A Short Stay in Switzerland (2009)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Short Stay in Switzerland is a contemporary drama about life and death which premiered on British television (BBC) in 2009.

 

It is based on a true story. The main character is Dr Anne Turner (1939-2006).

 

The topic is assisted suicide, which is a serious and highly controversial topic.

 

Here is some basic information about this drama:

 

** Director: Simon Curtis

** Writer: Frank McGuinness

** Run time: ca 90 minutes

 

The cast includes the following:

 

The first group

** Julie Walters as Dr Anne Turner

** Stephen Campbell Moore as Edward (son)

** Lyndsay Marshal as Jessica Wharton (daughter)

** Liz White as Sophie Pandit (daughter)

 

The second group

** Michelle Fairley as Mrs Savery (housekeeper)

** Patrick Malahide as Richard (a doctor)

** Harriet Walter as Clare (a friend)

** Fergus Walsh as himself (a BBC reporter)

 

Since this drama is based on a true story, the basic facts are part of the public record. They are not a secret. When the story begins, we know how it is going to end.

 

While this drama is based on a true story, it is not a documentary film. It is a dramatized version of events. Not everything happened exactly as shown here. But the basic story is true.

 

I do not want to say too much about what happens in this drama. I will merely offer a brief introduction:

 

In this drama, we follow Dr Anne Turner and the people around her during the final years of her life. The story ends in 2006. It is not quite clear when it begins. I think it must be in 2002 or 2003, that is three or four years before she passed away.

 

What do reviewers say about this drama?

 

On IMDb it has a rating of 75 per cent, which corresponds to 3.8 stars on Amazon.

 

On Amazon UK there are at the moment 97 ratings of this product, 61 with reviews.

 

The average rating is 4.6 stars, which corresponds to a rating of 92 percent.

 

If you ask me, the former rating is too low, while the latter rating is more appropriate.

 

Why?

 

This drama has a clear message and tries to support it with a line of arguments. Whether you agree with the message or not, I think it is worth watching.

 

It will make a big impression on you and give you something to think about.

 

Some parts are difficult to watch. The topic is so serious and the story is so sad. There is no entertainment here. You cannot enjoy this drama. But I think you will be able to appreciate it. I think you will find it has some value and some importance.

 

Watch the drama and make up your own mind. I want to go all the way to the top with this product. I think it deserves a rating of five stars (100 percent).

 

REFERENCE

 

You Don't Know Jack

 

This is a historical and biographical drama which premiered in 2010.

 

This drama is about the life and work of Dr Jack Kevorkian (1928-2011) who supported a terminal patient's right to die by physician-assisted suicide.

*****

A Short Stay in Switzerland

A contemporary drama

(BBC, 2009)

 

*****