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{{short description|British television comedy drama series (1986–1994)}}
'''''Lovejoy''''' (''The Lovejoy Mysteries'' in the U.S.) is a series of [[picaresque novel]]s by [[John Grant (Lovejoy)|John Grant]] (under the pen name Jonathan Gash) about the adventures of Lovejoy, a slightly unsavoury British [[antique]]s dealer, in [[East Anglia]]. Lovejoy's first name is never mentioned in the books.
{{for-multi|the series of novels upon which the television series is based|Lovejoy (novel series)|the British indie rock band|Lovejoy (band)|other uses}}
{{use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{use British English|date=May 2012}}
{{more citations needed|date=June 2009}}
{{Infobox television
| image = Lovejoy-cast.jpg
| caption = The main cast from the series 1 to 5 <small>(from left)</small>, [[Dudley Sutton]], [[Ian McShane]], [[Chris Jury]] and [[Phyllis Logan]].
| genre = [[Comedy drama]], [[mystery fiction|mystery]]
| runtime = 50 minutes
| creator = {{Plainlist |* [[John Grant (Lovejoy)|John Grant]]
*[[Ian La Frenais]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/ian-mcshane-i-dont-even-like-antiques-2099558.html|title=Ian McShane: 'I don't even like antiques'|date=9 October 2010|work=[[The Independent]].|publisher=Independent Print Limited|access-date=28 April 2012}}</ref>}}
| starring = {{Plainlist |*[[Ian McShane]]
*[[Chris Jury]]
*[[Phyllis Logan]]
*[[Dudley Sutton]]
}}
| country = United Kingdom
| language = English
| company = [[BBC]]<br />Tamariska Productions<br />[[WitzEnd Productions]]
| network = [[BBC1]]
| first_aired = {{start date|1986|1|10|df=y}}
| last_aired = {{end date|1994|12|4|df=y}}
| num_series = 6
| num_episodes = 71<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/07/lovejoy-remake-1202640899/|title=Ian McShane's Classic British Drama 'Lovejoy' Set For Reboot After Blue Sky Pictures Options Original Novels|first=Peter|last=White|date=2 July 2019|accessdate=28 November 2024}}</ref>
| list_episodes = List of Lovejoy episodes
}}
'''''Lovejoy''''' is a British television [[comedy-drama]] [[mystery fiction|mystery]] series, based on the [[Lovejoy (novel series)|novel]]s by [[John Grant (Lovejoy)|John Grant]] under the pen name Jonathan Gash.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eadt.co.uk/lifestyle/21326015.memories-lovejoy-east-anglias-tv-classic/|title=Memories of Lovejoy: East Anglia's TV classic|date=14 January 2021|website=East Anglian Daily Times|accessdate=28 November 2024}}</ref> The show, which ran to 71 episodes over six series, was originally broadcast on [[BBC One|BBC1]] between 10 January 1986 and 4 December 1994, although there was a five-year gap between the first and second series. It was adapted for television by [[Ian La Frenais]].


==Overview==
The novels were made into a popular drama series shown on British [[television]] from [[1986]]-[[1994]]. The lechery and violence in the novels was largely removed for television. Originally a "one year wonder" during the 1986 BBC programming season, Lovejoy was brought back to the schedule as a regular series in 1991 after a hiatus of nearly five years. Fortunately, nearly all of the original cast returned for the 1991-93 seasons. The early episodes had slightly lower production standards than the 1991-94 programmes, but are still well worth a look. The television series maintained the author's original wish to keep Lovejoy's first name guarded, however a guest star reveals that his first name is "Malcolm" in latter years. Lovejoy neither confirms nor denies this.
{{Main|List of Lovejoy episodes}}


The series concerns the adventures of the eponymous Lovejoy, a roguish [[antiques dealer]] based in [[East Anglia]], and was filmed around [[Long Melford]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cranford |first1=Helen |title=In Constable country |work=The Times |issue=68010 |date=28 February 2004 |page=171|issn=0140-0460}}</ref> Within the trade, he has a reputation as a "divvy",<ref>{{cite web | url=https://televisionheaven.co.uk/reviews/lovejoy | title=Lovejoy }}</ref> a person with almost unnatural powers of recognising exceptional items as well as distinguishing genuine antiques from fakes or forgeries.
The final season of Lovejoy included some cast changes as the characters of both Lady Jane Felsham and Eric Catchpole do not appear regularly.


==Characters==
There were also several Lovejoy specials (near two hour programmes) filmed during the second stint of filming. These are not generally aired in North America. However, Lovejoy remains a favourite on BBC America/BBC Canada cable and direct broadcast channels.
* Lovejoy, played by [[Ian McShane]], a less than scrupulous yet likeable rogue antique dealer<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cultbox.co.uk/reviews/dvd-a-blu-ray/lovejoy-the-complete-collection-dvd-review|title='Lovejoy': The Complete Collection DVD review|first=Nick|last=Aldwinckle|date=15 August 2011|website=CultBox|accessdate=28 November 2024}}</ref>
* Eric Catchpole, played by [[Chris Jury]] (series 1–5; guest, series 6), Lovejoy's younger, enthusiastic, but ever so slightly dim, assistant
* Tinker Dill, played by [[Dudley Sutton]], "barker" and tout who is friends with Lovejoy
* Lady Jane Felsham, played by [[Phyllis Logan]] (series 1–5; guest, series 6), has a friendly, flirtatious relationship with Lovejoy, often helping him with his deals
* Charlie Gimbert, played by [[Malcolm Tierney]] (series 1, 4–5), Lovejoy's landlord and the owner of a local [[auction house]], he is also Lovejoy's nemesis within the antiques trade
* Beth Taylor, played by [[Diane Parish]] (series 5–6), Lovejoy's new apprentice following the departure of Eric Catchpole
* Charlotte Cavendish, played by [[Caroline Langrishe]] (series 5–6), an auctioneer who becomes Lovejoy's love interest


==Broadcast history==
The series was notable for its style and pace. Lovejoy would frequently break the [[fourth wall]], revealing his thoughts and motives by addressing the audience directly. The first series was shown on BBC1 in the first half of 1986. It concluded with a two-part special.


Despite the first series being a moderate ratings success, ''Lovejoy'' was not brought back until January 1991. The original four cast members returned for the next two series between 1991 and 1992. With the start of the fourth series in 1993, [[Malcolm Tierney]] reprised his first series role as Charlie Gimbert.
==Main cast==


During the fifth series, several cast changes were made. Phyllis Logan left the show in the second episode and Chris Jury departed in the sixth episode, although both characters returned for the sixth series finale. Two new regular characters were added: Lovejoy's new apprentice, Beth Taylor, and Charlotte Cavendish, who ran a local antiques auction house.
*[[Ian McShane]] (Lovejoy)
*[[Chris Jury]] (Eric Catchpole)
*[[Dudley Sutton]] (Tinker Dill)
*[[Phyllis Logan]] (Lady Jane Felsham)
*[[Dianne Parrish]] {Beth}
*[[Malcolm Tierney]] {Charlie Gimbert}
*[[Caroline Langrishe]] {Charlotte Cavendish}
*[[Amelia Shankley]] {Vicki, Lovejoy's Daughter}

==Notable Guest Stars==

*[[Brian Blessed]]
*[[Joanna Lumley]]
*[[Linda Gray]]
*[[Mako]]


==Lovejoy Episode List & Original Air Dates==


=Season 1=

* 1-1 10-Jan-1986 The Firefly Cage
* 1-2 17-Jan-1986 The Axeman Cometh
* 1-3 20-Jan-1986 The Sting
* 1-4 31-Jan-1986 Friends, Romans and Enemies
* 1-5 07-Feb-1986 The Judas Pair
* 1-6 14-Feb-1986 To Sleep No More
* 1-7 21-Feb-1986 The Real Thing
* 1-8 28-Feb-1986 The March of Time
* 1-9 07-Mar-1986 Death and Venice (1)
* 1-10 14-Mar-1986 Death and Venice (2)
=Season 2=

* 2-1 06-Jan-1991 Just Desserts
* 2-2 13-Jan-1991 The Italian Venus
* 2-3 20-Jan-1991 Bin Diving
* 2-4 27-Jan-1991 Montezuma's Revenge
* 2-5 03-Feb-1991 Who Dares, Sings
* 2-6 10-Feb-1991 One Born Every Minute
* 2-7 17-Feb-1991 National Wealth
* 2-8 24-Feb-1991 Sugar and Spice
* 2-9 03-Mar-1991 Raise the Hispanic
* 2-10 10-Mar-1991 Lily's Pearls
* 2-11 17-Mar-1991 The Black Virgin of Vladimir *
* Black Virgin of Vladimir is a two part episode in which the first part is listed in the opening credits as "Riding on Rollers"


=Season 3=

* 3-1 12-Jan-1992 Friends in High Places
* 3-2 19-Jan-1992 Out To Lunch
* 3-3 26-Jan-1992 No Strings
* 3-4 02-Feb-1992 Angel Trousers
* 3-5 09-Feb-1992 The Benin Bronze
* 3-6 16-Feb-1992 Eric of Arabia
* 3-7 23-Feb-1992 Scotch on the Rocks
* 3-8 01-Mar-1992 Loveknots
* 3-9 08-Mar-1992 Smoke Your Nose
* 3-10 15-Mar-1992 Kids
* 3-11 22-Mar-1992 Members Only
* 3-12 29-Mar-1992 Highland Fling
*Special S-1 26-Dec-1992 The Prague Sun

=Season 4=

* 4-1 10-Jan-1993 The Napoleonic Commode
* 4-2 17-Jan-1993 The Ring
* 4-3 24-Jan-1993 Second Fiddle
* 4-4 31-Jan-1993 The Colour of Money
* 4-5 07-Feb-1993 Fly the Flag
* 4-6 14-Feb-1993 Judgment of Solomon
* 4-7 21-Feb-1993 The Galloping Major
* 4-8 28-Feb-1993 God Helps Those
* 4-9 07-Mar-1993 They Call Me Midas
* 4-10 14-Mar-1993 Irish Stew
* 4-11 28-Mar-1993 Dainty Dish
* 4-12 04-Apr-1993 Taking the Pledge
* 4-13 11-Apr-1993 Lovejoy Loses It

=Season 5=

* 5-1 05-Sep-1993 Pig in a Poke
* 5-2 12-Sep-1993 Who is the Fairest of Them All?
* 5-3 19-Sep-1993 A Going Concern
* 5-4 26-Sep-1993 The Kakiemon Tiger
* 5-5 03-Oct-1993 Three Men and a Brittle Lady
* 5-6 10-Oct-1993 Ducking and Diving
* 5-7 17-Oct-1993 Stones of Destiny
* 5-8 24-Oct-1993 Poetic Licence
* 5-9 31-Oct-1993 The Peking Gun
* 5-10 07-Nov-1993 Goose Bumps
* 5-11 14-Nov-1993 Swings and Roundabouts
* 5-12 21-Nov-1993 Never Judge a Book By Its Cover
* 5-13 28-Nov-1993 The Price of Fish
*Special S-2 27-Dec-1993 The Lost Colony

=Season 6=

* 6-1 02-Oct-1994 Fair Exchange
* 6-2 09-Oct-1994 Day of Reckoning
* 6-3 16-Oct-1994 Somewhere Over the Rainbow
* 6-4 23-Oct-1994 Double Edged Sword
* 6-5 30-Oct-1994 Guns and Roses
* 6-6 06-Nov-1994 The Last of the Uzkoks
* 6-7 13-Nov-1994 Breaking the Broker
* 6-8 20-Nov-1994 Fruit of the Dessert
* 6-9 27-Nov-1994 Holding the Baby
* 6-10 04-Dec-1994 Last Tango in Lavenham


The sixth and final series of ten episodes was broadcast between October and December 1994. Two ninety-minute ''Lovejoy'' specials for Christmas were shown in 1992 and 1993. The theme tune used in the opening and end credits, as well as the incidental music for each episode, was composed by [[Denis King]].


==Releases==
In the United States, the series was first broadcast on the [[A&E Network]]. It was marketed as ''The Lovejoy Mysteries'' on [[VHS]] in the United States. The [[DVD]] release of the entire series has returned to the title of ''Lovejoy''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/39060/lovejoy-the-complete-collection/|title=Lovejoy: The Complete Collection|website=[[DVD Talk]]|accessdate=28 November 2024}}</ref>


==References==
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*{{IMDb title|0090477}}
*[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090477/ IMDB's information on the TV version]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQnFg7GAZSE Ian McShane talks about Lovejoy part one], 2004 video
*[http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/ShowMainServlet/showid-1511/ TV Tome]
*[http://www.phill.co.uk/comedy/lovejoy/index.html ''Lovejoy''] at British TV Resources
*{{Epguides|Lovejoy}}
*[http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=205621095266899684813.0004b71bd629a1e7e9f4a&msa=0 Filming locations]
*[http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/552531/Lovejoy-TV-show-makes-a-comeback Lovejoy TV show makes a comeback]


{{Clement and La Frenais}}


[[Category:BBC television programmes]]
[[Category:1986 British television series debuts]]
[[Category:1994 British television series endings]]
[[Category:1980s British comedy-drama television series]]
[[Category:1990s British comedy-drama television series]]
[[Category:1980s British mystery television series]]
[[Category:1990s British mystery television series]]
[[Category:BBC television dramas]]
[[Category:British crime television series]]
[[Category:British English-language television shows]]
[[Category:Television shows based on British novels]]

Latest revision as of 09:26, 14 December 2024

For the series of novels upon which the television series is based, see Lovejoy (novel series). For the British indie rock band, see Lovejoy (band). For other uses, see Lovejoy (disambiguation).

Lovejoy
The main cast from the series 1 to 5 (from left), Dudley Sutton, Ian McShane, Chris Jury and Phyllis Logan.
GenreComedy drama, mystery
Created by
Starring
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series6
No. of episodes71[2] (list of episodes)
Production
Running time50 minutes
Production companiesBBC
Tamariska Productions
WitzEnd Productions
Original release
NetworkBBC1
Release10 January 1986 (1986-01-10) –
4 December 1994 (1994-12-04)

Lovejoy is a British television comedy-drama mystery series, based on the novels by John Grant under the pen name Jonathan Gash.[3] The show, which ran to 71 episodes over six series, was originally broadcast on BBC1 between 10 January 1986 and 4 December 1994, although there was a five-year gap between the first and second series. It was adapted for television by Ian La Frenais.

Overview

[edit]
Main article: List of Lovejoy episodes

The series concerns the adventures of the eponymous Lovejoy, a roguish antiques dealer based in East Anglia, and was filmed around Long Melford.[4] Within the trade, he has a reputation as a "divvy",[5] a person with almost unnatural powers of recognising exceptional items as well as distinguishing genuine antiques from fakes or forgeries.

Characters

[edit]
  • Lovejoy, played by Ian McShane, a less than scrupulous yet likeable rogue antique dealer[6]
  • Eric Catchpole, played by Chris Jury (series 1–5; guest, series 6), Lovejoy's younger, enthusiastic, but ever so slightly dim, assistant
  • Tinker Dill, played by Dudley Sutton, "barker" and tout who is friends with Lovejoy
  • Lady Jane Felsham, played by Phyllis Logan (series 1–5; guest, series 6), has a friendly, flirtatious relationship with Lovejoy, often helping him with his deals
  • Charlie Gimbert, played by Malcolm Tierney (series 1, 4–5), Lovejoy's landlord and the owner of a local auction house, he is also Lovejoy's nemesis within the antiques trade
  • Beth Taylor, played by Diane Parish (series 5–6), Lovejoy's new apprentice following the departure of Eric Catchpole
  • Charlotte Cavendish, played by Caroline Langrishe (series 5–6), an auctioneer who becomes Lovejoy's love interest

Broadcast history

[edit]

The series was notable for its style and pace. Lovejoy would frequently break the fourth wall, revealing his thoughts and motives by addressing the audience directly. The first series was shown on BBC1 in the first half of 1986. It concluded with a two-part special.

Despite the first series being a moderate ratings success, Lovejoy was not brought back until January 1991. The original four cast members returned for the next two series between 1991 and 1992. With the start of the fourth series in 1993, Malcolm Tierney reprised his first series role as Charlie Gimbert.

During the fifth series, several cast changes were made. Phyllis Logan left the show in the second episode and Chris Jury departed in the sixth episode, although both characters returned for the sixth series finale. Two new regular characters were added: Lovejoy's new apprentice, Beth Taylor, and Charlotte Cavendish, who ran a local antiques auction house.

The sixth and final series of ten episodes was broadcast between October and December 1994. Two ninety-minute Lovejoy specials for Christmas were shown in 1992 and 1993. The theme tune used in the opening and end credits, as well as the incidental music for each episode, was composed by Denis King.

Releases

[edit]

In the United States, the series was first broadcast on the A&E Network. It was marketed as The Lovejoy Mysteries on VHS in the United States. The DVD release of the entire series has returned to the title of Lovejoy.[7]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Ian McShane: 'I don't even like antiques'". The Independent. Independent Print Limited. 9 October 2010. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
  2. ^ White, Peter (2 July 2019). "Ian McShane's Classic British Drama 'Lovejoy' Set For Reboot After Blue Sky Pictures Options Original Novels". Retrieved 28 November 2024.
  3. ^ "Memories of Lovejoy: East Anglia's TV classic". East Anglian Daily Times. 14 January 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
  4. ^ Cranford, Helen (28 February 2004). "In Constable country". The Times. No. 68010. p. 171. ISSN 0140-0460.
  5. ^ "Lovejoy".
  6. ^ Aldwinckle, Nick (15 August 2011). "'Lovejoy': The Complete Collection DVD review". CultBox. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
  7. ^ "Lovejoy: The Complete Collection". DVD Talk. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
[edit]
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