In this gentle drama, a young veterinarian learns his trade and finds a home in the pre-war Yorkshire Dales.
Newly qualified veterinarian James Herriot (Christopher Timothy) arrives in the fictional Yorkshire town of Darrowby to join the practice of the eccentric and demanding Siegfried Farnon (Robert Hardy). He is soon joined by Siegfried’s feckless younger brother, Tristan (Peter Davison), and finds a wife in local farmer’s daughter Helen Alderson (Carol Drinkwater). The vets’ work brings them into contact with the full spectrum of rural life, from gruff Dales farmers to the wealthy Mrs Pumphrey (Margaretta Scott) and her pampered Pekingese, Tricky Woo. Following a hiatus and two Christmas specials, the serial returned with the story moving into the 1950s. Helen (now played by Lynda Bellingham) and James are raising a family, and the practice has expanded to include the earnest Scottish vet Calum Buchanan (John McGlynn).
Based on the semi-autobiographical books by James Herriot, this series became one of the BBC’s most successful Sunday night dramas, building a vast audience with its blend of gentle character comedy and veterinary anecdotes. Its picturesque Yorkshire location filming and warm, nostalgic tone created an idealized vision of the pre- and post-war Dales that proved immensely popular. The initial run reached a natural conclusion after three seasons with the characters heading off to war. However, persistent public demand led to two feature-length Christmas specials and, eventually, a full revival in 1988. This second incarnation departed from the source novels, relying on original scripts to carry the characters into the 1950s, and was also notable for the recasting of Helen Herriot.
Broadcast: BBC One, 90 Episodes, 8 January 1978 – 5 April 1980; 25 December 1983; 25 December 1985; 17 January 1988 – 24 December 1990
Based on the books by: James Herriot
Lead Writer: Johnny Byrne
Producer: Bill Sellars
Theme Music: Johnny Pearson
Main Cast: Christopher Timothy (James Herriot), Robert Hardy (Siegfried Farnon), Peter Davison (Tristan Farnon), Carol Drinkwater (Helen Herriot), Lynda Bellingham (Helen Herriot), John McGlynn (Calum Buchanan), Mary Hignett (Mrs Hall), Margaretta Scott (Mrs Pumphrey)
