Although some of the comments made on this BBC series are founded in fact, there are several which are completely false; Toplis did exist he was part of the "Mutiny" at "The Bull Ring" which was a brutal training ground for British soldiers during WWI in which troops were exposed to the effects of mustard gas at the hands of there own superior officers and, also in which counts of summary execution for Desertion number in the THOUSANDS!! The reason this adaptation of his story was received with such an extreme reaction from the British High Command was that it highlighted a situation which ultimately could have cost the Allies the war and which was totally caused by the Brutal nature shown by officers and military police to there own Conscripted soldiers. It is indeed true that the British Army files must be made available to the public in 2017, my only concern is that after 100 years of lies and deceit, how much of the truth remains unaltered and unabridged? This story, for me, highlights the view that any and all military powers have towards there own troops, one of complete contempt.

whether you agree or disagree with the total factual accuarcy of this programme, it remains the most moving and thought provoking drama based around the first world war that i have ever encountered. the fact that it has only been repeated once since 1987 is a sad reflection on the cowardice of the modern day British establishment rather than then the alleged cowardice of ordinary men involved in an extraordinary war. if you ever get an opportunity to view this piece of work - DO - it will challenge your opinions and make you anxious for 2017 when perhaps the truth will be told. the performances of not only the principle actors but the lesser known characters were exceptional and the production was immaculate (i seem to remember that only authentic period cigarettes were smoked and the solicitors office in somerset that was painted pink to recreate the brothel was so effective that it remained that way for some time afterwards!)

Whatever the conditions of "The Bull Ring" and whatever reasons the men had for mutiny, Percy Toplis of monocle fame, small-time crook and impostor (and, finally, convicted murderer) wasn't in Etaples at the time. Whatever the reason for the misidentification, whether it was another Percy Toplis in the mutiny or what, using a historical figure who played no part in the action as the hero of the show undercuts its credence. This is not to say a movie about the mutiny might not be valuable, or there shouldn't be a movie about the fascinating career of Percy Toplis, but combining the two is inaccurate. Some good actors (Timothy West, Cherie Lunghi, and Paul McGann bringing to life the flamboyant Toplis) help make it worth watching, but if you ever get a chance to see it, remember it's a work of fiction.

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!