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Gunpowder, Treason and Plot was released on DVD and VHS on 19th April. VHS RRP £9.99. DVD RRP £14.99. Gunpowder, Treason and Plot is being released on VHS and DVD by Contender. on www.contendergroup.com.

Sent: Sunday 21/11/2004 22:55
Here in Australia we've just seen the 2nd episode of GT&P - fabulous stuff!
I'm an academic but am not too worried about the presumed inaccuracies McGovern has included - History is so often a matter of either personal interpretation or indeed, pure speculation. I admire this production for its portrayal of the constant political tension of the Court, the wheeler-dealing, the need for alliances - and the intense violence of those times. As an introduction to history of that period, it was more than able and I hope it will intrigue young people in particular to 'find out more' about the past.
Regards, Claire Connor

Sent: Sunday 21/11/2004 21:07
We've just had the second episode here in Oz and I thought
performances by all the actors in both episodes were outstanding.
The professionalism, the writing and quality of the production have made these programmes top class. More please!
Thank you very much. Jennifer Heward

Sent: Wednesday 17/11/2004 10:34
I live in Australia and have just seen the first episode of this historical drama. I absolutely loved it, especially the performance by Kevin McKidd playing Bothwell. The chemistry between he and Clemence Poesey was electric. In fact I liked the performance of every actor in it. It was powerful and gripping, and for someone who had plans to watch something else that night, I found I was glued to the chair until it finished. So what if it wasn't historically accurate, it was highly watchable as a human drama. As the real characters are long gone, and let's face it, historians have always written from their own perspective, always open to interpretation through the centuries, can't we just enjoy, some top class acting and exciting interpretation of these events. I haven't seen the second part yet, that will air next Sunday night over here, but I regret the first one has finished. I have to say the casting was fantastic, full of very talented people, who seemed to really relish the roles they played. I hope this production wins heaps of awards. They would be well deserved. Can't wait for the next episode, and I will be buying the DVD for sure. I read in someone's comments from another website that the DVD contained scenes that were not included in the televised version.
Jenny

Sent: Wednesday 12/05/2004 12:29 AM
Els
I really did love this, the episodes had seperate styles and approaches which I think was important to set them apart as different stories, and although I thought they were both great I loved the first so much.

The main attraction was Mary and Bothwell. I have read the historical books and the novels, everyone has a different opinion of Bothwell, why he did what he did etc, but mostly everyone seems to have singled him out as responsible for the Queen's actions and his plot to the Scottish throne. Whatever historical inaccuracies in the script, I think Kevin McKidd in his interview understood what the intention was, to take historical data and make it into something people can understand, love, life emotions and not just a history textbook. I think the essence of the people - even Bothwell was captured well and that is the main thing. For all the books i have read that have downplayed any romance more than lust in Mary and Bothwell's relationship are far less interesting and the character of Bothwell far less complex than the one who came across in the story.

Personally I completely fell in love with Bothwell so brilliant by Kevin McKidd, and Mary was great too ...re-reading the books does spoil this just a bit. And i was afraid of James and Darnley.. not least because a lot of the story was true especially the frightening chracters that scared me so much. The Marie relationship was very saddening, this was the only thing I wish
hadn't been in it.

As for the gunpowder episode, loved Richard Coyle, finally understanding that Catesby was leader not Fawkes, and I was rather touched by Anne of Denmark in this and the mutual respect they gained for each other. Percy storyline and the Winter brothers involvement were also so sad. So glad i tracked down DVD!

Sent: Thursday 06/05/2004 11:12 PM
J, Scotland
Sirs,
Enjoyed Gunpowder immensely. So much I bought the DVD.
However, your treatment of the Gordons of Huntly is a bit OTT.
Was it not enough that you beheaded one in the 1st episode (John Gordon was executed but not under those circumstances) but then have James VI. slaughter more (didn't happen).
Was this scene really necessary? As a proud Gordon and a clan member I found that part dubious. Did I detect a hidden anti-catholic agenda to put the upstart catholic Gordons in their place again?

I've had my whinge. Enjoyed the show. Have to go. More Protestant Campbells to put to the sword.
Yours for Scotland!
Bydand!!
.

Sent: Thursday 08/04/2004 09:35 AM
Janice
As someone who for 7 years edited and published an historical magazine with a small but international circulation I can well understand how difficult it can be to put even facts over in a way people can understand. But I have to say I think you went a bit too far with artist's licence at times on this occasion. However, "Gunpowder, Treason and Plot" on March 21st was highly entertaining and thought-provoking: I myself had never thought about it too deeply, being reared like so many on the demonised version of the gunpowder plotters with no real explanation as to why they became such "desperate fellows."

Is there any chance of seeing a photo of that delicious Michael Fassbender as Guy Fawkes, please?

Sent: Wednesday 07/04/2004 02:01 PM
Karen
I watched this gripping drama on the edge of my seat, and would truly like to thank the
BBC for bringing such history back to life. The last time I ever remember learning anything about Guys Fawkes was for bonfire night, but never appreciated what the plot was intended for and who.

The costumes, sets and atmoshpere has truly been captured and I would like to know if it is possible to get Gunpowder, plot and treason on video or DVD. It also interestes me because I am getting married in August and the wedding is set for medieval/renaissance style, and there is a hairstyle which I would very much like to copy for my wedding. This is why I am interested to know if it being released on video, not just for this purpose but to watch it again!

Sent: Saturday 03/04/2004 09:53 AM
M
Since Kevin McKidd appeared on GT&P my wife has become obsessed with this website looking for more pictures and footage of him. Please show more clips of King Begbie gimping his funky stuff just to wind her up.

Sent: Thursday 01/04/2004 06:46 PM
Peter
I thought that Gunpowder, treason and plot was brilliant, i must say that i thoroughly enjoyed it. Some of the facts were off but it didn't really make any difference to it, it was still great. Do you think that you could add a couple more clips to watch and some more pics to look at please?

Sent: Tuesday 30/03/2004 09:18 PM
L
Sorry BBC, I had to comment that the episode about mary queen of scots was fantastic, and now i feel that i must comment that the second episode was the worst thing i have watched on any tv channel for a long time. I don't mind about historical inaccuracies, but i refuse to accept poor acting and a shoddy storyline.

The first part of this drama was well paced and captured the imagination, with well cast actors. The second, well i cannot put it in to words on a website that children may have access to!!

One last thing. Robert Carlisle is not the only scottish actor capable of portraying an important scot.

Sent: Tuesday 30/03/2004 08:48 PM
Katie
T hought your recent drama 'Gunpowder, Treason and Plot' was brilliant. Although, as I have read from some other comments here, it was not exactly historically accurate, this is no reason to judge it. I am 15 years old, and it is known to people of my age that a lot of teenagers and young people are not interested in history (even though I am) and so I think it is vital that the BBC continues to produce high-quality period dramas such as this, which make us step back and take a deeper look into our country's history.

After watching the drama, I was particularly interested to find out more about Mary,Queen of Scots. So what if Clemence Poesy had a different colour hair from Mary? Who cares if the guns they used in the drama were similar to guns used at that exact period of history? The point is that the basic jist of what happened to Mary and her son was conveyed.

I don't like the way that some commenters have criticized the way that the drama contained scenes of sex and violence. What do you expect? At the time of James the 1st, a lot of men WERE cruel to their wives and it is one of the most violent periods of our history! If these elements had not been included, the drama would have not been as successful.

I just think to myself that if I hadn't watched this drama, I might never have found out what happened to Mary Queen of Scots and James, as I think that history books are bland and lack emotion.

Also, can I say, the acting was brilliant and the cast played their roles with sensitivity. Well done to Clemence Poesy and Kevin McKidd in particular.

The BBC must keep producing period dramas, to help people learn. Otherwise nobody will know what happened in our country!!

Sent: Tuesday 30/03/2004 11:59 AM
Tatu
As an Asylum Seeker in this country and hoping to stay, I think this program was fantastic and to be honest I leaned a bit more about Great Britain a country that I am learning to love. And I can't wait to get a copy of the DVD.

Sent: Tuesday 30/03/2004 11:00 AM
Rachel
I thoroughly enjoyed this brilliant, passionate and yet another great BBC historical drama. I thought the casting was excellent, Kevin McKidd played a fantastic Bothwell. This morning, to my absolute delight, I saw that it will be available for purchase on DVD in April, fantastic!

Sent: Sunday 28/03/2004 02:13 PM
Catherine
I watched the first part on Mary Queen of Scots, and although it had its faults it was better some of the other very poor recent historical offerings by the BBC. I awaited the James I episode with interest, considering Carlisle an excellent actor likely to do the role justice.

I am an history teacher and know something of this period, and was therefore horrified at the portrayal. It was crass - a cross between Carlisle's Bond villain and a bad Richard III. As someone at work asked, why did he wander around with his hand permamnently on his groin? For myself the factual errors were legion, too many to list, but chief among them had to be the use of the female spy, the letter to Mounteagle and the portrayal of Cecil. Poor casting, poor acting and the most diabolical twisting of fact rendered this the biggest piece of tv bilge I have had the misfortune to witness in many years. It bore NO resemblance to reality whatsoever and the BBC should be thoroughly ashamed of playing fast and loose with facts in this way. Long gone, sadly are the days of Elizabeth R and Henry VIII and his six wives when at leasr some care was taken over accuracy and casting.

The only words to sum up this appalling piece of fantasy - which I fear will entirely wrongly educate a public which knows no better - are too rude to repeat. In my opinion your historical researchers should be sacked. I also wonder why the BBC seems to find it necessary in programmes such as this to pander to the prurient with rapes and men urinating in far too many programmes where it is simply not necessary and purely for titillation. I for one resent paying tv licence fees for such crud and smut.

Sent: Saturday 27/03/2004 09:24 PM
Nigel
Brilliant

Sent: Saturday 27/03/2004 08:58 PM
Dean
Congratulations!!!!!!!! on the best historical drama i've seen in a long time! More Jimmy McGovern Please!

Sent: Saturday 27/03/2004 11:00 AM
Lily
Wow! I thought Gunpowder, Treason and Plot was absolutley fantastic! I'm so glad you're releasing it on dvd/video. It was great because I am currently doing a project on the Gunpowder plot, and you're programmes were MUCH more interesting than just reading books, etc! Are you going to put anymore filmclips or photos on the website?
Thankyou so much-it was brilliant!

Sent: Friday 26/03/2004 09:14 PM
Alan
Sorry to put more water on this bonfire, but why don't you do your research and get at least some historical facts right. I found the drama interesting up to the point of the kings guard using flintlock rifles that had not been invented at that time. The arms used during James 1st. reign were matchlocks and towards the end of his reign if you were rich you might have seen a wheellock. Both these type of arm were used well up until Charles lost his head after James. The flintlock didn't really come into use for any British army until 50 years after the end of James the 1st.

Sent: Friday 26/03/2004 08:05 PM
Emma
I am 16 and currently studying an AS level in Stuart History. No programme has ever made me so ANGRY than "Gunpowder, Treason and Plot". Through gross distortion of historical facts and additional scenes of sexual perversity, was the aim to increase ratings? Surely the purity of history is worth more than that.

Jimmy McGovern tries to justify his historical manipulation in
saying "the characters in Gunpowder, Treason and Plot have been dead for 400 years". What kind of pathetic excuse is this?! Does fact get erased through time? In McGovern's opinion, it seems that the seventeenth century was so long ago that it enters a fictitious world, with portrayals of it no longer being seen as reality or what really happened.

As for those whose appreciation and interest of history was increased through this programme, I agree that few things deserve more appreciation. However, it is not history that you have become interested in, but a manipulation and vandalism of what is otherwise gripping fact. McGovern also stated, "Where the facts are established, I have stuck to them, but where
there is room for embellishment, I have embellished". Such "embellishment" resulted in the falsification and invalidity of the facts that McGovern claimed to have stuck to.

McGovern further tries to justify his work by saying that James' bisexuality is a matter of which even his biographer, Lady Antonia Fraser, does not dispute. This is true. But I am sure that Lady Fraser would have much to dispute about this aspect of James' personality being so twisted for the sake of supposed entertainment". Can someone please encourage McGovern to
read the rest of Fraser's brilliant book- you know, the factual parts- other than the parts that give him an excuse to "embellish" into creating scenes of a grossly immoral and far from true nature. If a play on James' sexual orientation were desired, Robert Carr would have been a perfect candidate,
adequately fitting this time period.

I cannot deny the great quality of acting throughout the programmes, but I pity them for having to speak such dialogue. Mary was renowned for her dark beauty- what does she have?- blonde hair. Yes, James had rickets but where did the limp come from?? What’s more, James’ rough, violent, angry and intimidating character is far from truthful. Through my college studies, I came to perceive James as a likeable King, with qualities that far-remove any notions of his personality being of such a distasteful nature. I doubt very much that he uttered the words that McGovern made him utter, "to hell with Parliament".

It is an insult to portray the society in which we live today as having a
foundation of such filth.

Sent: Friday 26/03/2004 08:02 PM
Sam
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two episodes. unfortunately missed last night 3/3 and unable to record. been looking round your homepages to find if there is a repeat, but without success.

Sent: Friday 26/03/2004 07:24 PM

Just wanted to say how thrilled I am that Gunpowder, Treason and Plot will be released on DVD/video in April. You've listened to your many viewers who requested this. I can't wait to buy it as I loved the series so much, especially Mary Queen of Scots. Well done BBC!

Sent: Friday 26/03/2004 03:18 PM
Angela
I really enjoyed this series and was looking forward to watching it. I used Skyplus to record the programme so I could it at my leisure but it only recorded the first 50mins as only one set of codes was printed so I assumed that the full hour and three quarters would be transmitted - it wasn't. Therefore I have the first 50 mins of the first episode and the whole of the second episode, but its pretty pointless without the end of the first episode!! Please can you ensure in future you make it clear how the programme is going to be shown. When will it be released on video?

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