Movie-All Creatures Great and Small

OK-technically not a movie, but a TV series from the late 70's. But I am getting it on Netflix, so that is how I will post it.

All Creatures Great and Small is just great. The series, based on books, is semi-autobiographical, about a vet in the late 1930's who joins a practice in the Yorkshire Dales countryside. Mainly a large animal practise, it starts also treating a newer phenomena, household pets.

James Herriot is the main character, and the author (a pseudonym) of the books, and is marvelously played by Christopher Timothy . He is a young vet who joins the practise of Siegfreid Farnon, and bigger than life character, who provides equal parts guidance, philosophy and arrogance. Also part of the staff is Siegfreid's younger brother Tristan, and vet student.

As Herriot comes to the Dales, he falls in love with the place. The moors and countryside, the people and the animals in his care, all vie for his complete affection. And his caring about the animals shines through in Timothy's performance, as it did in the books.

There are plenty of laughs, for the characters and the situations can be funny. But there is also a warm-heartedness the lies over the series, and moments of sadness and tears too.

This was one of my favorite shows growing up. And I so glad to see that it is not all nostalgia. This is genuinely funny and marvelous. We are both enjoying it thoroughly, and can't wait until we see season 2.