French Fields

French Fields is a British situation comedy. It ran for 19 episodes from 5 September 1989 to 8 October 1991. It was written by John T. Chapman and Ian Davidson and was produced by Thames Television for ITV. The series starred Anton Rodgers and Julia McKenzie as husband and wife William and Hester Fields and followed the series Fresh Fields, which ran from 7 March 1984 to 23 October 1986. At the end of the last series of Fresh Fields, William accepted a position with a French company. French Fields follows Hester and William after they make the move to Calais. Other regular cast included their French real estate agent Chantal, who was also the Fields' neighbour to the left. On the right, were the horrible and snobbish English couple the Trendles. Hester and William also coped with Madame Remoleux, an unintelligible and ancient French woman who lived in and cared for the estate — called Les Hirondelles — where they all lived. Also, popping in on a regular basis, were local farmer and mayor Monsieur Dax and his daughter Marie-Christine, to whom Hester did her best to teach English. Nicholas Courtney also appeared frequently as the Marquis.

Comedy

Seasons

1. Chunnel Vision

Air Date: 1989-09-05

When William is offered a job with a company in France, Hester is eager to move across the Channel. However doubts creep in when they struggle to find a house and their daughter objects to selling the family home.

2. William the Conqueror

Air Date: 1989-09-12

William and Hester set out to conquer a new country, a new language, and a new culture.

3. A Moving Experience

Air Date: 1989-09-19

The English Channel and Hester pose problems during the move to France.

4. Ou Est La Plumber De Ma Tante?

Air Date: 1989-09-26

William's first day in a French office is complicated by language problems.

5. Who's Been Eating My Porridge?

Air Date: 1989-10-03

Hester cooks a traditional English meal to impress William's French boss.

6. Le Week-End

Air Date: 1989-10-10

The Fields' daughter Emma comes to visit during the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution.

1. Long Legged Beasties and Things That Go Bump in the Night

Air Date: 1990-09-24

The Fields' sleep is disturbed by a local farmer.

2. Inside Story

Air Date: 1990-10-01

France's biggest-selling magazine chooses William and Hester as typical of the Brits who are pouring over the Channel.

3. Sheep May Safely Graze

Air Date: 1990-10-08

The Fields find themselves in trouble with the Mayor and the local authorities when they try to add some finishing touches to their garden. Hester and William get more than they bargained for when they win the village raffle.

4. Home and Away

Air Date: 1990-10-15

Dax and the Marquis argue over a patch of land. Unfortunately for the Fields, their landlord decides to seel the property. William and Hester agree to go on a boating holiday with Emma, their son in law and grandson.

5. Sale Or Return

Air Date: 1990-10-22

With the house up for sale, Hester and William struggle to raise enough money to put in a serious bid. Things are made worse when the Trendles express a keen interest in purchasing the property.