Cadfael - The Sanctuary Sparrow

Starring:Eoin McCarthy, Anthony Green (II), Albie Woodington
Director: Graham Theakston, Sebastian Graham Jones
Studio: Acorn Media
Product Type: DVD

Customer Reviews:

Sir Derek and the Chronicles of a Truly Rare Benedictine........2006-09-08

When the decision was made to produce for TV several episodes from her mystery series about Brother Cadfael, that 12th century crusader turned monk turned detective who has been, ever since his creation, one of the most compassionate and unusual sleuths of literary history, novelist Ellis Peters (Edith Pargeter) was not entirely happy. In fact, as the series' star, Sir Derek Jacobi, explains in the extra footage provided on the now-released DVDs, Ms. Peters had very mixed feelings about giving up her brain child and entrusting it to other people who went about cutting and adjusting everything, from the storylines themselves to the way the protagonists speak and even the Chronicles' sequence, to the necessities and limitations set by the new medium. But she eventually acquiesced and at one point promised that "the next one I write, I'll make sure it's easier for you all to film."

While the thirteen episodes that were eventually produced are, thus, not entirely true to the individual Chronicles they are based on, they are closer than many other movie or TV versions of famous works of literature. Most importantly, they maintain not only the core story lines but also the historical authenticity, atmosphere and spirit set by Ms. Peters's books in a marvelous fashion. And Sir Derek Jacobi brings both the wealth of his experience and skill and all of his own shrewdness, intelligence, sense of humor and empathy to the role of the medieval Benedictine sleuth and thus truly becomes Cadfael -- for the thousands of new fans who are discovering the series through its enactment for TV just as much as for us who loved the books before they were ever transposed to a visual medium. A tremendous cast of supporting actors rounds out an overall excellent production; to mention just a few, Julian Firth as the ambitious and narrow-minded Brother Jerome, Terrence Hardiman as Abbot Radolfus and Sean Pertwee (and later Eoin McCarthy) as Under-Sheriff Hugh Beringar, who joins Cadfael in his investigations whenever, as is so often the case, these transcend the world of monastic life and require the administration of secular justice as well as clerical insight. Several episodes also feature noted guest stars.

The episodes are not entirely in the same order as the books; however, as most of the cross-references between the books have been eliminated in the screen versions, this is no great harm (although the lacking cross-references are probably one of the things avid readers of the books will find missing). The DVDs also provide background information on Ellis Peters, Sir Derek Jacobi and a number of the individual episodes' other actors.

Summary of the episodes contained in this set:

"One Corpse Too Many" (the second Chronicle): King Stephen lays siege to Shrewsbury Castle and, finally victorious, orders the surviving defenders to be executed. But then there's an extra corpse, who clearly wasn't executed. Whodunnit -- and why?

"Monk's Hood" (the third Chronicle): Cadfael's and Shrewsbury Abbey's honor is at stake when a guest is found poisoned by Cadfael's own potions ... and the sheriff's sergeant over-eagerly jumps to the wrong conclusions.

"The Leper of St. Giles" (the fifth Chronicle): A leper's grim fate is unexpectedly intertwined with the story of an orphaned heiress, due to be wedded for money's sake to a despicable old baron, and her lover; who is everybody's favorite suspect when the groom turns up dead.

"The Sanctuary Sparrow" (the seventh Chronicle): A young singer is accused of robbery and murder and, hunted by a mob, seeks shelter in the Abbey.

Second Set:
"St. Peter's Fair" (the fourth Chronicle);
"The Virgin in the Ice" (the sixth Chronicle);
"The Devil's Novice" (the eighth Chronicle).

Third Set:
"A Morbid Taste for Bones" (the first Chronicle);
"The Raven in the Foregate" (the twelfth Chronicle);
"The Rose Rent" (the thirteenth Chronicle).

Fourth Set:
"The Pilgrim of Hate" (the tenth Chronicle);
"The Potter's Field" (the seventeenth Chronicle);
"The Holy Thief" (the nineteenth Chronicle).

Exceptional Monk.......2004-01-14

Great series of DVDs! I love detective series and this one is excellent. Along with the wonderful detective stories it takes place in medieval times several years after the Crusades. Brother Cadfael, pronounced Cadfile, is played by a superb actor, Sir Derek Jacobi. Some may know him from the series "I, Claudius", or the movie "Dead Again" or any number of other roles.

Cadfael is a monk in an order in the village of Shrewsbury. The mysteries he encounters involve murder or mayhem over inheritance, love, jealousy, and property. Often there are interesting characters that seem involved with the case that are but not in the way we suspect. The sheriff Hugh Beringar, played by Sean Pertwee in this set does an exceptional job as well and is often helpful to Cadfael in pursueing the cases.

The stories in this set involves a variety of mysteries that Cadfael unravels with the assistance from a gamut of people of the times. Cadfael has led and interesting life which we get a peek at with each episode. Even if he was just a monk that cares for the ill using herbs from his garden it would be enough, but there is much more to him. It was hard not to sit through a marathon of watching the set because they are so engrossing. I had not seen any of this series until I bought this set on a whim. After seeing it I immediately ordered the next three sets.

The set is excellent and includes Bios, Background on stories, and much more. The picture and sound quality are first class. I highly recommend buying this set. Fans of movies like "The Name of the Rose" or BBC series like "Sherlock Holmes" with Jeremy Brett, or even TV series like "CSI" will probably enjoy it.

Brother Cadfael, Set 1.......2001-08-18

One Corpse Too Many

"We deal with what is"

As complex as any of the Cadfael series, this one tells the story of how Master Hugh Beringar becomes sheriff. Also as Cadfael states, "By my reckoning there is one corps too many."

During the time of the civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Maud, the abbey tales a neutral stance. However Brother Cadfael is given a new assistant. The young lad is anything but; as he is a she. Naturally Cadfael being a man of the world detects this and must find out why she is hiding.

Meanwhile back to the war Shrewsbury Castle is under siege by Stephens's men for being a Maud holdout. When Stephen finally gets the castle he orders the rebel soldiers executed. Cadfael is preparing them for a Christian burial when he counts 95. It is trivial to the king but Cadfael presses that it would not bode well for a king to dismiss a murder under his very nose. Looks like it may have been the work of Hugh Beringar, a man who has appeared to have conveniently changed sides in the war. King Stephen is not unaware of this.

This time will Cadfaels tuition, forensics, and logic. Prove the case?
Is Hue a villain or will he turn out to be a friend?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Sanctuary Sparrow

"Under the certainty of Heaven nothing is certain."

When the town's goldsmith is robbed and left for dead, falls on a young juggler who was performing at the wedding feast of the goldsmith's son.

Pursued by the mob, the young entertainer stumbles through the town to the Abby where he seeks the sanctuary of the Alter. Cadfael is given the job of keeping an eye on the youngster while the authorities investigate. But his discrete inquiries are cut short when the goldsmith's neighbor is found dead floating in the river.

There is complexity or the beauty in the film as father Cadfael along with my favorite Hugh Beringar (Sean Pertwee) search for truth and justice using forensics, intuition and logic.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Leper of St. Giles

"There is always hope by God's grace and man's efforts."

A marriage of convenience is to take place between Baron Huon De Domville and the orphaned Iveta De Masssard. The Barron wants more land. Iveta on the other hand is really in love with another.

As the baron and Iveta are traveling by some lepers the baron whips them and Iveta tosses money. We pretty much can guess what is going to happen to the baron. On the eve of the wedding, the Barron mysteriously rides off alone into the night, and that's the last time he's seen alive. Cadfael sets out to investigate his disappearance. In the process we get to revisit Cadfael's past and maybe an old friend.

Naturally the description of this film is simplified and for readers of Ellis Peters' works the film is simplified from the story.
You have to take your hat off to Creeping Gromwell for helping Cadfael solve the mystery.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monk's Hood

"We learn more of Cadfael's past"

"No man is measured by the love he gives to others, but how he is loved by others."

A wealthy land owner Geravase Gurney wills his land to the abbey in exchange for a small home and to have the Abby supply the meals. His stepson is cut out of his inheritance this way. The mother is caught in-between and tries to reconcile them both. Before the deal is done he is poisoned. Yep too many people had access to the meal so it is up to Cadfael (Derek Jacobi) to figure out who did it and why. If you have a pretty good idea you are wrong.

Of occurs to add a little spice the toe story when Cadfael discovers a little something of his past that makes it imperative he find the answer.

This is the time that Abbot Herribert (Peter Copley) is replaced by Abbot Radulfus (Terrence Hardiman) see him in a different light as Walter Fane in "Miss Marple: Sleeping Murder"

LOVED THE SERIES 1!.......2000-01-25

I liked the videos as much if not more than I liked and enjoyed the Ellis Peters books. Truly well done and enjoyable to watch. I have a hard time picturing the actor who portrays Cadfael as a crusader, but he's very good anyway! Derek Jacobi plays it well.

This is an excellent series, a true treat.......1999-04-18

I has seen all the movies up to the fourth series, and have read all the books from Ellis Peters (the Cadfael author) that my library has. This series is as true to those mystery books as possible with their budget, and the result is stunning. They combine action, romance, sublety, and a medieval setting as true as the health department will allow. The movies maintain a true feel for the era, the mental mindset, and the suspicions/beliefs of the times. Derek Jacobi's skill as an actor are what brings Cadfael to life, and he hold nothing back in excellent after excellent episode. In only one episode have I been able to figure out the ending before all the clues are pieced together. My only criticism (and it is very minor) is that the actors who portray Hugh Berringer have changed several times. All have been very good in the role, but the first should have stayed. All in all, this series is well worth the expense, and is a real treat for the mystery movie lover (and historical period buff, the recreationists, the, well everybody I know anyway)

Average customer rating:

"Under the certainty of Heaven nothing is certain."
A very good Cadfael movie

Cadfael - The Sanctuary Sparrow
Starring: Eoin McCarthy , and Anthony Green (II)
Director: Sebastian Graham Jones , and Graham Theakston
Manufacturer: Acorn Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Detectives | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Cadfael - One Corpse Too Many
Cadfael - Monk's Hood
Cadfael - The Holy Thief
Brother Cadfael - The Pilgrim of Hate
Brother Cadfael - The Potter's Field

ASIN: B00009MEAM
Release Date: 2003-07-08

Description

Twelfth-century Shrewsbury comes to life in Ellis Peters' Cadfael stories, a PBS Mystery! favorite starring Sir Derek Jacobi (I, Claudius; Gladiator). When Shrewsbury's goldsmith is robbed and left for dead, drunken locals decide the guilty party must be Liliwin, an itinerant juggler who was performing at the wedding feast of the goldsmith's son. The mob pursues the young man through the streets to the abbey where he frantically seeks the sanctuary of the altar. Cadfael believes Liliwin is innocent, but his search for the truth leads to the discovery of an even deadlier sin. DVD special features include exclusive audio comments by Derek Jacobi, Ellis Peters biography and booklist, English subtitles, filmographies and scene index.

Customer Reviews:

"Under the certainty of Heaven nothing is certain.".......2001-08-11

When the town's goldsmith is robbed and left for dead, falls on a young juggler who was performing at the wedding feast of the goldsmith's son.

Pursued by the mob, the young entertainer stumbles through the town to the Abby where he seeks the sanctuary of the Alter. Cadfael is given the job of keeping an eye on the youngster while the authorities investigate. But his discrete inquiries are cut short when the goldsmith's neighbor is found dead floating in the river.

There is complexity or the beauty in the film as father Cadfael along with my favorite Hugh Beringar (Sean Pertwee) search for truth and justice using forensics, intuition and logic.

A very good Cadfael movie.......1999-04-04

This is a very good movie. The story is true to the book, and I really liked the book. The reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because a few of the memorable lines from the book that were spoken by characters other than Cadfael were split up in the movie so that he completed some of them. For example, when the crowd comes chasing after the minstrel Lilliwin, it really was more appropriate for the ABBOT to say, "Put up your weapons or court your soul's damnation." I think it would have been presumptious for a lay brother to say such a thing unless he was an ordained priest, who had the power to excommunicate. But other than that, the movie was as good as the book in every respect, and it's worth seeing.

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

Classic Comedy 4 on 2

Bury Me in Niagara/The Cartier Affair

The Matrix Reloaded [2003]

DVD: Liszt's Rhapsody

Drunken Master