All Creatures Great and Small

Saturdays at 6pm

In 1972, a compilation volume of the part memoir, part fictional work of James Herriot, a British veterinarian, was published in the U.S. The book became a best-seller, and six years later, in 1978, the BBC broadcast its first season of All Creatures Great and Small.

The series starts in 1937 — just before World War II — when a young veterinarian arrives in the rustic Yorkshire village of Darrowby to start his first job with a well-established practice run by Drs. Sigfriend and Tristan Farnon (brothers with a somewhat contentious relationship). The health of "womittin" dogs, pet piglets, bloated cows, cows struck by lightening, even a Pekinese named Tricki Woo — indeed all creatures great and small — become Herriot's inroads to a local population that is staunchly suspicious of strangers. Over the course of 20 years, and scenario after scenario in which Herriot's knowledge, healing skills, and natural humor and diplomacy shine, Herriot becomes a respected member of the rather crusty community.

The series first ran for three seasons, pausing when its characters are drawn into World War II. It was revived in 1988 for another two seasons, with a few casting changes. Check out the episode list at the Internet Movie Database for more details.

What else have cast members done? Find out courtesy of the Internet Movie Database:

Christopher Timothy was an unknown actor with a roster of bit parts when cast as James Herriot. After All Creatures Great and Small, he became a household name and a creative force in the "All Creatures Great and Small" franchise, writing and producing "James Herriot's Yorkshire: The Film" which was released in 1993. He's had a starring role for six years on the British drama Doctors.
Robert Hardy (Siegfried Farnon) was already a well-known character actor when he took on his All Creatures Great and Small role and played Winston Churchill in a 1981 miniseries. Since All Creatures Great and Small, he's been in numerous BBC mysteries, including Inspector Morse and Foyle's War and has played Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter films.
Peter Davison (Tristan Farnon) played the romantic lead in Masterpiece Theatre's "Love for Lydia" just before being cast as Dr. Farnon. He's been on an episode of Jonathan Creek, and played the recurring character of Inspector Harry Christmas on The Mrs. Bradley Mysteries.
Carol Drinkwater (Helen in 1977-1985 episodes) had a few roles in television up until 2000.
Lydia Bellingham (Helen in 1988-1990 episodes) has been in quite a few television series, including Waking the Dead and Doctor Who. She's apparently well known in Britain for a role in a series of television commercials.

Buy the complete All Creatures Great and Small series at the the PBS Shop.