These are Mulberry Days

Mulberry BBC DVD CoverSometimes it’s nice with so much negative happening in the world to turn off the news and put on an old movie or TV show… and escape even if just for a short time to a slower, simpler place. For example, we own all of the “Green Gables” & “Avonlea” DVDs, and many others ranging from “Father Ted” to “Firefly”. Are there any in particular you like to watch and can recommend to us? One of the nice things about our Netflix subscription is we can catch up on series we missed.

For example, in the early 90’s there was a sweet BBC series that ran only one season named “Mulberry” after the lead character played by Karl Howman. My wife and I rented it recently. Mulberry, the grim reaper’s not-so-grim son, is sent to guide the cantankerous Miss Farnaby (Geraldine McEwan) into the next world. Young Mulberry finagles a job as her domestic servant, and unlike the other help, finds he is quite taken the feisty old lady.

By pulling a few strings, he manages to extend her time on earth… and helps ensures she live her last days with gusto. Some might find calling a show “sweet” small complement indeed, but I can’t think of a better word… and isn’t it something we all could use just a bit more of? Perhaps it’s best they never finished the series, as Mulberry never has to complete the final part of his mission. Anyway, if you ever get the chance, do check it out. It runs on PBS sometimes here in the US and probably on BBC America as well. I find the theme song from the series, sung by Karl Howman (Mulberry), quite evocative and lovely… and the perfect bookend for each episode:

Some say they touch the sky
Some say they see the wind

A whisper of spring is near

Can you hear it say

These are Mulberry days

Some say they’ll understand

Some hold an open hand

A shimmer of moonlit haze

Can you hear it say

These are Mulberry days

These are Mulberry days

What movies or TV shows do you recommend we rent?

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  1. I allways go to my “I dream of Jeannie” Collection. Who doesn’t love a mischievous Jeannie!

    1. You’ve dressed as the Jeannie from “I Dream of Jeannie” for Halloween haven’t you, Faith? We don’t have any of the old campy TV shows like that one on DVD. I think of “Bewitched” in the same category. They would likely do the trick if you are looking for escape. Thanks for adding your suggestion, Faith.

  2. When I first got Netflix in grad school, I watched the whole OC series (sorry but I loved it and so would Shan),,, then Freaks and Geeks (a must) and then I got into coupling and other british stuff your already into so negates those suggestions. If your not Grey’s obsessed you could start with those.

    Also if you didnt get into The Parenthood this season I think you’d both really like that, early Big Bangs or The Modern Family.

    ohhh I also watched all the British Offices’s and the US Offices.

    Can I convince you guys to get into Big Brother this summer? Cause thats the kind of chatter I’d like to be a part of more often:)

    hugs!

    1. Great suggestions, D. I love “The Big Bang Theory” and “Modern Family”, but we’ve seen those of course. We have the BBC version of Office on DVD as well as Coupling per your comment. Shannon’s been trying to get me to watch “Parenthood”, and now that there is less competition for air time, perhaps I’ll catch those in re-run or via Netflix, including G&F, etc.

      Speaking of Netflix, we can stream Netflix directly to our TV’s (in HD when available). So it makes catching up on old shows super duper easy! We sometimes watch our old favorites over again via Netflix so we don’t need to purchase them all. Netflix, YouTube, and other Internet access is built into our HDTVs. I think some of the game consoles and blu-ray plays can do it, too.

      Thanks for dropping by. Have a great afternoon, D!

  3. Have you watched the BBC version of the classic ‘North and South’? I love it!

    I loved as a kid loved ‘Roots’ and went out and bought the collection

    also loved all the ‘Ghost Whisperer’ programmes have them on dvd and so want to get all of ‘Medium’ 🙂

    but dont go on my taste though cos if you raid my dvd collection youll also find Dawsons creek and Nip Tuck lol 🙂

    1. Youve mentioned the BBC “North and South” before, Ann. We’ll have to check it out. I understand Ghost Whisperer has been canceled. We’ve watched some of that, but it’s gotten a bit dark, what with the “shadows” and threats to their son. By the way… where did the son come from? One day they had no kids and then suddenly they had a young son? As for Dawson’s Creek… well, no comment. 😉

  4. The Inbetweeners and the I.T. Crowd are my favorite “acrossthe pond” shows!

    1. I’ve watched some of the I.T. Crowd’s initial episodes. We can stream that to our TV via Netflix. I haven’t watched the Inbetweeners yet, but the ads on BBC America look funny. Will give it a try. Thanks, Faith!

      1. WHen I’m in the states I stream the IT crowd as well! There is a new season June 25th! CAN’T WAIT! Did you hear? I am engaged! London is my new home!!!! So I can keep you updated on everything Brit! 😉

        1. Congratulations, Faith! Our loss is the UK’s gain.

  5. lol I know its bad….I dont know havent gotten that far yet with Ghost Whisperer not on the tv really here so I get them online off Amazon I need to get the 4th boxset next. Don’t you just hate when they cancel a programme you love, I so loved Lipstick Jungle and they cancelled that only after two series.

    Oh and a great family film is ‘Greyfriars Bobby’ but I bet you have probably seen that one already!

    Yes, North and South is excellent! Shannon will love it if she likes period films like pride and preduice etc but I think its better!

    1. Are you talking about the old 1960’s Disney film, Greyfriars Bobby? Actually I’ve not seen it, but hear it’s a good if a bit sad. There was a recent “remake” though not exactly the same story, but I assume you mean the old one? It’s available on Netflix so we’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the tips, Ann!

  6. yes the old version! and its not that sad! maybe a minute or two at the ‘beginning’ but the rest makes up for it! its a sweet film!

    1. Was re-reading comments and realized I’d not yet watched this. Must check it out. Thanks again, Ann. 🙂

    • Richard Hubley on at
    • Reply

    If you’re looking for an old movie, one of my favorites is the 1954 “Young at Heart” starring Doris Day and Frank Sinatra. Yes, Doris got top billing. The ending’s a little corny but the dialog shines and there’s some great singing along the way with some Gershwin and Cole Porter tunes.

    If Netflix doesn’t have it, I do.

    1. Cool. I haven’t seen that, Richard. You can’t beat Gershwin and Cole Porter tunes! I’ll check Netflix… and if not there, we’ll check it out from the library of Richard. Thanks!

  7. I loved this show! I do t think referring to it as sweet is bad at all. The show definitely was sweet.

    1. Thanks, Mitzi. My wife and I enjoyed it very much. I suppose we’re weird in that our TV watching includes British shows like Mulberry as well as shows like MI-5, the latter of which is frighteningly real and current in it’s depictions of the world. No, there is nothing wrong with sweet. We all could probably do with just a bit more of it in our lives. Hope you and the hubby are doing well. Thanks for dropping by.

  8. ….if Shannon likes Jane Austen movies then make sure to check out the series ‘Lost in Austen’ the old story with a bit of ‘modern’ thrown in, I have to say I really enjoyed it!

    1. You’ll not be surprised that we actually have seen that. It’s the one where a modern London girl swaps places with Austen’s fictional creation Elizabeth Bennet, right? That same actress played a ghost in Hex if you ever saw that series. Appreciate the tip. Keep ’em coming. You’ve got great taste.

  9. Thank you for posting this, I couldn’t understand the words to the song until now, but I too love the series. Have you seen Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont? And, Grave of the Fireflies. On a lighter note, Lark Rise to Candleford, definitely. It’s hugely popular at our library. Also, The Bounder, Pie in the Sky, The Irish R.M., To the Manor Born, and any old Hollywood movie with Fred MacMurray and Carole Lombard or him and Barbara Stanwyk!

    1. Gosh, thought I was fairly well versed in films and shows like this, but clearly I’ve got some catching up to do. Thanks so much!

  10. I agree. It was very sweet.

    1. Thanks, Kelly. I don’t know that many who have seen it. I need to dig a copy up and watch it again. 🙂 Thanks for dropping by!

  11. There were two seasons of Mulberry. The 14 episodes are available on Youtube, though season 2 episode 5 is difficult to find. Beautifully written and will great heart and humor I htik thisis one of the most philosophical of comedies I have seen. The series ended, according to the writers, when the BBC got new execs who didn’t like it sand decided it was done after the second season and they cut it entirely. No third season was written and therefore no walk across to the other side for Rose Farnaby with Mulberry. There is one episode in the second season where Miss Farnaby and Mulberry have a very brief philosophical talk about what actually dying might be like.

    1. I just checked on Netflix, and they have the complete series on DVD. Has anyone found it streaming anywhere? http://dvd.netflix.com/Movie/Mulberry-The-Complete-Series/70048969

      1. I have all 13 episodes on one of my hard drives. I download many series and watch them at my leisure. Okay, truth be told , I often binge watch some of them. 😉

        1. Hi, Gerry. We have a number of episodes of shows saved to rewatch. It’s nice, especially during stressful time to have something familiar and soothing to watch. Thanks so much for your comments. Sorry I’m behind in responding. 🙂

  12. If you can get a copy of a show called ‘The River’ it’s pretty sweet. It’s about a loc keeper.
    Another is ‘The Cafe’ is set in Weston Super-Mare…
    I hope this helps. Another, is ‘For The Love of Ada’
    I loved Mulberry, my favorite is when Bert sang Alice Blue Gown…

    1. Thanks so much for your comment and suggestions, Robert!

  13. There are many a “go-to” for me and my husband. Mulberry being one of which. Have you seen “Pillars Of The Earth” or, on a different note, “Benny and June”?

    1. Hi, Ellen. Forgive my delay responding, my family and I have been on a wonderful summer road-trip. I’m happy to hear we’re not the only fans of Mulberry. When you say, “Pillars of the Earth,” do you mean the Starz miniseries? Here’s a preview: https://youtu.be/pU3bUJroGNg I’ve not seen it, but it has quite the cast. As for “Benny and June” I recall liking it, and must rewatch that. Thanks for your comment and suggestions, Ellen.

  14. I am just starting to rewatch “Mulberry” many years after watching it the first time. There actually is/was a second season. In 1992, Season 1 had six episodes followed by Season 2 in 1993 with seven episodes.

  15. I loved your comments about Mulberry. My family and I (Michigan and Florida) have watched and rewatched this jewel. Love the comedy, the touching moments, the message, and the characters come alive. Yes, I wish there were more episodes, yet it did end with enough story to know the end and not have to see it. The producers who dropped it…”Not my cup of tea…?” missed out on adding their support to a classic that’ll go on long after their choices fade. These are Mulberry days…

    1. Hi, Judy. Thank you so much for dropping by my humble little home on the web. Yes, it’s a lovely show, and something we all can use right now. Another I recommend is Masterpiece’s “All Creatures Great and Small”. Both the new version and the original (and of course the books) are all excellent, and fine family entertainment.

  16. Mulberry Days – ah yes, what a wonderful evocative series. Always a laugh, sometimes a lump in your throat, but never any violence or horror, just a sweet series- we need more like this.

    1. Thanks for your comment, Roger. It was really a sweet show. I must re-watch it sometime soon. Sending you our best!

  17. For an earlier sit com that Karl Howman was in try Brush strokes. Also we enjoy the British and American versions of Ghosts. Last ‘up to date’ recommendation is Detectorists. Another very sweet show. As for old films try: Mr Blandings Build His Dream House, fantastic Myrna Loy and Cary Grant. The shop around the corner with James Stewart, The Awful Truth with Cary again, Bringing up Baby with Cary and Katharine Hepburn, Desk set with Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. More modern (not b/w) films include Clue, Overboard, The Princess Bride. Lots of favourites 🙂

    If you like radio shows try Cabin Pressure, each episode name goes through the alphabet, Abu Dhabi, Boston, Cremona etc

    1. These are fantastic suggestions, Daisy. Forgive my delay responding. Lately I’ve been sucked into the world of AI both professionally and personally. A perfect time to take a break and watch some of this shows! I watched some of the British version of Ghosts, but haven’t seen the American show. My wife and I loved the Detectorists. I expect it may be an acquired taste. And yes, I love almost anything with Jimmy Stewart (even his dark turns) and Cary Grant. I really appreciate your comment!!

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