The Norman Conquests : Round and Round the Garden (1977)

Genres - Comedy  |   Sub-Genres - Domestic Comedy, Comedy of Manners  |   Run Time - 120 min.  |   Countries - United Kingdom  |  
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Review by Craig Butler

The final part of Alan Ayckbourn's brilliant The Norman Conquests, Round & Round the Garden is perhaps the most satisfying piece of this clever puzzle. All of the plot elements come together to give the piece a satisfying finality and forcefulness. Although Garden is best appreciated when viewed as the final part of the trilogy, it more than stands up on its own and is delightful even if seen out of order. Garden is especially noteworthy for the opportunities it gives Tom Conti and David Troughton. Once again given a stellar monologue, Conti parses it for all it is worth. More importantly, here -- as throughout the plays -- Conti makes the character of Norman "work." He's not particularly good looking and he's a bit of a pill, but he has enough vitality and originality that the audience understands why these women find themselves drawn to him. Troughton, admirable throughout, does his best work in this episode, finding fresh, new ways to interpret the denseness and slowness of his character, making him equally winning and irritating in the process. The entire cast meshes especially well here, with the next-to-last sequence a comedic high point, due not only to Ayckbourn's adept writing, but also their expert playing. Garden is a delectable ending to a wonderful feast, and, all in all one, of the finest filmed theater experiences imaginable.