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Amazon.co.uk Review
This seminal British television series is just as enjoyable now as when it first aired in the early 1970s. Richard, Lady Marjorie and their son James comprise the aristocratic Bellamy family that reside upstairs while their loyal servants maintain the household from downstairs. The series follows the upper-class family's troubles as times change and the ongoing lives of their resilient staff. Clean, clear and presented in order, the third season's 13 episodes follow the London household through the pre-war years (1912-1914). In these episodes, Hudson (Gordon Jackson) gives notice over James's (Simon Williams) luncheon with his father's typist, Miss Forrest (Meg Wynn Owen), who helps run the household after Lady Marjorie dies aboard the R.M.S. Titanic. Tensions again erupt when another family strives to hire Hudson away and Miss Forrest refuses James's marriage proposal, afraid of a past secret. Former servant Alfred reappears, taking a hostage when Hudson discovers he is wanted for murder, and a French countess is romantically interested in Richard's money until James exposes the truth. James's new wife, Hazel Forrest, resolves a stock-trading scandal, but remains uneasy with her new society position, particularly while fox hunting at Lord and Lady Newbury's country estate. A disregard for class differences nearly ends in disaster during Georgina Worsley's (Lesley-Anne Down) holiday visit, and a casual remark by the Bellamys' footman Edward erupts into a scandal that threatens Parliament's Tory constituency. Rose (Jean Marsh) almost marries an Australian sheep farmer, and James's rocky marriage must survive Hazel's miscarriage. In July 1914, when war looms, James looks to rejoin his regiment to escape his troubled marriage; Mrs Bridges (Angela Baddeley) has a suitor and two servants, Edward and Daisy, defy the downstairs rules by falling in love. --Tara Chace, Amazon.com
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
67 of 67 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
at last! a fascinating insight,
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This review is from: Upstairs Downstairs - Series 1 the Black and White Episodes [VHS] [1971] (VHS Tape)
A truly fascinating insight into the first formative weeks of this groundbreaking and successful series, this tape comprises the rarely-seen early episodes made in black and white due to industrial action in the early 1970s. These show the Bellamy household in an edgy state of flux, with many characters (and even rooms)coming and going. The standout episode is probably the second, with its razor-sharp script by feminist writer Maureen Duffy.These episodes are quite unlike the later ones in many respects.Also included in colour is the original opening episode, with its ending mercifully intact...this is why 'Series 1-The Colour Edition' didn't quite make sense within its own continuity! A must-have.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The 'hen's teeth' from 'Upstairs Downstairs!!,
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This review is from: Upstairs Downstairs - Series 1 - the Black and White Episodes [DVD] [1971] (DVD)
These episodes are from season one, which are the five black and white episodes that were originally 'interspersed' with the colour ones. This was because filming had been interrupted by the infamous Strike which had resulted in the said episodes not being done in colour. As a consequence, they have become much sought after and rarely seen. They were only ever aired the once by ITV - their original showing, despite any subsequent re-runs of the series there may have been. As Jean Marsh (Rose) once told me; these black and white episodes were among some of the best that were ever done! They will also help to fill in gaps for those who never saw them, and as to what happened during those missing years: 1903 - 1907, and also will reveal the destiny of some of the characters that appeared to 'vanish' for no apparent reason; some of whom later returned, and others who were never seen again... This first season is what certainly resulted in 'Upstairs, Downstairs' taking off in the way that it did, and becoming such a massive success. It was an immediate 'hit' with the viewers, and the closing episode which left the son of the household involved in a scandalous affair with one of the housemaids, and the daughter, his sister, marrying a homosexual poet, was certainly guaranteed to bring viewers back for the second season!
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent,
By
This review is from: Upstairs Downstairs - Series 1 (The Colour Edition) [DVD] [1971] (DVD)
I remember my parents staying at home to watch "Upstairs, Downstairs" when I was a child in the early seventies. When I saw this series was available on DVD I decided to buy the first 2 seasons to see what the fuss was about. I must say I was not disappointed. "Upstairs, downstairs" is a wonderful, well-acted series dealing with, for that period, quite controversial subjects. The acting is sublime, especially Pauline Collins who really give a remarkable performance as Sarah.Although the picture quality is not always good, it is not so bad as to distract from the quality of the drama. I do find it a pity there are no extras though. I hope that Granada will also release the 6 black and white episodes on DVD soon. If you enjoy good drama and good acting, I recommend you buy the entire series (season 1-5).
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