, the beloved lunchtime crime drama, is still going strong in its 12th season this year. The series, which has a dedicated fan base, is loosely based on G.K. Chesterton’s short stories penned between 1910 and 1936.
While the essence of the observant and mild-mannered sleuthing Catholic priest, Father Brown (portrayed by Mark Williams), remains consistent with the source material, there are significant differences between the TV adaptation and the original text. One of the most notable disparities is the setting.
Chesterton’s Father Brown stories were set in the early part of the 20th century, during the first and second World Wars. However, the series is firmly rooted in the 1950s post-WWII era, reflecting the societal changes of the time including rationing, the illegality of homosexuality and abortion, and the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
This gives the show a unique flavour compared to the source text. The TV version of Father Brown is set exclusively in the fictional Cotswolds village of Kembleford, part of an unknown parish, whereas the books were set near Essex, reports .
Father Brown’s lead actor Mark Williams has delved into the unique aspects of filming the beloved series, particularly highlighting the classic cars that feature on the show due to its proximity to Britain’s historic automobile heartland. Williams shared his enthusiasm: “One of the pleasures of shooting Father Brown and one that I can’t really properly appreciate is the cars that we get on the shoot.”
The show takes place in the 1950s (Image: BBC)
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He expanded on the variety of vintage vehicles they have access to, saying, “In the Cotswolds we are quite close to Birmingham and Coventry which were of course the centre of British car production, so we have this amazing resource of period motors. There’s a lot of ‘ooohing’ and ‘aaahing’ over the amazing pieces of machinery we get. Long forgotten names like Armstrong Siddeley, Alvis and Sunbeam.”
Despite the excitement around the cars, Williams faced a unique issue: “One of the chief joys is that they’re also different, and nothing creates a feel of the period better than an old car. My problem is Father Brown can’t drive, so I have to make do with a bike. Not that I don’t love my bike. It’s a Pashley, made in Stratford with old-fashioned drum gears it’s actually very good uphill which is a blessing.”
Father Brown is set in a very different era to the books (Image: BBC)
With 130 episodes under his belt as he approaches the show’s 12th series, Williams reflected on his tenure: “We broadcast the 12th series of Father Brown this January, which means we have made 130 episodes. I was feeling quite impressed by this, I thought there can’t have been many people who’ve played the eponymous character in a series for 130 shows. Then I read about Jack Warner who played Dixon of Dock Green 432 times, so that took the wind out of my sails a bit.
“Making 12 series of Father Brown has enriched my life immeasurably. There have been many friendships made and we have quite a few children born during our time filming to cast and crew which makes us a real tribe. And I give thanks to G K Chesterton’s creation because Father Brown has kept me fascinated.”
Father Brown airs on One on Fridays at 2pm and series 12 is streaming as a boxset on iPlayer now