Drake's Venture (1980) Online

When I first viewed this film (recently - it's out there on shaky old tapes although I wish someone would release it on DVD!) it disturbed me greatly. It bothered me for days - absolutely wouldn't let go. Then I started to research the history behind the story and discovered that the script is very accurate indeed - much more so than you normally see in this sort of period drama. And that makes it even more disturbing.

The entire production is top notch - costumes, sets, the lovely footage of the tall ships. John Thaw is wonderful as Francis Drake, but the real star here is Paul Darrow, playing the captain's friend and rival Thomas Doughty. He's known for his mannered performance as Avon in Blakes 7, but here he gives the performance of his career - subtle and powerful.

Just don't be misled by the title into believing this is an adventure story. It's really a psychodrama about jealousy, greed and paranoia, and the overall message about what it takes to win in this world is very dark indeed. At the same time, it's an oddly inspiring movie which has something important to say about dignity under the worst possible conditions and what it means to be fully human.

This made-for-TV movie is hard to find now. It was shown in the US on PBS in the early '80s. I've not seen it since nor found many references for it.

It has a fine cast drawn mostly from British television. John Thaw (Francis Drake) is probably best known for playing the lead in the INSPECTOR MORSE series. Paul Darrow (Thomas Doughty) will be remembered as Avon in BLAKE'S 7. They are especially effective but all the cast does well.

The script is engaging and fairly accurate. A real replica of Drake's ship, THE GOLDEN HINDE, is used which adds to the verisimilitude, as do the costumes and sets. All in all, this is an excellent historical drama and I wish it were available on DVD.

It's a wonderful movie. Historic accuracy is stunning, the details are perfect - unto the point of you have to admire the way the characters wear their coats.

It is also a heartbreaking story about treason of friendship and fate and resignation to death, served by excellent actors. John Thaw delivers an outstanding performance, Paul Darrow is a heartbreaking Doughtie, noble and dignified all along. Darrow plays the part with a talent I had never seen him display before, in a subdued, soberly tragic way . The painful destruction of their friendship is actually at the core of the movie.

Really, you have to wonder why we haven't been granted the pleasure of watching this movie on DVD, since it doesn't seem to be available anywhere.

John Thaw as Sir Francis Drake!! This drama was first screened in approximately Oct-Dec 1980, to my almost certain knowledge it has not been repeated - which is one huge shame! Thaw's performance (his first screen role after finishing The Sweeney & prior to commencing Inspector Morse) is a delight. Historically 100% accurate and using the modern replica of Golden Hinde (currently moored by the Tate Modern in London) to tremendous effect this is a wonderful piece of television.

I am surprised that with the untimely death of Thaw, and with the raft of tributes and other programmes screened at the time, that this did not make an appearance. Even more amazing is that it is NOT available on DVD (well if it is, I cannot locate it) if someone knows of it maybe they will let us know. In the meantime I for one will continue to wait for it to be either repeated or even better released. If it does show up, catch it, you are in for a treat.