The Length of the Final Episode
I recently realized why the final episode is so long. It's a double episode, as is the first one. The fact means that Lord Marchmain's death takes perhaps more time than it should.
shareIt takes a long time to get to heaven, eh?...;-)...
share@ deeveed on Wed Jul 18 2012
Probably so, but in this case it takes too long!
@deeveed
I have watched the series dozens of times and have reluctantly come to the conclusion that it would have been better had it been about two hours shorter. The second part, especially after Sebastian is no longer around, is simply not as interesting as the first part. In fact, when the series was first aired, a professional reviewer complained that it was too long and refused to continue watching it.
When I first viewed the series, I did not agree with the professional reviewer. Now--again, reluctantly--I do.
The length of the series was apparently determined by executives at ITV. After deciding that it should consist of 11 episodes instead of 6, the executives in question then decided that 11 episodes each of which were 2 hours in length would make the entire series too long, so only the first and the last episode were 2 hours in length. The first episode, in which Charles gets to know Sebastian, is well suited to that length. The last episode, in my opinion, is not.
Despite what I have said, I shall observe that I continue to admire the series greatly. You may know that several people who work for an English newspaper chose it as the second best TV serial in fifty years. The same people decreeed--to my immense suprise--that the best such serial was "The Sopranos."
only the first and the last episode were 2 hours in length
Technically not so.
Episode One runs 100 minutes. Episode Eleven runs 90 minutes.
Some do believe that as much of the last episode is just Olivier's death scene, it runs too long.
I wouldn't cut a minute from it. Certainly none of the footage of Olivier who is superb.
Hair today. Goon tomorrow.
share
Entirely agree, dizexpat.
The deathbed scene was pivotal in the story - Lord Marchmain had shunned his family's faith, then, in his dying days, sought to depart in " a state of grace".
He did so, at the 11th hour, but this final acceptance by Lord Marchmain, had further consequences for the lives of his surviving family, as we know.
Yes, yet again, Olivier was outstanding in the role, and I agree, not a minute should have been cut.
In fact, this entire series was a masterpiece.
@dizexpat » Sun Jan 20 2013 11:27:27
Thank you for your corrections about the length of the double episodes.