glennameredith
This series that I first watched on PBS on television is so very excellent. At the time, I didn't know that it was based on a true story. It was exhilarating to see Hayley Mills as a Mother playing a realistic, gritty role and exciting to see the history of what life was like then. All of the characters added to the telling of this remarkable story. Elspeth, the young girl, was especially a standout for me as she adjusted to life in the rough and making friendships with the people from there and having experiences first hand.I would certainly recommend this series to anyone who is interested in the history of South America, customs trying to be kept alive in a different culture and anyone who is a fan of Hayley Mills.I would love to know what happened to the Family during and after the War!
Saman Perera
Fabulous min-series making you wanting more. Magnificently shot capturing the wilds of Africa and the superstitions of its people. A story seen through the young eyes of Elspeth displays why these types of British mini-series are so wonderful even after almost 25 years to watch again and again. Great supporting performances by Haley Mills and Sharon Maughan lights up the storyline and it is a shame they did not continue the series onto the next Huxley autobiographical book. It was a pleasant surprise to see that Roy Ward Baker was also the director for one my favorite Titanic movies, 'A Night to Remember'. A bit of trivia that had escaped me all these years. If you enjoyed 'Out of Africa' by Dinesen, you will surely enjoy this series. The quality of the DVD and extras were less than stellar but it does nothing to diminish the beauty of the story, the acting, or the beautiful wilderness of Africa.
fhwatson
Sometimes you watch a bit of something, and you just KNOW you're seeing something special.I first saw this series around 20 years ago as a weekly mini-series on PBS. The wonderful story, great acting, beautiful scenery and haunting music has stayed with me. When I saw the video at our local library I was happy to renew my acquainenance with Elspeth and her family in Kenya. The story plays just as well 20 years later.Thanks to all who had a part in "The Flame Trees of Thika" for giving us such a gift.
timmauk
When I saw this back in the eighties, I watched it religiously. It was an interesting story that kept unfolding week after week. This is a story about wanting. The wanting to conquer the African wilderness and make a good life for yourself and your family OR the wanting to break away from a life that seems like a prison cell, so you can love and live free from what's expected from you.This had a top notch cast featuring Hayley Mills and handsome David Robb as the Grant's, a couple looking to make a life for themselves in the wilds that is Africa. Then you have Nicholas Jones and (Nescafe's UK/Tasters Choice US)Sharon Maughan as the Palmer's, a couple who are trying to make a relationship work by getting away from England and going somewhere new.
The actors are all great in this series, but the ones who make this one work are Ms Maughan, Ben Cross as the suave handsome know-it-all newcomer Ian, and the Grant's cute and inquisitive daugther Elspeth played by Holly Aird. Elspeth sort of ties everything together and makes things happen, sometimes for good and sometimes for bad. The script is well written and at times very exciting.I guess the real star of the series must be the beautiful scenery. Watch this and you wonder how man can destroy such a wondrous place. If you get the chance, SEE THIS!!
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