#bbctvplays

Coast to Coast - Sandy Johnson (1987) - TV Movie

Two guys meet, one American, a deserter from the US army, one Brit, and they are drawn together by their mutual love of Soul music. Neither being gainfully employed they decide to start a mobile disco service for fellow soul lovers, which leads them to buy an ice cream van, and the adventure begins. Before long they find themselves on the run from the bad guys and the police.

A fantastic TV movie in a similar humurous vein to the work of Alan Bleasdale and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet (the writer - Stan Hey - worked on that show...and Spender) about a couple of regular Joes going on a road trip of sorts. Along the way they bump into an assortment of familiar faces in the TV and comedy world of the 80's like Dougie Brown and Shake Hands, even Pete Postlethwaite steals a few scenes with a particularly seedy character and Peter Vaughan shows up as a violent hysterical gangster. 

Lenny Henry brings a real charm and humour to his role, his onscreen partner doesn't quite match his energy or chemistry but he's supposed to be a bit moody.

So, a really fun road movie with some heart and a fantastic soundtrack of sunny soul music. Unfairly forgotten and only available as blurry VHS recordings; come on BBC, sort it out.

8/10