Follyfoot - Series 1-3 - Complete

Found these on YouTube but some got deleted so happy to have it on DVD finally

I watched some, but not all, of this series when it was first broadcast, and liked it. Now having all three series on DVD, I settled down to watch, and was surprised firstly to discover how little of the story I remembered. This just made it all the more rewarding to view, and I was particularly struck by the fact that although it was generally categorised as aimed at children and young people, in fact it is so well written, and has such deep and serious points to make, that it is gripping for adults as well. I thought the casting was perfect, and the acting brilliant. But more than that, I was struck by how worthwhile it was, portraying the difficulties of young people with past hurts and disappointments, growing up and learning to understand that the world is not quite as they'd like it to be. Steve of course already knew that, from his spell in prison, but Dora, too, had grown into her teens with parents who simply didn't understand her, and weren't capable of doing so. She finds her "perfect" setting at Follyfoot Farm, with old, tired, and sometimes sick horses she can love and help in their final years. But the idyllic world Dora imagines Follyfoot to be is not immune to problems, and her attraction to Steve becomes one of them for her. However, the remarkable and in my view praiseworthy, handling of that attraction meant that throughout the entire three series, there were NO sex scenes at all - the most overt indication of their affection was an occasional brief peck on the cheek. This is a very welcome change from what we mostly have to endure now on screen, and is one of the reasons why I have taken to collecting DVDs rather than watch current offerings on TV. I am not a prude, and I don't mind sex scenes if a) they're between two people whose characters have been developed sufficiently convincingly by the writers that the viewer can believe in their relationship and b) they don't happen every few minutes, so that there is no development whatsoever of any story there might be! I note this about Follyfoot....that it is in this respect poles apart from what is mostly shown on screen now. The development of Steve's and Dora's characters, and the way their mutual attraction is dealt with is like a breath of fresh air. It's low-key and very subtle, yet there is often an undercurrent that crackles with tension between the two of them. It's so much more INTERESTING when it's shown like that. If you enjoyed it as a child, or with your own children at the time, get it. It's a reminder of how much better TV used to be! Cassandra

If you think Follyfoot is a twee, girlie tv show about horses, you'd be wrong. It doesn't flinch in its depiction of the maltreatment of horses, and a few scenes are uncomfortable viewing for a sensitive type like myself, but Follyfoot has a clear message about the way society treats its horses and doesn't shy from it. Monica Dickens was ostracised by the horsey community for exposing their callous underside and the attitude that horses are commodities rather than living creatures. The 'will they/won't they/probably not' romance between Steve and Dora is a nod to the teenage audience which doesn't detract from the strong storylines. Follyfoot Farm is home to the unwanted, human and equine alike. It's about hope, compassion, standing up for the vulnerable and for your own beliefs, and Dora herself represents the good in human nature, she's kindness, love and optimism personified and even when I find myself disagreeing with her she still commands total empathy. Follyfoot has happy endings, but never twee ones. The happiness is often laced with subtle bittersweet undertones, and the hard reality of life is never lost. The series attracted some of British film's top drawer talent, such as David Hemmings and Stephen Frears, and every episode is taut and compelling viewing. The casting is perfect, with all the characters complimenting each other perfectly. It draws you into its world and holds you there, as only truly special television can.As for the nostalgia value, if you lived during the 70's you'll need armbands to prevent yourself from wallowing too much. If, like me, you grew up in the 70s and also in the rural outskirts of Leeds, where this is filmed, then you may as well just surrender to it at episode one because you'll be a lost cause.

When I ordered these DVDs, to be honest, I was expecting to be disappointed with them. I thought the story lines and acting would look really poor after all these years. I was 12 years of age when Follyfoot was originally screened and ofcourse TV dramas have moved on since then. However, I was amazed at how engaging each episode was. I still can't understand why they didn't make more or make it into the film that was considered at the time. Though some of the episodes can be unsetting, (portraying the ill-treatment of horses and some having to be destroyed) generally, it has a calming effect. In the story lines, the characters each have their own problems yet Follyfoot Farm, a rescue centre for old and unwanted horses, ponies and donkeys becomes place of refuge for the characters as well.. Follyfoot can be like a refuge for the viewer too - a little escapism from the troubles of the world. Dora, a young girl played by Gillian Blake is the main character who joins her uncle at the farm whilst her affluent, stuffy, unloving parents work abroad for a year. The series begins by her searching for a purpose in life and a place to belong. I think in the end, she finds what she is looking for...... Thank you Yorkshire Television.

Great theme song too. Have been trying to find this collection for ages (years)!!

i remember watching this show all those years ago when i was about the same age as dora & steve. it was a difficult time in my life and it gave me an escape, a fantasy. i was young, naive and romantic. of course i was in love with dora.watching the first episode again after all these years was an emotional experience bringing back all the feelings i had at the time and also a feeling of great nostalgia. the world is a much different place thesedays. this may be classified as a children's series but it is so very much more than that. i can't recommend this series high enough

I watched this as a child so was wonderful to see again. Yes, you can find episodes on YouTube but much better quality seen on DVD (and less hassle to find episodes!)

Ich habe mir diese Komplettbox gegönnt und habe es nicht bereut. Vieles hat man ja leicht anders in Erinnerung. Aber die Freude war sofort wieder da. Schon allein das Lied am Anfang. Toll.

thank you for my gift-it was fine

Gott sei Dank das die zweite Bestellung geklappt hat .Qualität ist nicht so gut und zwischendurch plötzlich in englisch mit Untertitel danach wieder deutsch und trotzdem ich liebe die Serien

Alle 39 Folgen dieser 70`er Jahre Kulserie,befinden sich in dieser Box,und man kann schön seine Kindheitserinnerungen auffrischen.

Tolle Serie der 70‘er Jahre! Schnelle Lieferung in einwandfreiem Zustand!