[ukus]

I don't know when they dropped the Theatre out of it ... but anyway I am looking forward to the second part of Cranford this Sunday. Anybody else watching?

It's a great cast but I'm sorry the character played by Eileen Atkins got killed off ... I liked the frosty ol' dear.
Such rules of etiquette they lived by in those days





http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/


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[tonyrockyhorror]

I had read about the name change, They've broken it down to three 'theaters'
Masterpiece Mystery, Classic, and Contemporary.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/

[SilverMiniCooperS]

I'm watching Cranford, and thoroughly enjoying it. I too, was saddened when the sister died. It will be interesting to see how the other one copes now...as the one that died seemed to be very much in charge of everything.

The rules of etiquette then - I told Klaus, I wonder what they would do if they saw how things are today!!!

Can't wait until Sunday roles around.

[Caer Ibormeith]

I enjoyed Cranford tremendously. It seems like a real slice of English village life. Sweet. And the actors are superb, especially the women. Were English villages really run by women? That's what it seems Elizabeth Gaskell is saying in her story.

[ukus]

Ah thanks for the info Tony.

Jen I have a feeling a certain gentleman who was a beau from younger years, might come a consoling.




It's true the rules were very strict back then but ya know even today, some people still have very old forms of etiquette. Like in the village of Mullion Cornwall, where we will end up. It's true the place is mainly full of mature folks, where a gent still opens the door for you and tips his hat if he's wearing one.
My Terry always takes the outside of the path when we are out walking and always opens the door for me.

However these days I believe women can feel free to attend funerals. (although some cultures still disapprove of this I believe)

.

[mr dragon]

It's true the rules were very strict back then but ya know even today, some people still have very old forms of etiquette.

I agree.

I've got great F**cking etiquette

I was bought up right proper.

Now SHUT THE F*CK UP all of you!

*Dragon farts loudly*

More tea vicar?

[JuanaLaLoca]

I imagine that Judi Dench's character will be able to enjoy herself a bit more now. She's been kept in check for years by that sister.

I'm having a bit of trouble keeping all the characters straight; there are so many of them, and some of them are physically similar.

It does seem to be a village of women. Most of them appear to be unmarried or widowed. Only a few men around at all.

The Survivor finale on Sunday will most likely interfere, but I'm sure I will be able to catch Masterpiece at some other time.

Someday I will have to read some of Mrs. Gaskell's novels. The only thing I've read by her is her biography of Charlotte Bronte.

BTW, Karen, in some cultures anyway, the gentleman is supposed to walk on the side closest to the buildings, so that when people throw their garbage (or worse) out of the windows,as they did in olden times, it will fall on him and not the lady!

[JuanaLaLoca]

It's true the rules were very strict back then but ya know even today, some people still have very old forms of etiquette.

I agree.

I've got great F**cking etiquette

I was bought up right proper.

Now SHUT THE F*CK UP all of you!

*Dragon farts loudly*

More tea vicar?

[ukus]

I enjoyed Cranford tremendously. It seems like a real slice of English village life. Sweet. And the actors are superb, especially the women. Were English villages really run by women? That's what it seems Elizabeth Gaskell is saying in her story.

Well back in those days men went about their business. Women didn't work they went about conducting their home and surrounding area. So they did take a big role in village life.
Everybody knew everybodies business and gossip (as it still is today in little villages) runs rife. The littlest thing can cause quite a kerfuffle. When I make a rare visit back there I can go into the papershop and complete stranger's to me, will come up and say how happy my parents must be to see me back for a visit.
I think elder's were respected more back then and as for stranger's ... if you weren't born there, it took decades before you were accepted as a villager and not an outsider. Every time I go home I feel like I've stepped back a 100 year's ... and I wouldn't change a thing.


.

[ukus]

It's true the rules were very strict back then but ya know even today, some people still have very old forms of etiquette.

I agree.

I've got great F**cking etiquette

I was bought up right proper.

Now SHUT THE F*CK UP all of you!

*Dragon farts loudly*

More tea vicar?

Yes well you would have got a sound clip behind the ear and well deserved I might add.... Infact come 'ere you

(ukus takes dragon aside gives him ten of the best and makes him stand in the corner)

.

[ukus]

BTW, Karen, in some cultures anyway, the gentleman is supposed to walk on the side closest to the buildings, so that when people throw their garbage (or worse) out of the windows,as they did in olden times, it will fall on him and not the lady!

Ha well that makes sense .... when chamber pot's were dispersed with, out of an upstairs window .... I guess the motor car changed a great many things !!!!

.

[JuanaLaLoca]

...and as for stranger's ... if you weren't born there, it took decades before you were accepted as a villager and not an outsider.

That is not uncommon here in New England, too. When we first moved to Andover from New Jersey when I was six, we were definitely considered outsiders. Four years later, we moved to Maryland, and three years after that, we moved back to Andover. At that point, we were considered like natives coming home! Although my mother does still complain that people aren't friendly enough (I don't know why, as she talks to everyone and everyone likes her), and she would prefer to live in the south where they are.

[mr dragon]

Yes well you would have got a sound clip behind the ear and well deserved I might add.... Infact come 'ere you

(ukus takes dragon aside gives him ten of the best and makes him stand in the corner)

Oww!



*Dragon looks slightly chastised and pertubed!*


Seriously though. I think people still do have etiquette today, you just see it less and less. It doesn't seem the norm as much these days to show respect for other people in every day life. I think it's sad. Something I've noticed recently is that often when I give up my seat (or just hold a door open for someone) to an older female or pregnant lady, or an older gent on the train they actually look greatful- like you've done them a really big favour. In the past it would have been the norm. You would have got a smile and a thank you. And that would have been that.

I've noticed at work recently it seems that everyone is just thinking of themselves, trying to get what they want, whilst walking over everyone else. I think it's kind of sad. And ultimately self destructive. What you give out to the universe, you also get back.

[ukus]

Ten of the best, were strokes of the cane (by the headmaster) at school, in the old days .... for those who may be wondering.

It's surprising today how many people can't even be bothered to say a simple "thank you" when you do a little courtesy for them. That doesn't wash with me .... they always hear an extra loud "You're welcome" anyway.

.

[mr dragon]

Ten of the best, were strokes of the cane (by the headmaster) at school, in the old days .... for those who may be wondering.

We used to get 'the slipper' in my time at school. Though I managed to avoid it. Caning kids was banned when I went to school- and nowadays, of course, just looking at the little darlings and saying 'boo' to them in the wrong way is banned.... I did however almost get suspended once though- something I'm stupidly proud of! I was caught smoking on the school bus inside the school gates before it had left, by the Headmistress when I was fifteen. I got caught completely red handed with a cig in my mouth about to light it, whilst sitting on the top deck at the back (all the 'cool' fifth year kids sat at the back on the top deck- it was a rite of passage), everyone else was slightly smarter than me and dropped theirs on the floor as she came charging up the stairs. I got a letter sent home, but in the end they decided not to suspend me, though they said would if they caught me again. I still carried on

Skool daze. Weren't they just fun....

[SilverMiniCooperS]

The Survivor finale on Sunday will most likely interfere, but I'm sure I will be able to catch Masterpiece at some other time.

That's the conundrum I have! But, I will watch Cranford, as the chance of Survisor being repeated soon is greater than that of Cranford.

Check and see if it's available to watch online. A lot of shows are now... hang on...

Yup, it's available online Survivor-Micronesia If it's like the other shows, it will be available from Monday on.

[ukus]

Honestly how easy was it to hoodwink Erik into giving up his immunity idol .
So now it's down to the four ladies .... I think they will oust Natalie next.

[pollywaffle]

BTW, Karen, in some cultures anyway, the gentleman is supposed to walk on the side closest to the buildings, so that when people throw their garbage (or worse) out of the windows,as they did in olden times, it will fall on him and not the lady!

Hmm! I thought the gentleman had to walk close to the gutter. I've spent years telling my husband that's his place.

I was surprised that Eileen Atkins' character was killed off in the first episode, especially given that she beat out Dame Judi for the BAFTA. One glare from Eileen and I'd be reduced to a quivering bowl of jelly.

We had good manners drummed into us as kids and it's still automatic for me to get up for someone older (although they're getting fewer and fewer these days. ).

[SilverMiniCooperS]

LOL Polly - I'm one of those older ladies now!!!

[mr dragon]

BTW, Karen, in some cultures anyway, the gentleman is supposed to walk on the side closest to the buildings, so that when people throw their garbage (or worse) out of the windows,as they did in olden times, it will fall on him and not the lady!

That's actually true. Though it wasn't really for garbage- it was generally for the detritus thrown out of windows from chamber pots. Hence why it was the norm for the man to walk on the outside of the pavement. That's where that formality comes from, though I doubt most people stick to it nowadays. I still do, atleast some of the time- for some reason. It's a formality my parents taught me. It becomes habit after a while. Added to that, if you're right handed, as a guy, you tend to want to put your right arm around a girl when you're walking down the street.

[SilverMiniCooperS]

Yup - the dwagon's correct. Can you imagine sauntering down the street and having a load of chamber pot contents land on you!

Even when that practice ceased, I think the gentlemen still walked on the outside to protect their lady was being splashed by passing horses and carriages going through puddles...even today, by cars.

[mr dragon]

Yup - the dwagon's correct. Can you imagine sauntering down the street and having a load of chamber pot contents land on you!

Dont'cha just miss the good old olden days. When life were more simple, and the world was much better...

I'm being ironic.

[JuanaLaLoca]

The Survivor finale on Sunday will most likely interfere, but I'm sure I will be able to catch Masterpiece at some other time.

That's the conundrum I have! But, I will watch Cranford, as the chance of Survisor being repeated soon is greater than that of Cranford.

Check and see if it's available to watch online. A lot of shows are now... hang on...

Yup, it's available online Survivor-Micronesia If it's like the other shows, it will be available from Monday on.

Honestly how easy was it to hoodwink Erik into giving up his immunity idol .
So now it's down to the four ladies .... I think they will oust Natalie next.

I watched Survivor (I know Masterpiece will be on at other times throughout the week). I'm shocked that Parvati won; I would have given it to Amanda. And I thought, after the jury's remarks, that most of them would also be voting for Amanda. Well, just one more blindside to end the season of all blindsides! It really was a very interesting season. And, yes, poor puppy-dog Eric definitely gets the prize for stupidest move ever! But he seems happy with his new-found fame in his little hometown. And Amanda got Ozzy, after all. I thought Ozzy's little take on Denise the lunchlady was hilarious, when he said that he had lost his job waiting tables because he's become too popular, so he has to clean the toilets now!


On to Africa...

[SilverMiniCooperS]

I missed the first part (the 2 hours finale) but watched the reunion and winner announcement. I was rooting for Amanda also and couldn't believe Parvati won. I was so glad that James got the Sprint $100,000. He had a good chance of winning if he hadn't got injured and was forced to withdraw.

[JuanaLaLoca]

I missed the first part (the 2 hours finale) but watched the reunion and winner announcement. I was rooting for Amanda also and couldn't believe Parvati won. I was so glad that James got the Sprint $100,000. He had a good chance of winning if he hadn't got injured and was forced to withdraw.

Yeah, and he might have already spent all of the $100,000 that he just won on the last season!

I don't think that he would have been able to resist the machinations of the pot-stirring ladies! I like James, though, and I love his cemetery stories of how he finds that encountering him sometimes cheers up some of the mourners!

[ukus]

I was also routing for Amber over Parvati ... oh well.

Meanwhile back at Cranford they killed off Mr. Holbrook so Miss Matilda's not doing very well having lost her sister and her beau. I suppose they made more of it in the book but as for the TV role there was not much point to that part of the story cos no sooner had he made his acquaintance with her again ... he was gone.


I had to laugh when the cat ate the lace collar that was soaking in milk .... only to be forced to throw up in that military looking boot. Heh heh.

One more part to go.

.

[eddie2003]

I used to be a fan of Survivor, but it became so tired I couldn't watch it anymore. How many of those have they done now? 15??!!

[SilverMiniCooperS]

It is something like 15, or even more now Eddie. I was astonished when they said how many seasons, but I now forget. I didn't watch many of the last few seasons - as you said it started to get boring. I also don't like the cut-throat behaviour. I liked it when Erik said he wouldn't have made it to the end anyway because he couldn't be so nasty like those women...he didn't say that exactly, but the audience gave him a good hand and cheered him for that.

I also didn't watch the first half of this last season, but with the strike an' all, there was nowt else on so I started watching it half way through.

PS, the CBS site says "Survivor 18" !!

[JuanaLaLoca]

Survivor was much, much better than Big Brother this season!

[mr dragon]

I used to be a fan of Survivor, but it became so tired I couldn't watch it anymore. How many of those have they done now? 15??!!

I despise all reality shows. But I can't say that again otherwise the lovely Juana will hit me with a big stick!

*Dragon quickly ducks for cover*

[tonyrockyhorror]

I never watch that crap, I try to find a movie or something in the history/discovery type channels.

I have a sneaking suspicion that there are some here that would probably love to discuss the programs from the Lifetime Network channel but are ashamed to admit to watching it

[SilverMiniCooperS]

I never watch Lifetime. What kind of shows do they offer?

[eddie2003]

I read in the paper yesterday there are two more remakes of British programs coming to American TV this fall. CBS is doing a remake of the sitcom Worst Week Of My Life...I'm not sure how they will do a 22 episode season, but ok. The other for ABC is Life On Mars, with the good actor Jason O'Mara (from The Agency) playing the lead role. I wasn't into the British version.

Also, I see Rufus Sewell will be pulling a Hugh Laurie and will be starring in a drama on CBS. He is a very good actor, and it is a Jerry Bruckheimer production. Should be good.

[JuanaLaLoca]

I watch a lot of movies on Lifetime and the Lifetime Movie Network. It's generally guilty-pleasure type stuff, but an enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon. As for other shows, I don't always notice what channel I'm watching, so I don't know if I watch much other stuff on Lifetime. I do catch Top This Party on Lifetime On Demand, but I think I've seen them all now.

BTW, my favorite Lifetime movie title is Baby Monitor: Sound of Fear!

[mr dragon]

I read in the paper yesterday there are two more remakes of British programs coming to American TV this fall. CBS is doing a remake of the sitcom Worst Week Of My Life...I'm not sure how they will do a 22 episode season, but ok. The other for ABC is Life On Mars, with the good actor Jason O'Mara (from The Agency) playing the lead role. I wasn't into the British version.

I liked 'Life on Mars' but I think the British version may appeal more to British audiences for cultural reasons, as it borrows heavily from British drama and culture over that period- and is therefore kind of nostalgic for mainly British blokes in their early thirties and upwards. I think if they added an American cultural slant to it from that era in the seventies it would work in the US. All the best police/crime drama's were mainly from the seventies in my view- when things were a 'tad' less pc (and so were the police), and the crime dramas tended to be more 'gritty'. Perhaps they should period style it in the US a la The French Connection, or Serpico. That would be kind of cool.

I've never heard of 'Worst Week of My Life'! Shows how much tv I watch...I'm completely out of touch!

I agree though, Rufus Sewell is pretty good. Though again, the only thing I've seen him in on tv is 'Cold Comfort Farm', and that was a long time ago. And also 'The Illusionist' over a year ago, which he was very good in. He gave Edward Norton a fair run for his money, and that's no mean feat...

[Caer Ibormeith]

Rufus Sewell is very good. He was recently on Broadway in a production of Tom Stoppard's play, Rock 'n' Roll, and got brilliant reviews.

http://www.rocknrolltheplay.com/castCreative.php

[SilverMiniCooperS]

I remember The Worst Week of My Life...it was on Beelzebub, but not for long. It was quite funny as I recall.

[eddie2003]

I believe Rufus Sewell's new show is also a British remake...Eleventh Hour.

It seems EVERY show on American TV is a remake of a British one. Are there any good writers/producers left in Hollywood?

[SilverMiniCooperS]

Apparently not Eddie! In my opinion, seldom are the remakes anywhere near as good as the originals. Having said that though, way back they did a good job...Steptoe and Son became Sanford and Son, and Til Death do us Part became All in the Family, both very successful and very good shows.

[mr dragon]

I heard the US 'Office' remake was pretty good- which completely surprised as I didn't think it would translate at all.

I think with remakes in general it's usually when they take something that was ok'ish in the beginning then do something better with it- like 'Traffic', which was originally an 'alright' British tv series remade into an excellent Hollywood movie. Or the original 'Ocean's 11' which, again, wasn't a particularly great movie, but the recent re make was very entertaining and inventive- though I've heard the sequels are crap. It's when you have a really good tv series or movie that gets remade that I think the problems start. I mean- why remake something that was already excellent in the first place...well actually we know why; It's because half the marketing has already been done for them because the name is already out there within in the public conscious.

I've noticed that Hollywood does have a tendency to also remake lesser known European and Japanese films (particularly 'art house' classics). It's kind of annoying if they aren't as good as the original- like 'The Vanishing'. The original was superb, especially the ending which is brilliantly shocking. The Hollywood re make was pretty forgettable, and they changed the ending and toned the whole thing down so it became quite boring.

There are exceptions to the rule though. 'The Magnificent Seven'- which is a wicked movie, was remade from the original classic Kurosawa film 'The Seven Samurai' which is an excellent film, and a classic piece of cinema. I guess if you were some traditionalist you would say the Kurosawa version is the definitive classic, but I really like both equally films for different reasons.

I think there is talent in Hollywood- actually a lot of talent. It reckon it's the people who have the power to 'green light' the projects who can quite often be the problem. It's always the same- you get it in my business as well.

[eddie2003]

The US Office is very good...Although 1) It only does OK in the ratings against CSI and Grey's Anatomy and 2)It started showing signs of running out of gas this season.

[tonyrockyhorror]

I always thought The Office was loosely based on the Mike Judge film Office Space, there are some similarities.

[ukus]

I didn't like the US version of the Office at first as I had really enjoyed the UK version..... but, I have to confess the US version did grow on me.
I think our Eddie must surely be another Michael ... (and for once, I may be wrong but I am not teasing him.)

Whatever, I think the world of you babe.

.

[eddie2003]

You compare me to Michael Scott??? And this is not to be an insult???!!!

Well, I think you are like the character who got Rabies earlier this season! How does that taste, my lady!

[ukus]

Well I was really thinking more about the 'energy' that he brings to his office more than his knowledge ... and although he can be cringworthy at times, underneath he has a kind heart and he does make me laugh.....

Rabies eh !!! ..... ukus Eddie

[eddie2003]

You love it!

[JuanaLaLoca]

Well, love was all around at the end of Cranford! Just about everybody who could hook up, did, and even a possible love interest for Miss Poll in Mattie's long-lost brother Peter! It was an enjoyable series, and some day I will have to try to remember to read some of Mrs. Gaskell's novels. I noticed in the credits that this series was based on three of her novels - does anybody know anything about that?

[ukus]

I enjoyed the series very much and although the ending may have been a bit predictable I am such a sucker for a happy one.

It was just one of those programs you can sit down and get lost in yesteryear with a feel good conclusion .... perfick!

I noticed it said based on three books too Juana

Here is a little about her.....

Elizabeth Gaskell was a 19th Century writer whose vivid novels of Victorian life are difficult to compare in terms of accuracy in social observation.

She was the daughter of William Stevenson, a clergyman, who also had a talent for writing. Elizabeth grew up with her aunt in Knutsford, a small village which was the inspiration for the novel Cranford and Hollingford (Wives and Daughters). In 1832 she married a Unitarian Priest named William Gaskell in Manchester (the setting for North and South). Gaskell was dedicated to unraveling the social intricacies of the era and actively participated in her husbands work. In 1937 she wrote a poem “Sketches among the Poor” co-authored by her husband.

Gaskell managed to get noticed as a social novelist in 1848 publication of Mary Barton: A Tale of Manchester Life – an introspective look at the conscience of 19th Century Industrial England. Although the work was widely criticized by critics due to its open sympathy for the workers in their relations with the masters, the high quality of writing and characterization were unique to the era. The publication of the popular North and South which dealt with opposing forces, workers and masters, rich and poor, North and South…strengthened Gaskell's status as a leader in social fiction. Gaskell's sense of morality and compassion were key contributors to her works.

Charles Dickens’ publication Household Words featured many chapters of Gaskell’s work and Dickens himself often remarked on how he admired her social observations. The first of her work to appear was Cranford (Chapters 1 & 2) on 13 December 1851. Dickens so liked Gaskell’s earlier works so much that he pressed her for more. The remaining eight chapters appeared between January 1852 and May 1853.

Gaskell sparked some controversy after the release of her novel Ruth. Critics were quick to criticize the exploration of the “fallen woman” who is forced out of polite society and into prostitution. Although critics praised the soundness of the novel's morality the book was burned in some circles and it was banned in libraries. Even Gaskell admitted that she forbade her daughters to read it, but nevertheless stood by its content.

After the death of Charlotte Bronte, Gaskell was asked to write her biography. This caused some controversy and needed to be revised several times. The controversy dealt with the details of Branwell Bronte’s dismissal as a tutor as Gaskell had related his version rather than the widely believed version. Despite the negativity, The Life of Charlotte Bronte is widely renowned as the premier biography and has never been equaled.

Gaskell’s novel Sylvia's Lovers is a potent and melodramatic novel full of energy and humor but sadly the ending shows forced invention rather than true tragedy. Regarded by Gaskell as "the saddest story I ever wrote" Sylvia's Lovers is set during the French Revolution in a remote whaling port with particularly effective insights into character relationships.

Cousin Phillis and Wives and Daughters were Gaskell’s final novels. Wives and Daughters ran in the Cornhill magazine from August 1864 to January 1866 although Gaskell dies before the last chapter was completed. The ending to the story was known, however the method and storytelling which would have completed the story in full were lost when Gaskell died on the 12th of November, 1865.

LINK

Picture and novel list on Wiki ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Gaskell


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[Caer Ibormeith]

I enjoyed the series very much and although the ending may have been a bit predictable I am such a sucker for a happy one.

It was just one of those programs you can sit down and get lost in yesteryear with a feel good conclusion .... perfick!

I noticed it said based on three books too Juana

I love that young Harry got his dream, although Mr. Carter's death was so sad. The scene where Harry and Lady Ludlow sit down and talk the ins and outs of his will is a classic, especially at the end when she tells him to read it for himself. Well played.

The mix up with Dr. Harrison and the Valentines was so farcical at the beginning and then suddenly turned very tragic. It's interesting to see how easy it would have been to lose a reputation in those days. I'm just glad his Sophie lived and the village ultimately knew the truth.

It was a wonderful series. Well acted, well paced and well written. All the "ladies" did a terrific job, especially Dame Judy as Miss Mattie.

[SilverMiniCooperS]

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing, but why did Mr. Carter have to die , especially as it seemed that he and his new assistant were giving each other the eye! But I guess if he hadn't died, then Harry would not have realized his dream of school.

At the end when Mattie heard footsteps I said out loud 'it's Peter' and was surprised (and disappointed when it wasn't Peter) but turned out to be Mr. Gordon. Then low and behold.....Mattie's face was priceless when she saw him.

I too love soppy and predictable endings!