Product Description

Wanted: young person to render general domestic assistance. According to Bert and Alice, the two surly servants who work for the formidable Miss Farnaby (Geraldine McEwan), the notice should read: "Wanted: masochist to be at the beck and call of cantankerous old trout." Fortunately, Mulberry has never met Bert or Alice. In fact, no one knows where he comes from. Out of the blue, he just turns up one day at the family mansion, without a single qualification to his name, and sweet-talks his way into the job. Suddenly, the dull old house is not dull anymore and Miss Farnaby's life will never be the same again. But who is the mysterious man in black, and what does he want with Mulberry?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6455 in DVD
• Brand: Warner Brothers
• Released on: 2006-06-13
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 2
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 377 minutes

Features

• Wanted: young person to render general domestic assistance. According to Bert and Alice, the two surly servants who work for the formidable Miss Farnaby (Geraldine McEwan), the notice should read: "Wanted: masochist to be at the beck and call of cantankerous old trout." Fortunately, Mulberry has never met Bert or Alice. In fact, no one knows where he comes from. Out of the blue, he just turns up o

Amazon.com
Both morbid and joyful, British sitcom Mulberry begins when a quirky young man with a penchant for floral waistcoats named Mulberry (Karl Howman, Brush Strokes) shows up on the doorstep of a sullen, surly old woman named Mrs. Farnaby (Geraldine McEwan, The Magdalene Sisters, Mapp & Lucia). The irrepressible Mulberry proceeds to unsettle the servants--Bert (Tony Selby) and Alice (Lill Roughley in the first season, Mary Healey in the second)--as he puckishly lures Mrs. Farnaby into a fuller, happier life. But unbeknownst to Mrs. Farnaby, Mulberry harbors a secret: He's the son of Death and Springtime (talk about mixed marriages) and he's been sent by his father (John Bennet) to carry the old woman over the threshold--not a typical premise for a comedy. This DVD set has both seasons; season 1 is occupied with the unveiling of Mulberry's secret and the drawing-out of Farnaby, while the second finds a surprising richness of material in the set-up, ranging from Mulberry having a near-death experience of his own to Alice considering running away with another man. Despite the recurring presence of Death, the show is really about taking pleasure in life and making your own choices. Howman's zaniness could have grown tiresome were it not countered by McEwan's deliciously dour presence (though a TV interview with the pair, included as an extra, reveals her to be a sweetheart in person). As Farnaby softens, Mulberry calms down, maintaining a careful balance. An odd but likable show, cut off by the BBC just as it found itself in full bloom. Co-created by Bob Larbey, creator of As Time Goes By. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews

So happy that this British gem has finally been released on DVD.
One great British cult favorite. An offbeat comedy nicely described above in the "Editorial Review"; however, the hook of the series is absurdly given away above in the "Plot Summery".

Indeed, this delightful series is about a mysterious stranger (Mulberry) who insinuates himself into the household of the elderly Miss Farnaby.

Mulberry is the surprisingly cheerful son of "Death" training for the day he takes over Dad's job. His father insists that the taking of a life is not a punishment. "It's just the way things are." However, Mulberry is determined to allow the reclusive and cantankerous Miss Fanaby a chance to enjoy life before completing his assignment.

Slowly in each episode Mulberry draws out Miss Farnaby as well as her two surly servants; and so ironically, the "Son of Death" improves everybody's lives.

"Mulberry" could have been weird, grim and macabre a la "The Aadams Family". Instead, this British gem is quirky, funny and utterly charming. Despite the fantasy element of death personified "Mulberry" is more like the series "As Time Goes By" then other fantasy shows like "My Hero"; the humor on "Mulberry" is gentle sometimes bittersweet rather than ironic or absurd.

Recommended if you liked "On the Up", "Waiting for God" or "As Time Goes By".

warm and original
Mulberry was one of those brilliantly unique television programs that only the Brits seem to be able to do well, or to do at all. It's a quiet and gentle show about death coming to take an elderly woman- and then staying around to make sure she gets a bit of happiness in her life first. Chances are your local cable or PBS station will never carry it, so buying this DVD might be the only chance you ever have to see it.

A Gentle Comedy About Death!
When Mulberry aired in the U.S.A, it captivated viewers with its unusual premise and the wonderful ensemble acting of the four main characters; Rose Farnaby, Mulberry, Bert and Alice. Geraldine McEwan and Karl Howman had perfect comedy timing and filtered it through a sweetness of spirit and the whole thing was just odd enough to keep the audience guessing about the outcome. There's kite flying, tandem riding, dinner guest dying and nude modelling just for starters. Fans have waited a long time for a DVD release. And PBS - if you're reading... schedule the series again!