wilsonstuart-32346 Paul McGann (later the mid Nineties Doctor Who) excels in the titular role of Percy Toplis, minor confidence artist, serial impersonator, military deserter, black marketeer, also a convicted rapist and alleged murderer, and a supposed ringleader behind the (long suppressed) First World War mutiny in Etaples, a notorious training centre used to acclimatise British and Commonwealth troops to front line conditions in Flanders.Whether Toplis was even there is open to debate; his regiment was abroad during the the mutiny's time frame, but give his habit of desertion and impersonation, it is just possible that he was there. Perhaps, like the sinister officer with the odd accent and uniform, his involvement was yet another Wartime myth that grew preverbial 'arms and legs'.Regardless of the contraversies, the series is well acted and directed, with a powerful message about the brutalisation of war on individuals and societies. Certainly, there is no mention of Toplis's pre-War conviction from rape; but was there any evidence of sexual violence during the mutiny? There was no conclusive proof that Toplis was involved in black marketeering, or at least the racket that would eventually lead to his own highly ironic (and irregular) death.A final point about Etaples - that happens all right, and was hushed up for over seventy years, barring a reference in a comic strip called 'Charley's War'!

alcorcrisan I must say I've come across this title accidentally, in David Suchet's book about his experience of playing Hercule Poirot, where he mentions Paul McGann and his part in "The Monocled Mutineer". Whether the television production and / or the book it is based upon observe the historical details seems to me to be rather irrelevant. I have made my judgement based upon the four episodes alone. The actor playing the main part is perfectly cast, and the music signed by George Fenton is an essential element contributing to the overall haunting nature of the film. All the other actors and actresses play their respective parts to perfection, and make the series a serious contender for a much better reputation in the history of BBC productions. The horrors of war and war-mongering, the stupidity of officers and NCOs alike, the pretext offered by continental conflict to an expression of man's basest instincts, including that of resorting to torture - be it psychological or physical - they are as many chances given to the anti-hero to show himself in his true dimension. Awesome, as the Americans say!

dunkah The reason this drama has not been repeated is that after the first broadcast the BBC came under fire from the government and were banned from screening it again. This was due to the sensitivity of the subject matter, i.e. Percy Toplis and the mutiny at "The Bull Ring", a harsh British Army training ground in Etaples, France. There is a lot of mist around Percy Toplis who was finally tracked down and killed some years after the end of the war. No one truly knows the events that transpired at the Bull Ring for certain and we won't know until 2017 when the files on the event will finally be released. Until then all we have is this drama and i think there should be a demand that it should be broadcast again, some 18 years on.

scott jarmy For some reason this series is has not been repeated as often as many other inferior dramas which appear on T.V. at present. mainly set in the trenches of the First World War, it follows the life of the leader of the main British mutiny - Percy Toplis. Its cast is first rate, most of the main actors have spread their wings well, and the music is haunting for want of a better word.If you do get a chance to see this, then watch it. Not a gore fest or flag waver. It does show some of the brutality in a early 20th century army, akin to the first half of Full Metal Jacket. Its the sort of film which can leave a lasting impression with you!