Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Unenthused by summer blockbusters? TV reruns got you down? Yeah. Me, too.
That's because my heart belongs to period pieces and all the grandeur and tangled emotions they possess (or, as my Netflix queue likes to call it, "Romantic British period pieces featuring a strong female lead"). And if you're like me, nothing reminds you more of this love than the lack of suitable entertainment to fill the void — a void left particularly bleak by the (temporary) absence of "Downton Abbey."
If you're pining for a show to take you back to the glamour and intrigue of Downton and just can't wait until season 4 — slated to kick off in the states next January — take heart. Here's a short list of movies and TV shows to help you fill the void until then.
If you're a fan of British period drama, you're no doubt already well aware of both incarnations of the series "Upstairs, Downstairs," and perhaps even a die-hard fan. The show, which originally aired from 1971-1975, chronicled the inhabitants of 165 Eaton Place — both above stairs and below — in the years from 1903 to 1930. In 2010 the BBC produced a spin-off of the same name, which begins in 1936. While the original series contains much more depth (and, for that matter, breadth), the second packs a powerful visual punch. (Seriously — after watching just the first episode, I spent days trying to figure out how to redecorate my living room to match the stunning black, white and robin-egg blue parlor of the redesigned Bellamy-turned-Holland home.) Though the plot is both a bit far-fetched and spread a little thin — complete with casual visits from the future King of England; fascist rallies; and a hidden-away, long-lost sister — the imagery of the second series is reason enough to take a look.
Set in the 1840s, the PBS series "Cranford" whisks viewers away to a tiny English village steeped in charm, overflowing with quirky characters, and rash with Dickensian drama. Based on three novellas written by Elizabeth Gaskill, the 2007 "Masterpiece Theatre" series has equal parts light-hearted comedy, gut-wrenching drama and sweeping romance, not to mention a delightfully happy ending — everything a period-piece lover could ask for. In addition, it's superbly acted by an all-star cast, including Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, Michael Gambon, Simon Woods and even Mr. Carson himself, Jim Carter.
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
The 2008 Hollywood comedy "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day" doesn't follow the Downton mold plot-wise, but it does immerse viewers in a glamorous slice of British life. Based on the 1938 novel by Winifred Watson and set in London just before World War II, the film follows the dour yet determined Guinevere Pettigrew (played by Frances McDormand) through one life-changing, whirlwind day: She begins as a desperate, recently-fired governess who finagles a job as social secretary to the dizzying Delysia Lafosse (delightfully played by Amy Adams). Hijinks ensue, but so do many deep moments of reflection and soul searching. Just when the day seems to end as it began for Miss Pettigrew, love steps in and the film closes with a hopeful, heart-warming ending.
Yes, it's another comedy, also based on a novel (by British writer Stella Gibbons). This time it's set in the English countryside of the 1930s and presents a different take on British class distinctions. Flora Poste is a modern woman left penniless by the death of her parents, so she takes up with distant relatives on a decrepit farm who are determined to atone for an unspecified wrong done to her father. Miss Poste, the protagonist of "Cold Comfort Farm" (played by an almost unrecognizable Kate Beckinsale, in 1995), is also seen as an antagonist by the inhabitants of said farm — a strange, brooding clan set in their old and often backwards ways. Through both subtle and not-so-subtle means, hijinks again ensue, and Miss Poste sets in motion a chain of events that changes all their lives forever. The ensemble cast features hilarious performances by Ian McKellan as a fire-and-brimstone preacher, Stephen Fry as an obtuse and awkward would-be admirer, Eileen Atkins as a morose doomsayer, and Rufus Sewell as a smoldering farm-boy-turned-Hollywood star.
I would be remiss if I did not feature a Jane Austen masterpiece on a list of British period dramas. In fact, I could feature them all in good conscience, but for purposes of brevity I'll only speak of the 1995 film "Persuasion." While I personally feel the BBC version of "Pride and Prejudice" starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle is utter perfection, the drama of "Persuasion" more closely matches the brooding feel of "Downton Abbey." "Persuasion" is often thought of as Austen's best novel, and this particular movie is also widely regarded as the book's best adaptation. The film follows seemingly star-crossed lovers Anne Elliot and Capt. Frederick Wentworth (marvelously acted by Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds) years after well-intentioned meddling led to a spurned proposal. Through twists, mishaps and dashed opportunities, Miss Elliot's hope is continually risen and shattered, only to be lovingly put back together at last in one glorious, happy ending.
