French Fields: The Complete Collection

Before Julia McKenzie won our hearts as Miss Marple, she was beloved in Britain as the star of the International Emmy Award-winning comedy series Fresh Fields and this popular sequel. Always willing to try something new, empty-nesters Hester and William Fields hop the Channel and move to a farmhouse in France. All three seasons and 18 episodes of gentle fun.

Disc 1 (Series 1)
Episode One: Chunnel Vision
William and Hester decide to visit France to get a feel for what their life there might be like. With his accountant mind, William weighs the pros and cons of making a move. Somehow, it all turns on a serving of shepherd's pie.

Episode Two: William the Conquered
The Fields break the news to their daughter and son-in-law that they're relocating to France. Now all they have to do is find a place to live, which ends up being more challenging than either expected.

Episode Three: Moving Experience
Moving out of their home in England proves a trying experience for William. Getting to their new house in France turns out to be just as tough-especially after Hester misplaces their passports and William forgets which side of the road to drive on.

Episode Four: Où Est La Plumber de Ma Tante?
William prepares for his first day of work in France, and Hester faces the prospect of dealing with a French plumber. But just as she starts organizing her new home, an unexpected lunchtime caller throws off her whole afternoon.

Episode Five: Who's Been Eating My Porridge?
Hester insists on having William's new boss and his wife over for dinner-and on serving some real English cheese for the occasion. William's efforts to oblige bring about his first brush with the law.

Episode Six: Le Week-End
The Fields host their first visitors from England when their daughter, Emma, and her husband arrive for a short break. By the end of the visit, William and Hester are ready for a break of their own.

Disc 2 (Series 2)
Episode One: Long Leggedy Beasties and Things That Go Bump in the Night
When the nocturnal activities of a local farmer keep the Fields up at night, William decides to complain to the mayor-until he finds out who the mayor is. Hester intervenes to teach everyone a lesson about getting along.

Episode Two: Inside Story
A top French magazine wants to do a story about the increasing number of English people moving to France-and picks the Fields as a typical couple. Thanks to a series of misunderstandings, the magazine gets a distorted view of the English.

Episode Three: Sheep May Safely Graze
Hester wins a raffle at the village fair. But when she goes to pick up her prize, she learns it's not just a leg of mutton but four legs-and they're still attached to the sheep.

Episode Four: Home and Away
William is looking forward to his annual vacation, when he'll go on a motoring tour of France. The nautical Hester and daughter Emma have other ideas, however, and before long William is ready to jump ship.

Episode Five: Sale or Return
When the Fieldses' lease on their beloved farmhouse comes to an end, their obnoxious English neighbors try to buy the place. William and Hester are powerless to stop them, until they get help from an unexpected source.

Episode Six: Double or Quit
William wins the respect of the locals when he proves adept at the French game of boules. His newly demonstrated skills not only allow him to win the game, but also to secure for Hester the thing she treasures above all else about their life in France.

Episode Seven: Noel, Noel
Hester is determined to serve a traditional English Christmas dinner for her neighbors and for Emma and her family. But one mishap after another leaves her celebrating the day with her son-in-law-and William on the far side of the Channel with their daughter.

Disc 3 (Series 3)
Episode One: French with Tears
Misunderstanding French ways lands Hester in a French jail. Misjudging the local speed limit as he drives to her aid gets William arrested, too. Hester's only hope is Emma's husband, who has been taking night courses on French law.

Episode Two: The Merry, Merry Pipes
Hester agrees to show a group of British house-hunters some local properties, while William struggles with a plumbing problem at his own house. William's difficulties mount when Hester's tour party shows up to use the bathroom.

Episode Three: Make for the Hills!
Emma's in-laws arrive unexpectedly for a visit, and the Fields look for any excuse to get out of town. They go on a camping trip and somehow end up in Paris. Once there, William and Hester realize they shouldn't have bothered.

Episode Four: Surprise, Surprise
The Fields are approaching their 25th wedding anniversary, and William is determined to throw Hester a surprise party. His secrecy gets Hester suspicious, however, and she doubts they will ever celebrate their 26th.

Episode Five: Darling Daughters
Hester runs afoul of the mayor when she tries to discipline his daughter, while William has problems with his own daughter, Emma. Hester tries to explain the concept of fair play to the French by explaining the rules of cricket.

Episode Six: Hail & Farewell
William learns that getting fired in French sounds just the same as it does in English. The Fields know they can always go back to England if the worst comes to the worst. When they learn who's renting the farmhouse next door, it soon does.

Directed by Mark Stuart, Derrick Goodwin
Written by Ian Davidson
Produced by James Gilbert
Costume Design by Lyn Harvey