Period drama soars to new heights in the Emmy-winning mini-series Cranford. Based on three novels by Elizabeth Gaskell, and presented by an amazing cast, the BBC series is an absolute must own.
Oscar©-winner Judi Dench (Notes on a Scandal, Casino Royale) heads a stellar cast including Michael Gambon (Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films), Eileen Atkins (Cold Mountain, Gosford Park), Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake) and more in this witty and poignant story which follows the small absurdities and major tragedies in the lives of the people of Cranford. Cranford in the 1840s is on the cusp of change. The railway is pushing its way relentlessly towards the town, bringing fears of migrant workers and the breakdown of law and order. The arrival of Frank Harrison, a handsome new doctor from London, causes a stir, not only because of his revolutionary medical methods, but also because of the effect he has on many female hearts in the town.
Almost an 1800s Peyton Place, the English town of Cranford wears the face of strict adherence to propriety and etiquette, but secrets abound. The Cranford behind Cranford weaves through a complicated network of ladies who gossip, conspire, and keep a sharp watch on social rules.
Simply an amazing production, the mini-series was an instant hit with audiences and critics alike, and with good reason. Bringing together several of the best actors and actresses of the age, and combining them with an excellent adaptation, the result is one of the most immersive and intriguing dramas to hit screens of any sort in years.
The complex interweaving of lives and stories not only makes for a supremely watchable tale, but presents the times in wonderfully accurate terms. The juggling of relationships, moral ideals, and socially-accepted practice is delivered more honestly than you've seen elsewhere. From the more straight-forward ideas of dating, tradition, and scandal, to more complex subjects like teaching the working classes and the effort to stave off progress.
It is, to me at least, a particularly curious notion, but this is a mini-series you'll watch again and again.
Return to Cranford
Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, Francesca Annis and Julia McKenzie star in this two-part sequel to the Emmy-winning BBC/PBS drama, Cranford. Miss Matty's house is full of life and bustle. Her dream of having a child in the house has been realized in the birth of Tilly, daughter of her maid Martha and carpenter Jem. Elsewhere, the shadow of the railway still looms, but the line has been halted five miles outside of Cranford - a disaster as far as Captain Brown is concerned. Meanwhile, as Mr. Buxton returns to town with his son, William, and his niece, Erminia. Miss Matty becomes concerned about another young person - Peggy Bell - who lives in an isolated cottage with her mother and domineering brother. She decides to intervene and engineers an invitation that will bring the four young people together. But when tragedy strikes, she fears she has opened a Pandora's box from which Cranford will never recover.
Continuing the drama with the same flare and style, the only unfortunate thing about Return to Cranford is that nothing could live up to the first production. The characters are again brought to life in the most brilliant and fascinating ways. Our new flies in the ointment are almost too much, but not quite. The unending machinations of the town's spinsters is as entertaining as ever.
The Cranford Collection combines Cranford and Return to Cranford, and includes the special features - The Making of Cranford and Cranford in Detail. The Making Of is a solid addition with a lot of interview footage and behind-the-scenes gems. Fans of the show are going to be very happy to own this, and if you can even imagine the notion of watching a Making Of feature more than once (I can't really), this is one to fit that category. Though the insight on the characters, actors, and even the thoughts on the production as a whole is quite interesting, perhaps the best part of the feature is getting a clear idea on the innumerable complexities involved with getting such an intimate period drama on the screen. The second featurette, which is part of the Return to Cranford release, is basically more of the same. Focusing more on putting the microscope to the town and its inhabitants, it is equally interesting, if not quite as expansive an effort.
While you aren't exactly buried in bonuses, the ones you do get are quality efforts, and anyone who enjoys the show will appreciate them greatly.
Own the Cranford Collection and Return to Cranford today!
You can also get quite a bit more info at the BBCAmericaShop.com pages for the releases (Cranford and Return to Cranford), including detailed synopses of each episode, cast and crew info, and more reviews.
Leave a comment below, and you are automatically entered to win your very own copy of The Cranford Collection. A second winner will receive Return to Cranford. U.S. only. Winner will be randomly selected Feb. 24th.
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About Marc Eastman
Marc Eastman is the owner and operator of Are You Screening? and has been writing film reviews for over a decade, and several branches of the internet's film review world have seen his name. His reviews have brought him personal praise from the director of a major motion picture, and have been used as required reading in a course at a major University. These priceless rewards, along with just bags of cash, keep him from straying from freelance writing. He is also a member of The Broadcast Film Critics Association and The Broadcast Television Journalists Association.
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