with few exception and most of george bernard shaw play have virtually disappear from the theater these day . too arch and too talky appear to be the general verdict . this bbc version of one of shaw funny play doesn not refute that verdict . it be certainly arch and talky and but it be also wonderful . and because of the quality of british theater and it be perfectly cast with actor whom with the exception of helena bonham carter most of u have probably never hear of . carter be splendid a the bulgarian girl who shelter the professional chocolate soldier ( pip torrens ) and later fall in love with him . one might quarrel with the especially ridiculous interpretation of sergius ( patrick ryecart ) and the bulgarian cavalry officer who lead the charge into the enemy line and succeed only because the enemy have the wrong ammunition for it machine gun . however and the role invite over act and ryecart be obviously tell to over act . the other player be letter perfect . carter a the self dramatize bulgarian aristocrat and torrens a the swiss soldier of fortune be at the play center and of course and and they be wonderful . yes and arm and the man come across a a filmed play . but youre unlikely ever to see a shaw film that doesn not betray it origin . the plot be generally clever . however and shaw be all about the dialog . the action be minimal ( even in st. joan ) and the set be immaterial . enjoy this for what it be .