Upstrairs/Downstairs (BBC-DVD-2010)
The original series of 68 hour-long episodes chronicled the lives of the rich (Upstairs) and the working class (Downstairs) in London, from 1903-30. The series ran in the U.K. from 1971-76 and was a blockbuster hit around the world, remaining a joyous memory for most.
Taking the premise of the original series of forty-odd years ago, and updating it slightly into the late 1930’s, utilizing the talents of Jean Marsh and the ever-great Eileen Atkins, co-creators of the original, who have co-written the new series (along with John Hawkesworth, producer Heidi Thomas, and John Whitney). Euros Lyn directed.
Ms. Marsh recreates her original role as Rose Buck, a chambermaid in the ‘70s version, now aged into the job of head housekeeper. We start off seeing what has become a hulking ruin of the famous 165 Eaton Place, in the then-tony section of London, Belgravia (shot today outside of London, actually). Rose runs a staffing service and helps the new owner of the mansion, Lady Holland (Keeley Hawes), wife of diplomat Sir Hallam Holland (Ed Stoppard), find an experienced butler, Mr. Pritchard (Adrian Scarborough), a cynical cook, Mrs. Thackeray (Anne Reid), a just-fresh-from-reform-school footman, Johnnie (Nico Mirallegro), a young maid, Ellie (Ivy Morris) and fascist-leaning chauffeur, Harry (Neil Jackson) as staff.
Upstairs, Sir Hallam has ensconced his titled and aristocratic mother, Maud, Lady Holland, (Eileen Atkins), who insists on interfering with the untried, but game to the task, Lady Agnes. In addition, her daughter-in-law has brought in to live with them, from their native Wales, her aristocratic, edgy and neurotic supporter of the common folk, Lady Persie (Claire Foy).
Only three expensive episodes long, this first season/experiment is still not set for another go-round, although from the excellent critical reception it received from both sides of the Atlantic, it should. As it deals with the explosive 1930s, with a world-wide depression causing political strife in the U.K., from socialist labor leaders to totalitarian-leaning home-grown fascists, to the constitutional brouhaha surrounding the new King, Edward VII, and his abdication to marry the dominating, chic and crude, American woman of his sexual dreams, Wallis Simpson, the three 90-minute episodes are a Brit-lover’s dream come true, being, as they are, superbly-rendered recreations of an England long gone.
As is usual in this form of mini-series, the experienced actors are all up to the task of creating the reality of those with riches employing those in need of jobs. Everyone is up to the task and should be recognized for this kind of superlative work in writing, directing, producing and acting.
The bonus extras allow the actors to explain their characters and how they fleshed-them-out, along with the producers and director and other creative technicians describing in wonderful detail how it all gets done.
Buy it and enjoy it. It belongs in everyone’s digital library.