DVD Review: Crown Court Volume One (1972)
For anyone of a certain age, the theme tune to Crown Court can mean one of two things - it's the school holidays or a day off sick. The real-life courtroom drama dominated the afternoon TV schedules throughout the 1970s, with its three-part cases keeping you hanging on for a verdict right up until the end of the week. And re-watching this four-DVD set years later, you can see why.
Everything here is about authenticity - from courtroom procedure and points of law through to the jury pulled from members of the public. Yes, the trial was scripted, but the outcome wasn't. That was down to the TV viewers sat in the courtroom - reality TV in its infancy if you like. And then there's the cast, as good as any you'll find in a 70s drama. During its run, it must have featured just about every household name around - Maureen Lipman, Richard Wilson, Alison Steadman and Ben Kingsley were just a few passing through the court's doors. And I'll guarantee you'll recognise just about everyone in this opening series from somewhere else, including Mark McManus, later to play tough Scottish cop Taggart, but here defending himself on an armed robbery charge in a dodgy cockney accent.
But familiar faces don't make a good drama - good writers do. And Crown Court must have employed some of the best. The scene of each episode is set with a commentary and a selection of black and white images, the rest is down to the legal team and the witnesses in that single court room. It may sound dull, but Crown Court pulls you in as the story and the evidence unfolds, leaving you guessing one way or the other - but never knowing the outcome until the final scene. And it's not just the usual robbery, drugs and assault either (although that's obviously here), there's plenty of topicality, including an Angry Brigade-style bombing. some spying and an affair featuring a pop promoter of the day - all tried in the mythical town of Fulchester.
Still not sold on the idea? Well, you really need to watch it to see what I mean. Crown Court harks back to the days when TV drama was about words, not action - and that's probably a turn-off for many modern-day viewers. But if you want to engage your brain, see some great acting to top class scripts and have a laugh at some horrific 70s fashion, Crown Court is well worth checking out. I was fascinated by it as a child (so much so, that I studied law when I got older) and I'm still drawn into it now.
To echo what was said in a review earlier today, they really don't make 'em like they used to.
Extras on the DVD:
Original pilot show
Comments