is very, VERY slow, so keep with it if you can as eventually things do happen - but if you want to skip to it to liven up, start at Episode 7 (I kid you not!). I just uploaded it as I felt it fitted perfectly for Christmas. Anyway, I hope you enjoy.