All Creatures Great and Small (1978 TV series)

All Creatures Great and Small tv series cast

All Creatures Great and Small is a British television series adapted from the books of the British veterinary surgeon Alf Wight, who wrote under the pseudonym James Herriot. In 1978, the BBC aired the first episode of All Creatures Great and Small, a series that would become a staple of British television and beloved by audiences around the world. The series is set in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales and follows the life and work of a young veterinarian, James Herriot, in the late 1930s through to the early 1950s.

Plot

The series chronicles the professional and personal adventures of James Herriot, a newly qualified vet who moves from Glasgow to the fictional village of Darrowby in the Yorkshire Dales. The narrative explores Herriot's interactions with his eccentric employer Siegfried Farnon, Siegfried's wayward brother Tristan, and the array of farmers and townsfolk who rely on their veterinary services. The stories blend humor, drama, and warmth to depict the challenges and rewards of veterinary practice, as well as the changing social and economic landscape of rural England.

Cast and Characters

• Christopher Timothy as James Herriot
• Robert Hardy as Siegfried Farnon
• Peter Davison as Tristan Farnon
• Carol Drinkwater (later replaced by Lynda Bellingham) as Helen Herriot

Production

The series was produced by Bill Sellars and filmed on location in the Yorkshire Dales, which added authenticity and visual appeal to the storytelling. The veterinary practice featured in the series is based on the real-life practice in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, where Alf Wight worked. The series' production sought to stay true to the spirit and details of Wight's books, incorporating his humorous and compassionate perspective on veterinary medicine and life in Yorkshire.

Reception

All Creatures Great and Small received critical acclaim for its storytelling, character development, and the performances of its lead actors. It was praised for its portrayal of rural life, its educational value regarding animal care, and its gentle, nostalgic depiction of a bygone era. The series enjoyed high viewership ratings during its original run and has continued to attract fans through reruns and DVD releases.

Legacy

The series left a lasting legacy, inspiring a new generation of veterinarians and sparking interest in rural and veterinary life. It also led to several sequel series and specials, continuing the story of James Herriot and the Farnon brothers. In 2020, a new adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small was launched, introducing the beloved characters and stories to a new audience.

Adaptations

Following the success of the original series, All Creatures Great and Small was adapted into a series of television specials and a sequel series that continued to follow the lives of the central characters. These adaptations further explored the evolving landscape of veterinary medicine and the personal growth of the characters against the backdrop of World War II and the post-war period.