Lovejoy

For the series of novels upon which the TV series is based see Lovejoy (novel series)
Lovejoy
Format Drama / Mystery
Created by John Grant
Starring Ian McShane
Chris Jury
Dudley Sutton
Phyllis Logan
Country of origin UK
No. of episodes 71 (List of episodes)
Production
Running time 50 minutes per episode
Broadcast
Original channel BBC One
Original run 10 January 1986 (1986-01-10) – 4 December 1994 (1994-12-04)

Lovejoy is a TV series about the adventures of Lovejoy, a British antiques dealer and faker based in East Anglia, a less than scrupulous yet likeable rogue. The episodes were based on a series of picaresque novels by John Grant (under the pen name Jonathan Gash). Lovejoy has a reputation in the antiques trade as a "divvie", meaning one with an almost supernatural talent for recognising exceptional items as well as for distinguishing fakes or forgeries from genuine antiques, often without having to see them. Lovejoy's first name is never mentioned in the books. In the TV series based on the novels, he insists on being addressed by all solely as "Lovejoy".

Contents

Television

The novels were made into a drama TV series, broadcast on BBC1 in the UK from 1986 to 1994 and starred Ian McShane in the lead role. The lechery and violence in the novels was toned down for television, and a great deal of antique lore, but not all, also reduced. Also, the character of Lovejoy's favourite 'barker', Tinker Dill, was cleaned up (literally) from the malodorous, seldom-bathed individual in the novels, although his penchant for strong drink was retained. The first series was shown on BBC1 in 1986; then there was a five-year gap before Lovejoy was brought back in 1991. Nearly all of the original cast returned for the 1991-93 series, Malcolm Tierney reprising his role as Charlie Gimbert at the start of the fourth series. The television version respected the author's wish to not reveal Lovejoy's first name.

The fifth series of Lovejoy included some cast changes as the character of Lady Jane Felsham left the show in the second episode, and the character of Eric Catchpole left the show in the sixth episode (both returned for the series finale). Also in the fifth series two new regular cast members were added: these were Lovejoy's new apprentice, Beth Taylor (played by Diane Parish), and Charlotte Cavendish (played by Caroline Langrishe), who ran a local antiques auction house.

There were also two Lovejoy specials (Christmas episodes, both with a running time of around 90 minutes) made during the second stint of filming. Lovejoy originally aired on the BBC. In America it aired on the A&E. The theme tune used in the opening, end credits and the incidental music for each episode was composed by Denis King.

The series was marketed as The Lovejoy Mysteries on VHS in the U.S. The DVD release of the entire series has returned to title of Lovejoy.

Main cast

Lovejoy episode list and original air dates

Main article: List of Lovejoy episodes

Lovejoy in popular culture

Ipswich Town supporters are nicknamed "Bin Men" by their local rivals Norwich City, after the episode "Bin Diving" (Series 2 Episode 3) in which a refuse collector (Warren Clarke) is seen to wear a dirtied ITFC cap throughout the episode. [1]

In the later series The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer, Vic Reeves announces 'Lovejoy' to the audience, then Bob Mortimer appears dressed as the character in his black leather jacket, with huge lines of make-up streaking his face. Oddly, this version of Lovejoy speaks in the voice stereotypically associated with a Native American.
Lovejoy's mullet hairstyle (short at the sides, long at the back) is a common target in parodies of the show. However Ian McShane has a short cut in the first series and cuts the locks well before the final series revival.

References

  1. ^ Bin Diving (Series 2 Episode 3)
  2. ^ Harry Enfield and Chums - The Police Station
  3. ^ Scary Go Round presents Bad Machinery - February 5, 2008

External links