If you come to visit me for longer than a day I'll probably try to make you watch my favorite movies, including Wives and Daughters, my absolute favorite 19th-century BBC period-piece, based on the book by Elizabeth Gaskell.
Sunday night PBS's Masterpiece series will begin airing three episodes of Cranford, based on another Elizabeth Gaskell novel about a small English village struggling with the effects of the looming Industrial Revolution.
I think this aired last winter in the U.K.? Was it good? It seems like it's gotten great reviews. I'm excited for it, I must say. If you aren't able to watch it Sunday night, they're making it available to watch on-line for a limited time starting May 5. Can't wait.
I bought the DVD a few weeks ago...loved it.
How cool! I loved North & South (also based on an Elizabeth Gaskell novel), I'll have to check both Wives & Daughters and Cranford out.
It should be wonderful especially since Judi Dench is in it!
Mmmm... love those BBC/PBS period pieces. Thanks for the heads up!
Cranford was fabulous, it's a real must see.
I really enjoyed watching Cranford. Its a fab BBC costume drama with an excellent cast - Judi Dench of course, but also Philip Glenister, Julia Sawalha, Imelda Staunton and Michael Gambon. I'm sure you will love it!
I love masterpiece theater. I am so sad we can't get PBS at my home!!!! Silly antenna!!! I hope I can find this on netflix!
Hi Alicia,
Yes, Cranford is definitely a must-see. A delightful story, very beautifully and well produced by the BBC. My hubby and I curled up on the sofa and watched each episode which was shown here in the UK on Sunday evenings.
Enjoy every moment!
Sheila
Thank you Alicia for informing us of all the great TV programming, movies, books, etc. I really appreciate it. I'm sure I would have missed this, had you not passed it on. Keep it up, please?
One of the biggest shocks of my life was reading Wives and Daughters *without* knowing that Mrs. Gaskell died before she finished it! Thanks for the tip... the Tivo now has a special job to do...
I'm excited, too! I liked the adaptation of Wives and Daughters a good deal, but the BBC version of Gaskell's North & South is even better!
Have you seen the BBC "Love in a Cold Climate"? It's a good one!
Hi Alicia
Yes, Cranford was a lovely serial and the Beeb at its best. My, my Wives and Daughters was a little while ago but beautiful. My daughter's favourite - well, after P & P.
PS Thank you for linking up my blog on yours - lovely lady. How can I show some of your pics, tho? I'm having trouble. E-mail me purlease.
Thanks for the heads-up on Cranford! Hubby and I rarely miss these PBS treasures, although I'm bummed to say that I somehow missed the latest incarnation of Room with a View. Where was I that week? On Mars apparently.
Have a great weekend!
I just read North and South last month. It was a great novel, top notch. I'm definitely going to have to watch the movie and read the other books, and watch those movies...
Thanks for the tip! I enjoyed their Jane Austen series and was so sad to see it end. I'm glad they're bringing more girlie timepieces to the Masterpiece line-up. I'm going to set my DVR right now...
Thank you so much! I love the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice. Their pieces are done with such beauty. I am off to look up the proper pbs station.
With Kindness,
Mary
p.s. I will check out the books also!
Ooh, thank you for the announcement. I had no idea this was going to be airing tomorrow. I can hardly wait!
Oh, yeah!! I have it marked in my TV Guide as a must see - and I will record it. I am SO looking forward to it! I've been waiting for something I hope to enjoy just as much as The Complete Jane Austen, which was fabulous.
Oh, and um....if I could come and visit you, I would LOVE to watch Wives and Daughters. I've never seen that, and I'm sure it would be right up my alley!
Cranford was awesome, beautifully filmed and wonderfully acted by all the cast.
We have just finished watching 'Miss Austen Regrets' which fictionalises somewhat Jane Austen's life which was riveting. Not sure if you can view BBC iplayer or not but it's on there for a short time.
It was absolutely BRILLIANT! And once you're done with that you'll want to try and get hold of 'Miss Austen Regrets'. Another success in the world of period drama...
ENJOY!
Hi Alicia,
Like you, I am so looking forward to seeing Cranford! I think PBS has finally started showing some really good programs on Masterpiece (all the Jane Austens!). Can't wait until tomorrow!
Hugs, Bebe :)
P.S. Your blog is one of my favorites!! :)
Oh that makes me so happy! I have been missing my Jane Austen fix on Sunday nights...This will do nicely instead.
I cannot wait to get this issue and see it for myself! Congrats friend!
Cranford was superb. Great acting, sets, costumes etc etc. You'll love it.