Overview: In a small village in the south of England, Dick Dewy, a handsome working man, falls in love with Fancy Day, a newly arrived schoolteacher from a wealthy family who happens to be the village beauty. But other, richer men also want to win the hand of Fancy. There's Farmer Shiner, a wealthy landowner, and Reverend Maybold, the decent young vicar. Who will win Fancy's hand? And even if she agrees to marry Dick, will her father consent to the marriage? This charming, timeless story of rural life gave Thomas Hardy his first real taste of success, and with its rustic setting and moving tale of young love, it weaves a spell that still entrances today.

DVD Verdict: Thomas Hardy's "Under the Greenwood Tree" is considered a slight novel when compared to the great tragedies--"Tess of the D'Urbervilles" and "Jude the Obscure." Nonetheless it is a delightful tale, and this made-for-television film adaptation is an exquisite recreation of the novel. The main story is a pastoral romance set in the quaint village of Mellstock. The arrival of Miss Fancy Day (Keeley Hawes) sparks speculation amongst the gossipy villagers as to the identity of her future husband. Squire Shiner (Steve Pemberton) seems to be the likeliest candidate for Fancy's hand. He's the wealthiest man in the area, he's obviously smitten by Fancy, and her father promotes the match. Parson Maybold (Ben Miles) emerges as another contender for Fancy's heart, but Fancy is drawn to Dick Dewy (James Murray) in spite of the fact he's not considered her social equal. The courtship of Fancy Day is set against a sub-plot involving the Mellstock church choir. Parson Maybold wishes to replace the choir with a new organ, and he wants Fancy to usurp the choir's traditional spot in church. Maybold considers this evidence of his progressive nature, but the villagers, who are bound to tradition, view Maybold's behaviour unfavorably. The film's cinematography emphasizes the beauty of nature, and the relationships people have with the land. One of the film's best scenes occurs when the local gentry attend a garden party--complete with musicians. The country folk stand outside the Squire's mansion and watch the gentry arrive, but then they decide to have music of their own. The robust accordions and gay fiddles of the simple folk soon drown out the sedate ensemble playing anemically for the wealthy of Mellstock. The film's playful, rustic spirit stays remarkably true to the novel, and while there's nothing earth shattering here, "Under the Greenwood Tree" is a delightful adaptation of a gentle tale to be enjoyed by fans of British television costume drama--displacedhuman. This is a Full Screen Presentation (4:3) and comes with the Special Features of a "The Making of Under the Greenwood Tree" featurette.