Doctor Finlay: Winning the Peace

The Dr. Finlay series was filmed in Auchtermuchty Scotland and stars David Rintoul the fellow who played "Darcy" in the BBC version of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE shot in the 1980s. You may also recall Rintoul from the FIVE RED HERRINGS, a Peter Wimsey tale also dramatized by the BBC. In addition to Rintoul, the cast includes Annette Crosbie and Ian Bannon(??) the recently deceased actor who played the lead in WAKING NED DEVINE.The series begins as Dr. Finlay returns to his hometown following a stint in the Royal Army Medical Corps during WWII. Finlay arrives just in time to discover his long-time girl friend and ex-fiance involved with an America GI who is about to ship out to the States and wants to take her home as his bride.Finlay's village has changed dramatically while he was away, and he soon discovers life is just as turbulent in his home town after the war, as it was at his last posting. For one thing, the village has acquired many new inhabitants. In addition to U.S. Army personnel, who are in the process of demobilizing, a collection of German War Prisoners lives in nearby ex-prison encampment. Seems no one has an interest in them any longer, but they still need medical care.Finlay's private medical practice is about to become part of the National Medical Service, his old friend and partner is about to retire, and a new young doctor has arrived to begin his practice -- literally. On top of everything else, the long-time spinster housekeeper, who has kept everything organized for ages, is about to become a married woman and leave housekeeping permanently.In some ways, the characterization of three doctors in a small Scotish village in the 1940s is very reminscient of the series ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL where three bachelor veternarians have set up practice in Yorkshire. However, Dr. Finlay was a Masterpiece Theater production based on the book by A.J.Cronin, whom I seem to recall was a Scottish physician himself and probably the basis for the story, just as the CREATURES series about James Herriot was based on a real vet's life in Yorkshire.This is a great series that depicts life in Scotland more than 50 years ago in a world that has since disappeared. I absolutely loved the stories, and David Rintoul is to die for. If you liked him as Darcy, you will love him as Dr. Finlay. Also, I think this series was BETTER than the CREATURES stories--this from a five star fan of Herriot's tales.

I purchased this for my wife, who enjoys English programs from the 70's when we lived there.She is quite pleased with the CD.An aside, the National Health scheme in the UK as with all others, is a disaster. If you want good care on a timely basis you must go private.

Older series, but still a great story.

Well so far as season 1 is concerned..I watched the whole first season yesterday and am going to watch the second season today.

This series was very disappointing, somewhat slow, the doctor is pompous/grumpy, rather dark and dreary.........and if you have Christian values you will not appreciate portions of the doctors life and philosophy.

I wish I could give this 10 stars. When I purchased this, I didn't know what to expect. I purchased it based on the reviews and because I enjoy the work of Rintoul, Crosbie, and Bannen. It is an understated and brilliant series. Too bad the quality of the images could not be adjusted better, but still a great work not to be missed if you enjoy intelligently produced work.

I love this series and have watched it several times. This time I looked on IMDB for information and found out that the last story in the series is NOT included on the boxed set. Does anyone know why? However, it is still one of the best especially the stuggles after WWII in Scotland (actually all of UK) at getting the National Health Service set up and running.

I recall the pop song about Doctor Finlay made popular by Scottish Singer Andy Stewart. I also watched the television broadcast. The interaction between the older doctor Cameron who had worked most of his professional life under the old Healthcare Saving Program and the then new National Health Care System the NHS as it came to be known.

I loved the whole series. I enjoyed Dr. Cameron,a Scottish doctor who is retiring, and has 2 replacements at the start, but their plans do change. It is very Scottish and the communications between the doctors, housekeeper,and many patients is very enjoyable. There is a couple of times some sadness but generally it's very entertaining. It's older series but it's in color .