Barriers Part 1 (Episode 1.1). By William Corlett. (1980)

This is the first episode of Barriers, a mini-series from the early 1980s. It's not as widely known as it deserves to be, although there have been many messages and comments from people who remember its high production values and emotionally rewarding & unusual subject matter very fondly.

The series follows Billy (Benedict Taylor), who is in his late teens when his destiny is changed by family tragedy. Vincent Whitaker (Paul Rogers), aged 70, is shocked to find that he has suddenly become Billy's guardian. Through 20 episodes Billy searches for the truth about his background while gradually forming a close friendship with Mr Whitaker.

William Corlett's script explores themes of social, emotional, political and psychological barriers to achievement and happiness. These themes are developed in the context of Billy's transition to adulthood.

One of Corlett's strongest messages is that while many obstacles in life are imposed on us, some are of our own making. The pressure of family expectations, for example, the shadow thrown by the past, the way others see us and so on: these can be barriers to fulfilment, but for many in the series they are also burdens of convenience behind which to hide.

Barriers of race, age, language and distance are explored, and poverty too, although the problems of many characters arise from too much money, rather than too little. Despite the obviousness of some of these themes, character development and plot are always paramount, there are many enjoyable light touches, and moments of heavy-handedness - in script, performance, or direction - are rare. And the two leads give outstanding performances throughout.

Many well-known British actors make guest appearances, most memorably Siân Phillips, but also Michael Gough, Joan Sanderson, Robert Urquhart, Joan Hickson, Nicholas Courtney, Laurence Naismith and Robert Addie. There are also appearances by some distinguished European performers. Patricia Lawrence appears in many episodes as Miss Price, Vincent's secretary.

Filming took place at various locations in Britain as well as Salzburg, Munich and the Alps. Bamburgh in Northumberland is Billy's favourite place.

The series was produced by Margaret Bottomley and directed by Tony Kysh & Bob Hird, with music by David Haslam.

The series consisted of 20 episodes, all of which have been divided into three parts for uploading to youtube.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Barriers
• William
• Corlett
• Benedict
• Taylor
• Paul
• Rogers
• Robert
• Addie
• Peter
• Cellier
• Adoption
• Bamburgh
• Austro
• Hungarian
• border

[motherind1a]

i have been looking for this music forever, could never rememebr the name of the drama series it came from!! Anyone know the name of the music or is it made up for Barriers??x

[Toddysfins]

I've been sent a lot of messages asking me about the music. As far as I know, it was omcposed especially for Barriers. A few people have told me they're now trying to get hold of it somehow. If I get any more information about it, I'll post a comment here with details.

[mirandanne]

I am so pleased to have found this upload. I watched this serial with my children,now all grown up and never forgot it. Thank you.

[mistofoles]

Good grief! Chaps in the shower-room, bit naughty for a tea-time show, eh, what?

[mistofoles]

Never could get to grips with with this, are we to assume the guy who leaps out of the burning car in the opening sequence is Billy's real father?

[Mojosbigstick]

@gralu1 You weren't the only one! It was True Love, I was definitley going to marry him. So were all my sisters.

[gralu1]

I used to fancy Ben Taylor something rotten!

[StrangeUnicorn1]

This is somewhat off topic, but anyone who remembers this, terrific, mini - series might be able to help me. I am desperately trying to find another gem of a mini-series from about the same era. All I remember is that it was centered around finding a treasure and one of the clues was a tattoo of a crown with an inscription in Latin tattooed underneath, all on the fore arm of one of the characters... Any information would be, greatly, appreciated.

[clazza01]

the guy with the blond hair in this i was in love with a s a chils when i used to watch this with my mother

[rubykenful]

Very frustrated-I've got no sound!!!! Seem to be getting sound on any other you tube videos but not any of your Barriers episodes. I NEED to watch them after so many years!! Loved it at the time.Any advice? from a frustrated technophobe!

[MrsJosephMerrick]

Thankyou so much for this!!!!I was addicted to this series, and I fancied Bernedict Taylor like mad, for which I got teased rotten about by my sister. Cant remember much about it now, but I look forward to watching it again! And the music was really haunting...

[BOURGNEUF]

Thank you so much! What a haunting score!