TV/film/books Downton Abbey

[jbtsax]

Title: Downton Abbey

Genre: Drama

Creator: Julian Fellowes

Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, Laura Carmichael, Elizabeth McGovern, Phyllis Logan, Penelope Wilton, Brendan Coyle, Joanne Froggatt, Robert James-Collier, Lesley Nicol, Sophie McShera, Raquel Cassidy, Allen Leech

First aired: 2010-09-26

Overview: A chronicle of the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era—with great events in history having an effect on their lives and on the British social hierarchy.

 

[jbtsax]

Having almost run out of shows to watch I took a chance on this classic series that I have seen the name of for years, but never thought it would be something I would like. I just finished season 4 and it has become one of my all time favorite shows. The historical settings, the interesting cast of characters, and the creative story lines give it a charm and appeal like no other show I've seen. Some of the lines given to the character played by Maggie Smith are absolutely hilarious.

 

[Jeanette]

I never found the time to watch this 🙁

Jx

 

[Pete Effamy]

JBT Noooooooooooo

 

[6441]

I would guess the American audience is larger than the British one? They ate up Upstairs, Downstairs IIRC.

 

[Pete Effamy]

Pretty big here too. I can't get over the notion that the masters of the house speak so openly and freely to their servants - it didn't happen.

 

[nigeld]

I enjoyed it!

 

[Pete Effamy]

I enjoyed it!

Shhhh

 

[nigeld]

 

[Targa]

Pretty big here too. I can't get over the notion that the masters of the house speak so openly and freely to their servants - it didn't happen.

Most of my family find it best to speak openly and freely to the servants, (not that they understand most of the conversation), especially those in the kitchen.

 

[MandyH]

Interestingly, I had never watched it either, but we recently visited new friends in Ontario, with new friends from Ohio.
The American lady talked about this a lot, so in our return, I searched the various subscription channels we have care of our sons, and found the whole lot!
I am just finishing series 5 and have to agree it’s swallowed me up - I have to ration myself to one episode a day!

 

[MandyH]

I never found the time to watch this 🙁

Jx

Please do!
I discovered it 6 weeks ago and am seriously hooked!

 

[Pete Effamy]

Most in-service workers were treated pretty appallingly. WW1 put paid to much of it, bringing women into the workforce and giving them the opportunity to earn their own money. It's just posh Eastenders.

 

[Tenor Viol]

There is a castle not far from where I live. The estate manager for the castle sang with the chamber choir I was in for many years. His boss was the Dowager Marchioness.... he loved watching it...

 

[jbtsax]

There is a castle not far from where I live. The estate manager for the castle sang with the chamber choir I was in for many years. His boss was the Dowager Marchioness.... he loved watching it...

Watching shows like this and "The Crown" are as close as some of us on the other side of the pond will ever get to experiencing the architecture, country side, history, and culture that those in the UK possibly take for granted. Perhaps that's why some of these shows are quite popular over here. I also appreciate and look forward to @tenorviol sharing his excellent photographs with us at the cafe.

 

[saxyjt]

None of the things we see on TV, hear or read in the news are 100% accurate. Each time I hear about a subject I know inside out, I find they (media) are way off. But I'm still good public and I enjoyed 'Downton Abbey' as someone who travelled to the UK a lot over the years and grew a foundness for the people and the country.

 

[Pete Effamy]

There is a castle not far from where I live. The estate manager for the castle sang with the chamber choir I was in for many years. His boss was the Dowager Marchioness.... he loved watching it...

Not in Edwardian times though.

 

[jbtsax]

This video clip shows my favorite quote by the Dowager Countess played by Maggie Smith.

 

[Tenor Viol]

Watching shows like this and "The Crown" are as close as some of us on the other side of the pond will ever get to experiencing the architecture, country side, history, and culture that those in the UK possibly take for granted. Perhaps that's why some of these shows are quite popular over here. I also appreciate and look forward to @tenorviol sharing his excellent photographs with us at the cafe.

Thanks @jbtsax - here is a pic from the concert I went to on Tuesday - the concert room in St. George's Hall in Liverpool... dates to early 1800s