Monday, January 26, 2009

A British Series Anyone?

One of the best decisions I ever made was to get a
Netflix Membership. The movies come right to the mailbox. No trips to the store, no gas, no late fees
and best of all , their selections are great! I love British Pieces like Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, anything Jane Austen. So when I got the membership it was only natural that I browse the British pieces. There are quite a few British Television series in their inventory. We have watched several different ones but this post is about three of my favorites.
" BRAMWELL" 4 Seasons, a total of 14 Discs : Starring, Jemma Redgrave, as Dr. Eleanor Bramwell and David Calder as her father Robert, also a doctor. In 1895, Eleanor becomes a surgeon. Met with much chauvinism from her male peers who refuse to accept her into their professional and social arena, she opens a free hospital in a seedy neighborhood in London.
This series shows a different side of life in turn of the century London and the trials faced by a woman set on becoming a part of a male dominated world . The characters are enduring and you tend to feel they have become family. Hubby and I were both disappointed when it ended.

" The Forsyte Saga" Two Seasons, a total of 5 Discs: Starring, Gina McKee, as Irenie Forsyte.
Irenie marries a Forsyte that she does not love. This series follows the prominent families ups and downs for three generations but it is Irenie's life that keeps you enthralled. This is a tale of unrequited love, forbidden love, acquired love and lost love. Very well acted and a wonderful series.

And now to my favorite......." The Duchess of Duke Street" Starring, Gemma Jones, as Louisa LeytonTrotter. Two Seasons, A total of 31 episodes. WARNING : IT'S ADDICTIVE !!
This series spans twenty years in the life of ' Ms. Trotter. Louisa Leyton , who only wants to be the best cook in all of England, is forced into marriage to her employers butler, Mr. Trotter, in order to become the mistress to the Prince of Wales. When the Prince becomes King, she is set free from the affair. She then opens " The Bentick Hotel" on Duke Street in London, an exclusive
place of lodging for the high and mighty of England. You will fall in love with " Ms. Trotter as well as the character of " Lord Charlie Haselmere" along with the staff, Merriman, Star, Major, Mary
and Fred the dog. We have six episodes left to watch and we just dread the last episode, we will miss everyone at " The Bentick Hotel"and think about them for a long time to come !





16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just came in from Johnston Journal. You mentioned liking history on a comment there and here I am, because I do too. I will come back and read soon. Just wanted to say hi and let you know I stopped by. : )

Carol Murdock said...

Thank you Sizzie for dropping by the porch and I will visit your place too.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Carol, just loved your posting today !
I will have to sign up for NetFlix, I'm missing out on all those wonderful classics, I could be watching them from morning 'till night .
Sigh....
Wonderful revue :)

Reader Wil said...

"The Forsyte Saga"is also one of my favourites. I read all the books and I loved all of them.

Thank you for visiting my Australian Day post. It's important that I should talk about it.

Kat Mortensen said...

I adore "The Duchess of Duke Street"! I watched every episode with my mother when it was on PBS in the 80s(?) I also love "The Forsyte Saga" - I saw the original black and white version in the 70s and greatly enjoyed this current one - especially Gina McKee as Irene. Damien Lewis is a brutal Soames, though isn't he? I haven't seen the second series - have been trying to get hold of it...don't have a Netflix membership - can I even get it in Canada?

My mother watched all of Bramwell, but I have not seen it. Have you ever seen "The House of Eliott"? It's about two sisters who set up a fashion house in 1920s England. The costumes and hats, in particular are to die for!

Great post! I love being reminded of the good stuff on television.

Kat

Carol Murdock said...

Josephine,Wil and Kat.....
Don't we all have have great taste
in entertainment?
Kat, no I have not seen "the house of Elliot" but I will check Netflix for it!

Sweetie said...

These sound so intriguing - how could I ever miss the opportunity to see them? I'm hoping I'm not too late.
Hugs,
Sweetie

Gutsy Living said...

Have you seen Brideshead Revisited? Just rented it and haven't had a chance to see it tonight. My husband wanted Eagle Eye, totally different, instead.

Shrinky said...

I recall watching the original tv series of The Forsyte Saga" as a little kid, my parents never missed an episode. I've seen all of "Bramwell" too. Did you ever get to see "Brideshead Revisited"? "Poirot" is also a firm favourite of mine. I commend you in your taste, thanks for reminding me of some dear old friends.

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

We have been talking about downsizing some of our cable options and signing up with Netflix in order to economize. I would love to see Pride and Predjudice.

Carol Murdock said...

Sweetie..it's never too late, but I think Netflix is your best bet to find them.

Gutsy.....No I haven't but I'll add it on Netflix list.

Shrinky........we all have such good taste, EH ?

Katherine...sounds like a plan!

Kat Mortensen said...

Carol, I am LOVING your new header! It's so classic and appropriate for your fine blog.

Kat

Carol Murdock said...

Thanks Kat........I love it too!
It is so me!

Peggy said...

Break out the popcorn, Carol, I'm on my way over to watch movies with you! :-)

Sandi McBride said...

I love my Netflix account better than chocolate..okay, now that's just crazy...after chocolate, I love Netflix best...and all the British movies and tv series I can handle!
Sandi

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

We are currently engrossed in Berkeley Square. Have you seen that series? From looking over the ones you've listed, I think you'd like it!!