I remember the mid-90's TV production of Just William, and it's quite feeble, what with William basically portrayed as a nicely-spoken ponce as oppose to the ruffian he's supposed to be - as depicted in the books of Richmal Crompton.
THIS PRODUCTION HOWEVER IS BRILLIANT ! William - despite being from an upper-middle-class background - is a cockney ruffian who lives as a philanthropist and/or an 'outlaw' terror - depending on your perspective ! He is aided by his band of 'outlaws' - Ginger, Douglas & Henry, as well as the ninnyish Violet Elizabeth Bott. Trying to help people in the community, he nonetheless causes terror and trouble for all, especially his family !
Adrian Dannatt played William, but unfortunately gave up acting afterwards; he appears to have acted in a couple of 'shorts' but nothing else. Kinda disappointing considering how effectively he capture the good natured but outlandish character of William. Future stage dancer & Dr. Who actress Bonnie Langford brought laughter to the show with her portrayal of Violet Elizabeth Bott. Superficially quite a priss, what with her Victorian-style locks, frilly dresses and heavy lisp, she actually turns out quite the outlaw William and his friends are; not afraid to get filthy when "Spwing-Cleenin" and happy to handle snakes ! Diana Dors played her mother, basically a diamond-smeered Northern pleb trying to better herself by pronouncing her 'H' in the right places!
Generally this was a simple, funny and enlightening production, perfect for family evening TV or a Christmas get-together. The Christmas episode itself was particularly amusing - partly based on one of Crompton's original stories. Undesirable presents, boisterous boy carol singers and William's notorious playing of Father Christmas provided many laughs; practically a parody of the season!
Let's give it 9/10 for being simple, funny, vibrant, and a much-needed alternative to the usual mediocre and highly unfunny comedy ITV is scolded for !
