photograph: BBC
I had the apartment to myself this past weekend and finished the new series of Upstairs, Downstairs by the BBC. It's very good and is set in 1936 focusing on a husband and wife who have just moved into a townhouse with the husband's mother and wife's younger sister. New servants must be hired, but rising pro-labor and fascist movements create an interesting dynamic in the post-World War I society. It only consists of three episodes that left me hanging. Luckily Wikipedia says more will be coming in 2012.
I am incredibly impatient for Downtown Abbey's new season to air in the States. Very jealous of my friends across the pond who already know what happens (and what the costumes look like).
As a fashion historian, period dramas can cause problems for me to watch. If the costumes aren't accurate, it can ruin an entire movie for me no matter how good the plot or acting.
I also streamed the documentary Bill Cunningham New York. I'm really not sure why it took me so long to get around to watching it. Cunningham's life story is fascinating.
I'm curious, what are your favorite period movies or tv shows? I'm putting the original Upstairs, Downstairs series in my Netflix queue. What else should I add?
Have you watched the Forsyte Saga? It's pretty great. I try to watch it at least once a year.
ReplyDeletei love Sense and Sensibility and could watch it pretty much at any time.
ReplyDeleteI love love love Gosford Park and am now wondering how its costumes stand up to historical accuracy...
ReplyDeleteFashion historian? Do tell us more!
ReplyDeleteOn of my favorite movies of all time is Dangerous Liaisons - the visual eye candy still makes me happy. Though like you, I feel the BBC gets it right more often than not.