Campion, from our backyard
'Mr. Albert Campion
Coups neatly executed.
Nothing sordid, vulgar, or plebeian.
Deserving cases preferred.
Police no object.'
My favorites:
Case of the Late Pig
Sweet Danger
Mystery Mile
Police at the Funeral
Mystery Mile
Police at the Funeral
Margery Allingham,
English mystery writer, b. May 1904 - d. June 1966
From Wikipedia:
"Her first work of detective fiction was a serialized story published by the Daily Express in 1927. Entitled The White Cottage Mystery, it contained atypical themes for a woman writer of the era.
Campion and success
Her breakthrough occurred in 1929 with the publication of The Crime at Black Dudley. This introduced Albert Campion, albeit originally as a minor character. He returned in Mystery Mile, thanks in part to pressure from her American publishers, much taken with the character.
By now, with three novels behind her, Allingham's skills were
improving, and with a strong central character and format to work from,
she began to produce a series of popular Campion novels. At first she
had to continue writing short stories and journalism for magazines such
as The Strand Magazine,
but as her Campion saga went on, her following, and her sales, grew
steadily. Campion proved so successful that Allingham made him the
centrepiece of another 17 novels and over 20 short stories, continuing
into the 1960s.
Campion is a mysterious, upper-class character, working under an
assumed name, who floats between the upper echelons of the nobility and
government on one hand and the shady world of the criminal class in the
United Kingdom on the other, often accompanied by his scurrilous
ex-burglar servant Lugg. "
***
In the TV series, Campion was played by Peter Davison (also of Dr. Who fame, and who managed an extremely engaging portrayal of real-life character Tristan Farnon in 'All Creatures Great and Small.') Lugg, or Magersfontein Lugg, was convincingly played by Brian Glover. I wish they would run this series again on PBS when they do a fundraiser, instead of yet another Peter, Paul, and Mary concert, a DooWop performance, or Dr. Wayne Dyer! Groan.
So, ending with a backyard photo:
Someone left me a message on the crab apple tree,
but I haven't been able to break the code.
I think it's time to call in Albert Campion.
I think it's time to call in Albert Campion.
***
'Sweet Baby! Calendula'
All-natural, gentle soap for Baby
I guess PBS has to cater to all, especially when asking for money. I'm with you. A British mystery, especially set in the first half of the 20th century is my cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteI have actually watched episodes of Campion.. loved it!! And as for your coded tree.. yes, definitely time to call in the pros!! lol
ReplyDeleteThat is quite the message you have on you tree! Someone was busy!!
ReplyDeleteLove Campion. Peter Davidson does such a good job. I am currently working my way through Tommy and Tuppence for the upteenth time!
I loved "All Creatures Great and Small!" I'll have to check out these books; I love British mysteries ....
ReplyDeleteI've got to tell you again, Judy, you need a gallery for all your beautiful photo's! I love looking at them and especially love the tree! Have a great weekend, my friend.
ReplyDeleteOh boy look at that tree! My mom always watched British mystery TV when I was growing up and I too have aquired a taste. I hope all is well! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteMama Hen
I love British mystery writers. I have not read these. Might look into them. Following you now:}
ReplyDeleteYour flower photo is gorgeous! I wonder what decibel level the pecking of that tree reached?
ReplyDeleteWe seem to go for the same things on television--loved that series. And, yes, c'mon PBS, let's change it up a bit on the fundraisers!
That's yet another good series. Have seen a few episodes. Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteEva
Hey that sounds great - if you see it on again and remember let me know. And were those bullet holes? And how is the pup? sandie
ReplyDeleteGood luck on figuring out the coded message on the tree.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteI love Peter Davidson!
ReplyDeleteGreat photo of the tree...I like your creativity about the code. :)
Wow..look at your tree...what a message!
ReplyDeleteI can't say I've seen this programme yet. I first remember Peter Davidson from All Creatures Great and Small. That pattern in the tree looks like the dots in a morse code. I'd ask for an Inspector from Oxford to check that one out !!
ReplyDelete