This is the first episode of Barriers, a mini-series from the early 1980s. It's not as widely known as it deserves to be, although there have been many messages and comments from people who remember its high production values and emotionally rewarding & unusual subject matter very fondly.

The series follows Billy (Benedict Taylor), who is in his late teens when his destiny is changed by family tragedy. Vincent Whitaker (Paul Rogers), aged 70, is shocked to find that he has suddenly become Billy's guardian. Through 20 episodes Billy searches for the truth about his background while gradually forming a close friendship with Mr Whitaker.

William Corlett's script explores themes of social, emotional, political and psychological barriers to achievement and happiness. These themes are developed in the context of Billy's transition to adulthood.

One of Corlett's strongest messages is that while many obstacles in life are imposed on us, some are of our own making. The pressure of family expectations, for example, the shadow thrown by the past, the way others see us and so on: these can be barriers to fulfilment, but for many in the series they are also burdens of convenience behind which to hide.

Barriers of race, age, language and distance are explored, and poverty too, although the problems of many characters arise from too much money, rather than too little. Despite the obviousness of some of these themes, character development and plot are always paramount, there are many enjoyable light touches, and moments of heavy-handedness - in script, performance, or direction - are rare. And the two leads give outstanding performances throughout.

Many well-known British actors make guest appearances, most memorably Siân Phillips, but also Michael Gough, Joan Sanderson, Robert Urquhart, Joan Hickson, Nicholas Courtney, Laurence Naismith and Robert Addie. There are also appearances by some distinguished European performers. Patricia Lawrence appears in many episodes as Miss Price, Vincent's secretary.

Filming took place at various locations in Britain as well as Salzburg, Munich and the Alps. Bamburgh in Northumberland is Billy's favourite place.

The series was produced by Margaret Bottomley and directed by Tony Kysh & Bob Hird, with music by David Haslam.

The series consisted of 20 episodes, all of which have been divided into three parts for uploading to youtube.

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