Review of "Bless Me, Father - The Complete Collection" by

Maybe you watched this delightful little series on public television and recognize the boxed set as a real find. If you have not seen this show before, the best way to sum it up is a throwback to movies like "The Bells of St. Mary's" and "Going My Way" where the knowing older priest and the youngster fresh from school keep an eye on their parishoners' souls.

The basic plot of the series concerns Father Duddleswell, played by Arthur Lee (Dad’s Army) who is the pastor of the parish of St. Jude's in suburban London in the late 1950's. A young priest has just arrivesd to get some on-the-job training from the wiley old Father. The young priest is played by Daniel Abneri who has the innocent look of youth but is wiser than we expect. Father Duddleswell is one of those lovable priests that turn up in those old movies like Barry Fitzgeral, complete with an Irish accent and a twinkle in his eye. He plots and plans for his church. He also protects and loves his parishoners. He is disdainful of Protestants, and often at odds with the Mother Superior of the attached convent.

Every ½ hour that you spend in the parish come with laughs and affection. You will want to meet the other characters in this series and you are invited to do so and watch one of the best of light humor that comes directly from Britain of the 1950’s.