The Darling Buds of May

The British press went crazy for these "Perfick!" period adaptations of H.E Bates' books about the Larkin family in late 1950s rural Kent – particularly for a young Catherine Zeta Jones as eldest daughter Mariette. Pop's carefree non-conformism, Ma's indifference to him flirting with other women, and tax inspector Cedric Charlton's luck in attracting Mariette's affections while repeatedly distracted from the purpose of his visit proved an immediate Sunday night ratings winner. David Jason, Pam Ferris, and Philip Franks also headed the cast.