Bless Me, Father - The Complete Collection - Region 0

Set in the small suburban London parish of St. Jude in the 1950s, Bless Me, Father revolves around the blustery veteran priest, Father Duddleswell (Arthur Lowe); his inexperienced young curate, Father Boyd (Daniel Abineri); and their comically unflappable housekeeper, Mrs. Pring (Gabrielle Daye). While Neil bumbles earnestly through new professional situations such as counseling couples with marital problems or dinner with an eccentric and wealthy parishioner, Father Duddleswell handles the duties of priesthood with patient aplomb and an amusing eye on the parish coffers' bottom line. Among the series' 21 episodes (the last three of which never aired) are "The Parish Bazaar," in which Duddleswell is convinced God will provide good weather for the annual fundraiser; "The Seal of Confession," in which Duddleswell learns that confessions are being overheard; and "The Tennis Match," in which a Catholic becomes Mayor and Duddleswell seeks his favor. Other amusing topics range from practical jokes in the priests' residence and unfinished weddings to a tricky burial at sea--what should they do if the deceased turns out to be a Protestant? While some may find the pace a little slow or the humor quaint, others will find Bless Me, Father a program to enjoy with the whole family. --Tara Chace

In this hilarious Britcom classic, a newly minted priest learns the ropes from a crusty veteran with a gentle brogue and a sharp eye on the bottom line. Arthur Lowe (Dad’s Army) stars as Father Duddleswell, wily pastor of St. Jude’s parish in suburban London. Daniel Abineri is the eager young priest who gets on-the-job training in the finer points of sustaining and supporting the flock. A tart-tongued housekeeper (Gabrielle Daye) and imperious Mother Superior (Sheila Keith) add to the fun. It’s an affectionate send-up of 1950s Catholicism written by Peter de Rosa and based on his popular autobiographical novels.