Your Cheatin' Heart DVD Review

4 stars for this classic drama from the BBC.

Written by John Byrne (Tutti Frutti) and directed by Michael White (Frontiers), Your Cheatin’ Heart was first shown on the BBC in 1990 and now finally comes to DVD, boasting fantastic new artwork by writer John Byrne, who is also an artist.

Your Cheatin’ Heart tells the story of Cissie Crouch (Tilda Swinton – Moonrise Kingdom, Constantine), a waitress in a piano bar in Glasgow, which sports a “wee poky hat” on top. The irony of the uniform they are expected to wear (prison clothes) is not lost on her, as she is the wife of Dorwood Crouch (Kevin McMonagle – Greenfingers), a country and western singer, currently serving time for a crime he did not commit.

When local food and wine journalist Frank McClusky (John Gordon Sinclair – Gregory’s Girl, World War Z) runs into Cissie in the piano bar and begins to fall for her he has no idea what he is getting himself into. They are soon joined by Fraser Boyle (Ken Stott – The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies), a former member of the band and one time friend who is keen to find both money and merchandise that he has misplaced.

Also thrown into the mix are Billie (Katy Murphy – Dear Frankie) and Jolene (Eddi Reader – Me and Orson Wells), by day a taxi company, by night a country duo called the McFail sisters. As the story goes on, the connections between all of these characters become more apparent, all heading for a hectic climax in Aberdeen.

This is a brilliant series, full of drama and laugh out loud funny from start to finish. It’s not all about the comedy however, there are lots of serious issues and more than a few tender moments to go along with it.

The acting is also excellent, with the best performance by miles coming from the fabulous Tilda Swinton who really shines in this role and is backed up by a great cast. There is also plenty of really great country music with some stunning performances from Eddi Reader (Fairground Attraction), Katy Murphy and Tilda Swinton.

The only problem with it, is that fashions were very different in Glasgow at the end of the eighties and these days it is rather difficult to take seriously a gangster with a mullet. That aside though, this is a great series and it really is worth taking the opportunity to see this gem once again.

“Just let me check out back and see if the hens have laid any pancakes…”