The Last
of the Mohicans
THE CLASSIC BBC DRAMA, The Last of the Mohicans, was originally broadcast
on television in 1971. It is now available as a DVD for the first time is released
as a two-disc set with four chapters on each.
Adapted from James Fenimore Cooper's evergreen best-selling novel, the series
is well dramatised and thoroughly entertaining. It is considered to be one of
the best and most faithful adaptations of the book and has lost none of its
appeal over the years as the twists and turns of the story unfold.
The music is atmospheric and there is a certain 'clean' 70s feel about the execution
and the acting, but this only adds to the attraction of the series and does
not detract from the tension. A minor criticism would be that the first episode
was a trifle slow but once it had gained momentum it was well-paced and we were
hooked.
With Kenneth Ives (Secret Army) as Hawkeye, John Abineri (Maigret)
as Chingachook and Philip Madoc (A Mind to Kill) as Magua, The Last
of the Mohicans is set during the North American wars in the mid-18th Century
when Native American tribes were caught between the British and the French.
The very different daughters of an English colonel from his two mar-riages —
the eldest very sensible and brave; the youngest very vulnerable — make
the journey to join their father at his posting. But they are betrayed and captured
by the ruthless Huron guide, Magua, who has a vendetta against the colonel.
Hawkeye — who scouts for the English — goes to their rescue with his
two Mohican friends Chingachook and his son Uncas (Richard Warwick) who are
the last of their tribe.
Particularly of note is the psalmist, David (David Leland) — known
to the Native Americans as "The Holy Fool", who plays an extremely important
part in the rescue with wit and cunning.
The Last of the Mohicans is an heroic adventure with plenty of action,
heroism and villainy. It is suitable for all the family to watch — the
violence is mild by today's standards, but there is still plenty of excite-ment.
Philip Madoc's Magua is suitably menacing.
A hugely popular and oft requested masterpiece, it is worth a look, whether
you saw it the first time around or even if you've already seen the more recent
film with Daniel Day Lewis. The Last of the Mohicans never fails to entertain
and the plot is magnificent.
• The Last of the Mohicans is on sale
now. Running time: 360 minutes | Certificate 12 | RRP £19.99 | Catalogue No:
AV9609.
THE CLASSIC BBC DRAMA, The Last of the Mohicans, was originally broadcast
on television in 1971. It is now available as a DVD for the first time is released
as a two-disc set with four chapters on each.