Rutting in Rutshire!

As a seasoned movie reviewer who has witnessed the evolution of television from black-and-white sets to high-definition screens, I must say that stepping into the set of “Rivals” felt like a trip down memory lane, all the way back to my school discos in the 80s. The vibrant costumes, the larger-than-life personalities, and the electric blue eye shadow – it’s a spectacle that has me reminiscing about my own polka dot suits and bouncy hairdos!

Amidst a sea of electric blue eye shadow buckets, broad-shouldered suits adorned with polka dots and pinstripes, towering hairdos resembling haystacks, all held in place by enough hairspray to launch a rocket – it’s as if I’ve stepped back in time for the school’s final disco. In reality, I find myself on the set of Rivals, Disney+’s lavish take on Jilly Cooper’s 1988 blockbuster romance novel.

In this massive restaurant, serving as a high-end eatery within the novel’s fictional Rutshire of 1986, Aidan Turner, sporting a mustache that would make Tom Selleck envious, is waiting to appear as Declan O’Hara, the TV talk show host. Also part of the cast are David Tennant playing the flamboyantly named Lord Baddingham, Danny Dyer portraying the kind-hearted and wealthy Freddie Jones, and Alex Hassell taking on the role of Rupert Campbell-Black, a polo player turned Tory minister who is quite the charmer. The atmosphere in the room is tense with anticipation, but when a tiny, cheerful figure enters through the door, there’s an audible silence – Dame Jilly, herself, has arrived.

In a peaceful nook later on, she shares her excitement for the project with a modesty, laughter, and enthusiasm that’s characteristic of the mind behind delectable literary works and TV series: “It’s truly amazing!” When asked about the producers, she replies, “They’re simply outstanding; they don’t actually need me.

It’s undeniably false to suggest that Cooper isn’t well-known. With 45 published works since her debut guide to marriage, “How to Stay Married,” in 1969 and over 11 million books sold just in the UK, she is mainly recognized for her “Rutshire Chronicles.” This extensive collection of eleven novels, starting with “Riders” in 1985, chronicles the lives of the upper-class in Rutshire, depicting their adventures in various settings such as bedrooms, boardrooms, stables, and swimming pools. The second book in this series, titled “Rivals,”, delves into the intense competition during the 1980s to acquire a regional TV franchise. As Cooper puts it, “Of all the books I’ve written, Rivals is my favorite. The struggle for franchises back then was fierce, and people amassed considerable fortunes.

Lots of men are promiscuous until they find true love

Cooper has had numerous opportunities to adapt her books for the screen, but it’s only recently that [producer] Dominic Treadwell-Collins approached and stuck around. The ideas he proposed were delightful and he himself was charming. It just worked out that way. Plus, the fact that he shares a surname with an aristocratic title, that’s an added bonus. She smiles. “And that’s quite elegant.

In this captivating new drama, I find myself drawn to the charismatic character, Rupert Campbell-Black, much like I did in the books. This role was so crucial that the director, Cooper, refused to budge on casting. Initially, she had reservations about Alex Hassell due to his dark hair, but once they met, well, he certainly won her over with his charm. Rupert Campbell-Black is a blend of several real-life individuals, including Rupert Lycett Green, Andrew Parker Bowles, and the Earls of Suffolk and Berkshire – all men I had the pleasure of encountering shortly after my family and I moved to the Cotswolds in 1982.

Upon settling down in the countryside, I encountered some remarkable gentlemen who turned out to be wonderful friends. Through them, I learned about the etiquette of the upper class in that region. By the way, do their appearances in my novels bother them at all?

Campbell-Black exudes an appealing charm that bounces off walls, yet he’s not always gracious in how he uses it. To put it another way, Cooper states, “People can behave in a less than admirable manner, and this was certainly the case in the 1980s. Rupert possesses many positive traits. He shows affection towards his pets, is a competent MP, and cherishes his wife deeply. They share a passionate love that blossomed. Many men are known to be very promiscuous until they find their true partner.

Does she believe men like Campbell-Black are at risk of being squashed out of society today? “Yes. When did you last see a fantastically attractive man on television in drama recently?” Hmm, Poldark? Another grin. “He’s in my story. I love good-looking, glamorous, funny, macho men.”

Cooper’s primary love story was with Leo, her husband of 52 years, who passed away in 2013. She expresses: “True happiness in marriage comes from squeaky bed frames, not just physical intimacy but mostly laughter. A touch of both, but certainly laughter is essential. He was wonderful, humorous, intelligent, knowledgeable about military history and compassionate. He adored cats while I loved dogs, so we found a way to coexist.” She might be hinting at his publicized affair in the 1980s that tested their marriage when she says, “Of course there were highs and lows, but during a low period, you simply hold on and hope it improves.

Cooper’s tales are equally steamy and lovestruck – she just wants people to be content – but amidst the dirty boots, dogs on rugs, and pies cooling on kitchen counters, there are hints of progressiveness in her novels as well as their TV adaptations. The female characters exhibit strength and independence. “The women back then were charmed, and they could charm,” Cooper explains, followed by a wistful remark, “Gorgeous men and women… and they didn’t argue much.

30 years since the book was published, has the essence of love and courtship evolved? She laments. “Nowadays, nearly half of teenagers grow up without their parents being together. It’s such a pity. A lasting marriage still offers the most fulfilling life experience, and if possible, people should strive to maintain it despite the challenges.” She adds, “The world today can be quite daunting. Don’t let go of hope so easily.

In reality, Cooper considers Camilla Parker Bowles, who is now widely recognized as Queen Consort, to be one of her friends. The author speaks highly of her, expressing admiration and belief in her ability to make an excellent queen. She also finds her current appearance beautiful and has noticed a newfound glamour about her. Furthermore, Camilla represents for Cooper the ideal of a happy ending.

2024-10-10 14:04

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