It’s the swinging sixties in England – okay, perhaps not quite the Carnaby Street scene, more like a village in North Yorkshire. The rural community is Aidensfield; the "heartbeat" is a reference to medical issues that find their way into the series (continued with the arrival of Dr Bolton); and it’s about an English policeman "on the beat" (as they say) in those parts – definitely not to be confused with any modern references to a "beat". The local bobbies make calls to the station from phone boxes, sometimes taking a break from chasing a villain to do so; they ride around on motor bikes that look like a poor cousin of a Vespa; the Sergeant drives a Ford Anglia that wouldn't be much chop in a chase; and there seems to be a fairly lax attitude to the niceties of police procedure. Begun in 1990, this series was produced so each show stands on its own, though the cast and locations remain familiar. There are exceptions, of course, when complex issues (like the death of Dr Rowan) cannot be dealt with in a single episode. There are no antiheroes here. The police are respected by the locals, and even the villains are not your hard-boiled types that populate most contemporary cop shows. As they say in one of the Herman's Hermits hits featured in the show, it doesn't take long to discover "we're in for something good". PC Nick Rowan is a very nice bloke indeed. He was born in 1938, married Kate in 1961, has one daughter (Katie) and shines in his role as a country copper. He passed his Sergeant's exams, but as we know, (shock! horror!) he's gone to other climes. Claude Jeremiah Greengrass is a layabout, petty crim, poacher, and a bit of a rogue. He likes to get the better of authority, but it’s done with a wink and a nudge, and he loves nothing more than getting under the goat of Sergeant Blaketon. He's always hatching a new scheme to bring in a bit of extra cash, or selling some tucker on the side to publican George Ward. Sergeant Oscar Blaketon is the leader of the gang down at Aidensfield police station, but in series 7 he's taken on duties at the post office! He’s an authoritarian chap with an absolute obsession about catching Greengrass up to no good, and he loves a game of golf. He’s of the old school of policing, dependable but perhaps too much "by the book". Yes, beneath it all there is a heat of gold. How will he handle the change in his lifestyle? Stay tuned. Nurse Maggie Bolton is a rarity, the townsperson who’s moved to the big city to do her professional training, but chosen to return to be the district nurse in Aidensfield. Like all district nurses at the time, she can do a bit of everything, and do it very well at that. She’s always there to lend a hand to the local bobbies, and there's not much, if anything, that fazes her. Jo Weston, a teacher, arrived following the tragic death of PC Rowan’s wife Kate. There is a sometimes troubled romance between the two, culminating in a proposal in the last show of series 6 (they finally got hitched in series 7, shown on Channel 7 on May 28th,1998, facing the usual obstacles put in the path of television nuptials). Her parents don't like Nick (mum's positively hostile) – we know plenty that would! PC Alf Ventress is a pretty familiar type in many professions. He'd like to be promoted, but then again, there's not too much he's prepared to do about it. A furtive smoker, a lover of hard-boiled eggs, he's attuned to the gentler pace of rural policing, but don't be fooled, he knows all the ins and outs of the Ashfordy Police Station. That's not surprising considering he's the oldest member of the team. PC Phil Bellamy is a romantic at heart, though he's not always sure how to put his intentions into practice, especially when it comes to barmaid Gina. He gets to play a very important role in a wedding ceremony in series 7, and after that it's time to get on with the duties of an eager young PC. Loves his footy, too. Kate Rowan was for many the heart of the village. The wife of PC Rowan, she was also the local GP. She was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was pregnant, and unfortunately passed away, bringing grief to all concerned. Auntie Eileen is the auntie of Kate Rowan who raised her, and after her death she took on the role of the carer in the Rowan household. She's had problems of her own, of course, but has remained stoic. Is there an opportunity for new romance in series 7, particularly since Nick and the family look as though things will work out on their domestic front? Gina Ward was born in Liverpool (Beatles territory - maybe that's why she loves a tune) and now tends bar at the Aidensfield Arms. She is able to disarm the more troublesome types with her charms, as all good publicans should, but there's a lot more to her than that. Now that Uncle George has retired she takes care of business as well, and she's pretty good at it too. And what's the situation between her and PC Bellamy? Let's face it, she may not fancy him in quite the way he would prefer – you know how it is, just friends and all while the poor bloke pines away. But does PC Bradley, Nick's successor, have a better shot at the prize? PC Mike Bradley has to fill some pretty big shoes when he lands on Australian TV shores in June, 1988. He arrives on the back of a Triumph bike, hair flowing, but in fact he comes from a very strong policing background. Unlike his predecessor, he's clearly not too happy to have been transferred from London, which better suited his wild ways. He's got quite an eye for the ladies, and one that might catch his attention is Gina the barmaid (of course one of his colleagues has similar intentions). Dr Neil Bolton arrived without too much fanfare, and there's no red carpet in sight. Notice the surname? He's the separated husband of Nurse Maggie Bolton, taking a job at the Ashfordly Hospital – he's been off with the Red Cross these years, but now it looks like he's interested in a reconciliation with Maggie. This is a subject for series 7. Alfred the Dog is the companion of the wicked Greengrass. Let's be honest, he's no show dog. Nick Berry is PC Rowan, the star of the proceedings. He left the show towards the end of the seventh series, apparently unhappy at the prospect of doing 24 shows in a series (compared with the previous 16). It meant too much time away from his wife and young son, and he’s developed a healthy cynicism about "the business". As a young man he went to the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London, but got a huge break when he joined the incredibly popular "Eastenders" (he was Wicksy). Then it was "Heartbeat" – not a bad track record for one still so young. Bill Maynard is Claude Jeremiah Greengrass. This is not really the same character that appears in the book, and a lot of the credit must go to the actor. Maynard gave him the clothes, the facial twitch, the boots. He credits the longevity of his character to an attention to detail and allowing him to change over time. He's even got a special on Yorkshire television about the area and its music. Derek Fowlds is Oscar Blaketon. Derek was in the RAF, began his acting career in the 1960s, and was somewhat famous for the role of "Mr Derek" in the "Basil Brush Show". But he is universally known for his work as Bernard, the Private Secretary to Paul Eddington in the brilliant "Yes Minister" and its sequel "Yes Prime Minister". Kazia Pelka is Nurse Maggie Bolton. Born in Dewsbury and raised in Leeds, she loves the Yorkshire countryside. Like Tricia Penrose she has acted in "Brookside". Juliette Gruber is Jo Weston. She found the whole on-screen marriage quite a teary experience, much as she would have in real life. Juliette is the niece of American actor Walter Matthau, and got her training in the National Theatre after studying in Dublin. William Simons is Alf Ventress. Something of a professional police actor, having played a boy in blue on many other occasions. He actually lives in Goathland, the real life village that has given its alter ego to Aidensfield. Not too far to travel to work! Niamh Cussack is Kate Rowan. Most of her family are actors as well, and she is renowned for treating her career with the utmost seriousness. Apparently she apprenticed to a real GP in order to prepare for her role in the show. She was actually pregnant at the time of her television pregnancy. Anne Stallybrass is Auntie Eileen. You might have seen her in "The Onedin Line" or the "Six Wives of Henry VIII". Tricia Penrose is Gina Ward. She attended the Elliot Clarke School of Drama and then graduated to "Brookside", where ironically she played a policewoman. Jason Durr is PC Mike Bradley. He was surprised to get the much sought after part to succeed the nationally popular Nick Berry, big shoes indeed to fill. Like many other cast members, he is enchanted by the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, and pleasantly surprised by the friendly on-set atmosphere. Durr has acted with the prestigious Royal Shakespearean Company in the likes of "Macbeth" and "Measure for Measure", and television shows like "Inspector Morse" and "Sharpe's Battle", which was set in the Crimean War. David Michaels is Dr Neil Bolton. He's worked with his estranged television wife Kazia Pelka before, as well as acting in a number of television series including the phenomenally popular "Coronation Street" (yes, it's still going in England) and the excellent "Peak Practice". Tramp is Alfred the Dog. He's a mixed breed of greyhound and Bedlington terrier, part of the "stable" of animals provided by the company "Whoofers". Though there is stardom nowadays, Tramp is no overnight success. He found himself in the RSPCA, but like many a fairydog story, he was spotted and taken out of the pound for a starring role. Tramp likes a bit of a snooze between takes, but the moment he's called on the set he's the complete professional. Where did this wonderful show come from? The rights to the "Constable" books by Nicholas Rhea were bought by Yorkshire Television in the early 1980s, but nothing much happened for about ten years. Strange in light of the enormous success that followed its eventual programming in 1992. It now attracts over 15 million viewers a week in England, and more coming all the time in countries like Canada and Australia. That’s the equivalent of an Australian audience of about 6 million! This makes it the most popular drama in the UK (yes, even more popular than "Eastenders"!). In England it is shown at the prime time of 8 pm on a Sunday. Nicholas Rhea is the non de plume of former policeman Peter N. Walker. The shows are put together by about 70 people, and they try to have the final draft of the script finished about a month before shooting. Guest stars have included well known English actors like John Alderton, Phyllida Law, Jenny Agutter, Frank Finlay, Peter Barkworth and many more. What effect was there when the popular star, Nick Berry, left the show? The producers have credited him for giving a lot of lead time to his departure, so they were able to prepare well in advance and minimise the damage. He wasn’t in the last four episodes of series 7 (1998 in Australia) but the audience figures in the UK didn’t drop off at all. To overcome his loss, a concerted effort has been made to develop the series as an ensemble piece. The show is not entirely faithful to the books by Nicholas Rhea, but he has ensured his influence by acting as a series consultant. If you haven’t read the books, you might be surprised to learn that PC Nick Rowan is called PC Nicholas Rhea. In the book he’s married with four kids; on television he's just begun the family. Another example: there is no Jo Weston in the "Constable" books, although Rhea sees the resemblance to a character he included in "Constable Around the Parish". Want another? Auntie Eileen is nowhere to be found in the literary Aidensfield. It's a tricky day when your estranged husband not only turns up on your doorstop after years on the lam, but also works under the same roof. Quite a shock for Maggie, and now it seems the long lost Dr Bolton looks like he'd like to take up where he left off? What will happen? Is Alfred the Dog getting a bit long in the houndstooth? Just remember, it's a dog eat dog world out there in television land. Stay tuned for series 8. Nurse Maggie had an illicit relationship with a married man while she was studying to be a nurse, got pregnant (doesn't say much for a nurse's contraceptive training in those days) and had an illegal abortion. Quite a scandal for the 1960s. You won't believe this, but according to Melissa's Heartbeat Page [a fabulous resource for Australian "Heartbeat" fans] Derek Fowld's real-life "girlfriend" is a teacher named Jo (the same name as the character of the teacher in the show). Is she having us on? What's the story? Why did Channel 2 let go of this sure-fire ratings winner (it's now on Channel 7, thank you very much)? Channel 7 started showing the series in February 1998, beginning at series 7, and it was available on some pay-TV as well. It's not only movies that rehash musical hits to make a quid on the side. CD packages of "Heartbeat" songs have made been into a real money spinner in the UK. Guess who's sometimes played the part of the Rowans' daughter Katie? Nick Berry's real life son Louis (born in 1995). Nick Berry has been the highest paid actor in the UK, but his salary pales in comparison to some American sitcom stars in the million dollar an episode category. Alf Ventress the furtive smoker is played by William Simons the anti-smoker! In 1966 Tricia Penrose (Gina the singing barmaid) released a cover of the Supremes hit "Where Did Our Love Go?" in the UK. Is Nick driving an MG nowadays? Don't find yourself in the nick in Aidensfield, particularly if Sergeant Blaketon is on your case. You can holler all you like for Mr Sellars of Sellars Phipps & Vinecom Solicitors to come to your aid, but it all depends on what side of the bed the Sarge woke up on. If there's a "caution" he hasn't heard about it. There is a common law (judge made law) right to legal advice for a suspect being interviewed in England. Failure to allow this right can mean that any evidence obtained can be excluded in court. If your lawyer is not available, you must be told of the existence of a duty lawyer (legal aid) scheme (if you're a Timson, you ring the solicitor Mr Bonnard and demand to see Mr Rumpole). Compare the situations: In Australia, there is generally a requirement for police to "caution" a suspect. For example, under the NSW Evidence Act, the police should issue a "caution" that any answers that are provided at the interview may be used in court as evidence against them. And once you open your mouth, the police will be able to say that you made the statement voluntarily and in full knowledge that it will be used against you in court. But what about the right to have a lawyer with you when you're questioned? Let's look at NSW again. There is no law that states you are entitled to have a lawyer with you, but the common law (judge made law) makes it clear that the police should give you a reasonable amount of time to obtain legal advice. The police should in all circumstances allow you to call your lawyer on the phone. In the case of children under 16, they must have a parent, guardian or lawyer with them. This show has a lot going for it, though it is easier to see its appeal to an English audience. Don’t come this way if you’re looking for gritty realism a` la "The Bill" or its American cousin "NYPD Blue". This is not a criticism, there is room for all types in the broad church of television, and "Heartbeat" deliberately appeals to those of us who want the assurance of a solid story with a happy ending. It is very much character driven, which is fine in a drama so long as the characters hold up! This is where the show excels, of course. And it looks beautiful, not because of fancy footwork behind the camera, but by dint of its location. It’s like putting your feet up on a balcony overlooking gently rolling hills, sipping a Chardonnay (or a nice cab sav with a bit of age to it, if that's your wont), and letting the world just roll on by. Nostalgia, music that’s better than what we get nowadays (the reviewer is showing his age), the North York Moors and the gentle cadence of a time now seemingly lost. It’s one of those shows that maintains a reliably high standard, sometimes not quite "great", but never lacking its essential quality. It's not easy to find a cop show that all the family can watch, or even one that can be shown in a 7:30 pm time slot. It is a big test of the viewer loyalty to see the departure of not only Kate, a much beloved character, but also Nick towards the end of series 7, but in the UK it's continued to power along in the ratings. If you like "Blue Heelers" you'll probably enjoy this gentler British drama as well.
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