Tutti Frutti (TV Mini Series) Gin a Body, Dig a Body (1987) User Reviews

Another good one

[snoozejonc · 8/10 · 27 September 2022]

Danny gives an interview to a BBC reporter.

This is a strong episode with more entertaining dialogue and character moments.

The best aspect of this one for me is the greater emphasis on the characters Eddie Clockerty and Miss Toner, who bounce off each other well thanks to the performances of Richard Wilson and Katy Murphy.

John Byrne's dialogue is delivered superbly well by the likes of Robbie Coltrane and Emma Thompson as you can imagine but all the cast contribute well. My favourite line comes from Jake D'Arcy "I wouldnae gie a monkey's if it was a chick pea fronting the bloody Majestics, as long as it could open it's gob and make a noise." There is an emphasis on chauvinistic attitude towards "dolls" that is captured well and concludes with irony.

Character arcs of Vincent and Glenna are developing well and I'm intrigued to see how much of a hatchet job Sheena will do to the band in her report.

The visuals look dated in moments, but I love the period flashbacks to the band performances set during the 60s that feel pretty authentic.

Gin a Body, Dig a Body

[Prismark10 · 9/10 · 29 December 2022]

Johnny Byrne's sharp funny writing is emphasised in this episode. The Majestics are meant to play their first gig but half the band go missing.

Danny has gone to Glasgow to take part in a BBC television interview about his late brother. Ignoring Suzi Kettles that the interviewer plans to do a hatchet job.

Eddie Clockerty needs to watch out as the interviewer turns on him next.

Vincent goes to Glasgow to have it out with Clockerty as he thinks the rest of the band are being sidelined.

Bomba discovers that if the full band does not turn up on stage. The mad owner of the club will kneecap him.

Finally you get singing in this episode. Bomba might not like women in bands. For the sake of avoiding a Black and Decker drill. He is happy for Suzi to play guitar and sing.

I can now see why Emma Thompson had an androgynous look for the series.

This really is a great comedy drama, wryly observed and so much going on. Eddie Clockerty and Miss Toner are becoming a bit of a bickering double act.