Upstairs Downstairs

(updown.or.uk)

Have you ever seen the original BBC broadcast of Upstairs Downstairs? I grew up walking in and out of the room while my parents watched it. I remember they were enthralled by it, but I was a child and really thought it quite boring. Years later I rented all five seasons and I must say that if you have not yet seen it, you might want to rush right out and get it. I was glued to it for weeks, captivated by the well-to-do Bellamy family, and the staff who served them. Recently, I picked it up again and have started watching it, as the BBC has announced plans to give us the chance to relive the Bellamy years. Filming begins this month in Wales of a three part drama recreating the saga.

You may remember the Upstairs Downstairs television series that ran from 1971 - 1975 depicting life in a London townhouse during the early part of the 1900's, both from the servants' point of view (downstairs)

(dailymail.co.uk)

to the family's perspective (upstairs).

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The series marvelously combined superior acting with pungent writing. The creators made every effort to depict the era with exacting detail and were quite successful in doing so. In one of my favorite episodes, the King of England comes to dine.

Click the link for a taste:

Guest of Honor

Don't you just love Mrs. Bridges' reaction when she hears that she will be preparing dinner for the King? Delightful!

If you'd care for more, the following link includes an introduction and interviews with some of the actors:

Upstairs Downstairs Introduction

My recommendation is to see the original series first, rather like reading the book before seeing the movie!

Mmmm... I am rather in the mood for a cup of tea and a crumpet now!

Ta ta!

XOXOX,

CC