In the brisk opening sequence of Downton Abbey, a telegraph comes in over the wires. It’s a few minutes after dawn on the morning of April 15, 1912, and the Titanic has just sunk in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. Among the ship’s doomed passengers are James and Patrick Crawley, the two male heirs to a sprawling estate in Yorkshire, England. Their horrific deaths will have seismic ramifications for the staff and family of Downton Abbey.
According to the peculiar English inheritance laws of the time, Downton Abbey can only be entailed to a male. So when Robert’s cousin, James, and his son, Patrick, die in the disaster, the future of Downton Abbey is instantly thrown into disarray: Who will inherit the estate, and what is to become of the Crawley girls?
Maggie Smith plays Dowager Countess Violet, with the usual sublime acerbity. Love her!
Cora: Things are different in America.
Violet (played by Maggie Smith): I know, they live in wigwams.
Ah, yes. I find that the perfect time to hand sew my bindings while I enjoy the show. If you like period dramas, don't miss The King's Speech.
ReplyDeleteJust a later period, but very good.
Jacquelynne, you can also view the episodes at PBS online for a short time. So if you missed any part you can catch it there.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even know it was on... I will have to get the DVD too.. Hint hint, my birthday is in August too...BUT you knew that!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Me
Thank you! I read about this show and looked for it in my listings, and didn't find it. I had forgotten about it. If nothing else, I will watch it online. What a great time to immerse one's self in all thing's English -- The King's Speech is divine and this new series . . . all leading up to the royal wedding! Fun!
ReplyDeleteSplendid darling!
ReplyDeleteSplendid darling!
ReplyDelete