Dana King is spot-on about British programming on PBS in her April 1 column. Like Ms. King, I’ve been a fan of BBC, ITV, Granada and other U.K. “telly” series pretty much since Iowa Public Television went on the air in 1969 (although, undoubtedly, that’s before her time).
Shows like “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” “Good Neighbors” and “To the Manor Born,” in addition to many of the programs she cites, have been favorites at Hurto house for as long as I can remember.
As one of many Jasper Countians suffering from “Downton Abbey” withdrawal (“I’ve given my life to Downton!”), happily there’s still a veritable wealth of high quality costume dramas to be had on “Masterpiece,” with classic British comedies a Saturday-night staple on IPTV. And, for those whose tastes run toward murder mysteries, Thursday nights now offer such involving whodunits as “Father Brown” and “Death in Paradise.”
By becoming a Friend of IPTV, and joining its BritCom Club, I’ve been privileged to meet and get acquainted with some outstanding television performers from “across the pond,” actors such as Moira Brooker, Jenny Funnell and Philip Bretherton (“As Time Goes By”); Judy Cornwell and Geoffrey Hughes (“Keeping Up Appearances”); and Mollie Sugden (“Are You Being Served?”), on visits to Iowa during IPTV fundraising events.
I hope your readers will think seriously about supporting IPTV by joining Friends of Iowa Public Television. I also appeal to our state legislators to vote as much support IPTV’s way as they consider practicable, as, in my opinion, it’s one of the best uses they could make of taxpayers’ dollars.
Larry Hurto
Newton