Cranford
starring: Simon Woods, Judi Dench, Lisa Dillon, Imelda Staunton, Julia McKenzie
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Product Description:
Studio: Warner Home VideoRelease Date: 05/20/2008Run time: 295 minutesRating: Nr
Amazon.com:
Adapted from Elizabeth Gaskells' novels, the five-episode miniseries Cranford focuses on female characters in the 19th-century British town to thematically contemplate encroaching modernity in rural England. With the camera roving house to house, each drama within the grander story is constructed of scenes featuring dialogue between several gossipy ladies obsessed with moral code, romantic ideas about courtship, and social occasions. Three main characters, the ever-appropriate Deborah Jenkyns (Eileen Atkins), her sweet sister, Matilda (Judi Dench), and their younger, more savvy relative, Miss Smith, continuously weigh in on situations, providing a dependable view when other ladies, like the nosey Miss Pole (Imelda Staunton) are too judgmental. In fine period dress, the women of Cranford remind the viewer of how little action was needed in their small-town lives to provide unceasing entertainment. The series' most intriguing aspect lies not in the ample female conversation but rather in its display of earlier technologies and ways of life. Part One, for example, quickly launches a main narrative thread that runs throughout the series, namely the arrival and assimilation of London doctor, Frank Harrison (Simon Woods), into village society. Dr. Harrison's medical practices, such as his refusal to amputate a man's arm because it's broken, are all the more radical because they are so fundamental by today's standards. In subsequent episodes, he recommends Miss Smith get spectacles to cure her headaches, and saves his love's life by cooling her fever after conservative doctor, Dr. Morgan (John Bowe), recommends the old school practice of burying her in blankets in front of a raging fire. In Part Two, Lady Ludlow (Francesca Annis) throws a garden party at her estate, treating all the women in their fancy hats to a new novelty: ice cream. This scene foreshadows Ludlow's future concern at a railroad plan involving her land that would connect Cranford to Manchester, symbolizing the ruin of this idyllic setting.
In fact, fluffy and clever as some scenes are, death and rebirth assert themselves in each showing, both physically and idealistically. Part Four shows an auctioning off of a deceased man's antiques, and focuses on issues of class and women's education, as Mr. Carter teaches a peasant boy to read while his assistant fumes at her trappings as a seamstress. Part Five ushers in a new period of medical emergencies, securing Dr. Harrison's shaky position in town. In total, Cranford offers a powerful, if sentimental, look at how death begets life, love, and passion. ‹Trinie Dalton
Studio: Warner Home VideoRelease Date: 05/20/2008Run time: 295 minutesRating: Nr
Amazon.com:
Adapted from Elizabeth Gaskells' novels, the five-episode miniseries Cranford focuses on female characters in the 19th-century British town to thematically contemplate encroaching modernity in rural England. With the camera roving house to house, each drama within the grander story is constructed of scenes featuring dialogue between several gossipy ladies obsessed with moral code, romantic ideas about courtship, and social occasions. Three main characters, the ever-appropriate Deborah Jenkyns (Eileen Atkins), her sweet sister, Matilda (Judi Dench), and their younger, more savvy relative, Miss Smith, continuously weigh in on situations, providing a dependable view when other ladies, like the nosey Miss Pole (Imelda Staunton) are too judgmental. In fine period dress, the women of Cranford remind the viewer of how little action was needed in their small-town lives to provide unceasing entertainment. The series' most intriguing aspect lies not in the ample female conversation but rather in its display of earlier technologies and ways of life. Part One, for example, quickly launches a main narrative thread that runs throughout the series, namely the arrival and assimilation of London doctor, Frank Harrison (Simon Woods), into village society. Dr. Harrison's medical practices, such as his refusal to amputate a man's arm because it's broken, are all the more radical because they are so fundamental by today's standards. In subsequent episodes, he recommends Miss Smith get spectacles to cure her headaches, and saves his love's life by cooling her fever after conservative doctor, Dr. Morgan (John Bowe), recommends the old school practice of burying her in blankets in front of a raging fire. In Part Two, Lady Ludlow (Francesca Annis) throws a garden party at her estate, treating all the women in their fancy hats to a new novelty: ice cream. This scene foreshadows Ludlow's future concern at a railroad plan involving her land that would connect Cranford to Manchester, symbolizing the ruin of this idyllic setting.
In fact, fluffy and clever as some scenes are, death and rebirth assert themselves in each showing, both physically and idealistically. Part Four shows an auctioning off of a deceased man's antiques, and focuses on issues of class and women's education, as Mr. Carter teaches a peasant boy to read while his assistant fumes at her trappings as a seamstress. Part Five ushers in a new period of medical emergencies, securing Dr. Harrison's shaky position in town. In total, Cranford offers a powerful, if sentimental, look at how death begets life, love, and passion. ‹Trinie Dalton
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Put me in "Cranford"
What an amazing simple, sweet , sad and funny story .All those emotions into one package, along with Dame Judy Dench who shines." Sister doesn't approve of that word... Suck " speaking about how oranges should be eaten in the privacy of your own bedroom with a plate and a napkin. Never "sucked" out.they don't make 'em like this anymore. It's a small scenic painting that you have looked at in your Grandma's house on the parlor room wall for years that has come to life.And when the tears ... Read More
Rating: - Superlative
I stumbled across this superlative BBC drama series which exploresthe trials and tribulations of a close-knit Victorian community in 1840's England.Excellent acting and many memorable characters.Comparable in quality to "John Adams".Highly Recommended.
Rating: - Duped!
I really enjoyed the 5-hour BBC drama "Cranford" by itself and taken altogether as a whole, however I felt duped when I watched the additional "making of" documentary. The writers, producers, etc...admitted the whole 5-hour drama was a modern concoction or amalgamation with oodles of liberties. Even as they explain why they had to make adaptations to Elizabeth Gaskell's novellas, it didn't soften the blow.
In summary, the television production is lush, lavish & rich with stellar performances ... Read More
Rating: - Delightful!
I enjoyed every minute of this BBC mini-series.The characters were so well developed, the story lines were great, and the acting was first rate. (Judi Dench is wonderful).It's considered a period drama but there is a healthy dose of lighthearted humor mixed in, which in places had me laughing aloud.I highly recommend this to anyone who loves period pieces.
Rating: - Beautiful!
"Cranford" is one of the best mini-series ever made. The characterizations are perfect, as is every other aspect. Buy this, you're sure to love it!
- Put me in "Cranford"What an amazing simple, sweet , sad and funny story .All those emotions into one package, along with Dame Judy Dench who shines." Sister doesn't approve of that word... Suck " speaking about how oranges should be eaten in the privacy of your own bedroom with a plate and a napkin. Never "sucked" out.they don't make 'em like this anymore. It's a small scenic painting that you have looked at in your Grandma's house on the parlor room wall for years that has come to life.And when the tears ... Read More
- SuperlativeI stumbled across this superlative BBC drama series which exploresthe trials and tribulations of a close-knit Victorian community in 1840's England.Excellent acting and many memorable characters.Comparable in quality to "John Adams".Highly Recommended.
- Duped!I really enjoyed the 5-hour BBC drama "Cranford" by itself and taken altogether as a whole, however I felt duped when I watched the additional "making of" documentary. The writers, producers, etc...admitted the whole 5-hour drama was a modern concoction or amalgamation with oodles of liberties. Even as they explain why they had to make adaptations to Elizabeth Gaskell's novellas, it didn't soften the blow.
In summary, the television production is lush, lavish & rich with stellar performances ... Read More
- Delightful!I enjoyed every minute of this BBC mini-series.The characters were so well developed, the story lines were great, and the acting was first rate. (Judi Dench is wonderful).It's considered a period drama but there is a healthy dose of lighthearted humor mixed in, which in places had me laughing aloud.I highly recommend this to anyone who loves period pieces.
- Beautiful!"Cranford" is one of the best mini-series ever made. The characterizations are perfect, as is every other aspect. Buy this, you're sure to love it!
