The Buccaneers- 1995

The Buccaneers 1995

The Buccaneers is a BBC miniseries based on Edith Wharton's last, unfinished novel. I count it as one of my favourite miniseries in my DVD collection. After perusing reviews on both Amazon and IMDb, apparently most viewers agree with me but a significant number do not. If you have not yet seen this miniseries, I will try to help you decide whether you will love it or whether you should skip this one.

Laura Testvalley and Nan St. George in The Buccaneers

The story, adapted from Edith Wharton's novel, follows four spirited girls from the Americas, ostracized by New York high society as nouveau riche, who decide to venture to London for “the season” to improve their chances of acceptance and marriage when they get back to America.  What happens, of course, is that they all end up making matches in England and mayhem ensues...

Carla Gugino as Annabelle St. George (Nan) in The Buccaneers

Let's just say for starters that this is NOT Jane Austen.  Although the girls start out as fresh naive teenagers out to conquer the English aristocracy, what they encounter when they cross the pond comes as a bit of a shock to them. Rather in the manner of Lady Diana, these girls thought they were marrying for love, and all but one of them found out too late that it wasn't that simple.

The Buccaneers in front of Castle Howard (or Longlands, the seat of the Duke of Trevennick)

So prepare yourself for a Victorian soap opera (and I love a good melodrama I must say) including adultery, homosexuality, syphilis, domestic violence and all manner of bad behavior.  This story is a pretty good taste of what was actually happening in England in the late Victorian age, portraying marriages of convenience with American money meeting English titles and estates.  Some of these marriages ended happily but many did not and there was no shortage of scandal.  If you are interested in the history of this time period, the marriages of Consuelo Vanderbilt/Duke of Marlborough and Jenny Jerome/Randolph Churchill were the models for Edith Wharton's characters.

The Duke and Duchess of Trevennick- The Buccaneers

So if you like your period drama a bit less gritty, then give this one a pass. If you are interested in how many of the upper classes on both sides of the Atlantic really lived in the Victorian era, then you will be transfixed. Plus the scenery and the costumes are heavenly. Castle Howard is used for the country home of the Duke and Duchess of Trevennick and it looks like they had full use of the house when filming.

Nan and Guy- The Buccaneers

As a personal note, I gave this miniseries to my sister a year ago and she still has yet to watch the entire thing. So this is really an appeal to her to watch it, or pass it on to one of her period drama loving friends who will adore it as I do! Perhaps when she watches it she will leave a comment below to tell my readers how she liked it?

By the by, does not Greg Wise look quite heavenly in the white tie and tails and the magnificent mustachio above? (Michael Kitchen is pretty easy on the eyes as his father too if you like your men a little older). And if you can't picture yourself swishing around in one of those amazing dresses, then you are on the wrong blog!

P.S. If you would like to watch this online (although it is well worth owning), the website Enchanted Serenity of Period Films has a list of period dramas online here and it's under YouTube Playlist 1. The whole website is a treasure trove of period drama and although Cheryl is no longer updating it, she's keeping it online for us. Thanks Cheryl!

Downton Abbey Season 2: Episode two

The Great War arrives at Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey has been converted into a convalescent home for wounded soldiers. Isobel is thrilled to be bossing people around and it is fun to see her lock horns with not only Violet, the Dowager Countess but with Cora, the lady of the house herself. Poor Robert is trying to keep the peace as is Dr. Clarkson, now a military doctor in charge of both the hospital and the new convalescent home at Downton.

Footman Thomas has now been promoted to Acting Sgt. Barrow

Horrid Thomas is back after "getting wounded" in the trenches while working as a medic. Trust Thomas to figure out a scheme to get home and trust O'Brien to be his devious assistant. Harrumph!

Captain Matthew Crawley and Lady Mary

Matthew has come back from the war in France and has been asked to do a tour of England with a General in order to improve morale on the home front. He welcomes this as a break from the horrors of the trenches as well as a chance to visit with his fiancee Lavinia and his family at Downton. I'm so glad Lavinia's secret is out now. She and Mary are both true ladies.

The housemaids of Downton- Anna and cheeky new maid Ethel

We saw a lot of our beloved Anna in this episode and Ethel is determined to get herself out of service even if it means using her feminine wiles! Be careful Ethel...

So many good story lines and hilarious lines in this episode. We find out about the secret between Lavinia and Sir Richard Carlisle. How will this affect Mary's relationship with both Sir Richard and with Matthew? We see Lady Edith finally come in to her own and show a bit of self respect instead of just flinging herself at every eligible (and NOT eligible) man in England. We see some tender moments between Anna and her Bates. Longing looks and hand squeezing abound. We find out that Lady Rosamund has a fair bit of her mother Violet in her (or worse!). And what does Mrs. Patmore think she's doing? Poor Daisy is going to be married against her wishes if someone doesn't stop this nonsense! And between Lang and Molesley, the valets and butlers have our heads spinning. Poor Branson the Irish chauffeur after being rebuffed by a shocked Lady Sybil, has his attempt to make a political statement (in slop) stopped. Whew! All that in one hour. I can't wait until next week!

By the way, did anyone else notice that screenwriter Julian Fellowes is trying to get a few history lessons into the script? The Tsar of Russia being imprisoned with his family in the Alexander palace (and an allusion to the subsequent murders). Home Rule and rebellion in Ireland? Even an allusion to Robespierre's beheading of Marie Antoinette by the Dowager Duchess. He is trying to use the influence of Downton Abbey for good as well as for sheer entertainment. Not a bad thing I believe.

P.S. Congrats to Downton Abbey for winning the Golden Globe for best miniseries or television movie! Yay! (did you see Elizabeth McGovern trip up the stairs? Very graceful recovery!)

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Violet: There is no need for you to sound so gleeful Rosamund. You sound like Robespierre lopping off the head of Marie Antoinette.

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Mary: You sound as if you're going to gobble  (Lavinia) up.

Violet: If only we could! (giggling)

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See you next week for episode 3!

Miss Austen Regrets 2008

Miss Austen Regrets 2008

As close as we have to a biopic at this point in time, Miss Austen Regrets is a sweet, slightly sentimental film about the end of Jane Austen's life. It reflects on her history and choices with alternating regret and satisfaction.  As most Jane Austen lovers (and all Jane Austen scholars) have strong opinions about what she was actually like, there will never be a biopic which satisfies everyone. I liked this little film however, and it certainly makes you think. Was she anything like Olivia Williams portrays her? Likely not (she was definitely not that handsome) but it's wonderful to speculate isn't it?

Fanny Knight and Jane Austen- Miss Austen Regrets

The well known loving relationship between Jane Austen and her niece Fanny Knight is portrayed brilliantly in this film. Both Olivia Williams and Imogen Poots (is that a great name or what?) do a wonderful job alternately joking affectionately and then sparring which is what you would expect from a relationship this close.

Cassandra and Jane Austen- Miss Austen Regrets

Greta Scacchi does a marvelous job as Jane's sister Cassandra as does Phyllida Law as her mother Mrs. Austen. We only get a peek at two of Jane's six brothers however, and only a few of her nieces and nephews appear but then again this is only a 90 minute production.

Jane Austen and Rev. Brooke Bridges- Miss Austen Regrets

The most contentious issue in this film would have to be the portrayal of the various men in Jane Austen's life. Cassandra Austen made sure that this topic would be debated for centuries when she burned the majority of Jane's letters (which was her prerogative by the way) so I suppose this is one version of the truth, drawn from the letters which remained.

Her darling children- Miss Austen Regrets

So, all in all, I would highly recommend this film. I think it much better than Becoming Jane (which I still enjoyed, largely because of James McAvoy) and since I got it as a bonus when I purchased Sense and Sensibility 2008, I really can't complain. So go ahead and enjoy another sumptuous offering from the wonderful BBC. What would we do without the Beeb?

Hugh Bonneville- Actor of the Week

Hugh Bonneville- Downton Abbey

Hugh Bonneville has been in so many period pieces that I had trouble narrowing down the photo choices for this post. Of course his most recent role of Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey is giving him a lot of exposure at present but he has worn 19th century garb for a good part of his career!

Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Rushworth in Mansfield Park

He totally cracked me up as the dim witted Mr. Rushworth in Mansfield Park 1999. I mean, get a load of that hair!

Hugh Bonneville as Bernie in Notting Hill

And who didn't love him as Bernie the worst stockbroker ever in Notting Hill? The dinner party scene where he doesn't recognize famous movie star Anna Scott is priceless. (OK, I know it's not period but doesn't the late 90s count now?)

Bernie: What's the pay like in movies? I mean. Last movie. How much did you get paid?
Anna Scott: 15 million dollars.

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Bernie: I'm sorry I am so late. Bollocksed up at work again, I fear. Millions down the drain. 

Hugh Bonneville in The Cazalets

I wish I could say that I had seen Hugh in the 1940s miniseries The Cazalets, but it is still on my wish list. Anyone with a recommendation?

Hugh Bonneville in Daniel Deronda

As Henleigh Grandcourt in Daniel Deronda, Hugh Bonneville is delightfully bad for a change. For anyone who has never seen this one, you are in for a treat. Hugh is amazing as a bad boy and the rest of the film is riveting. The dresses on Romola Garai are pretty fab too and Hugh Dancy is always easy on the eyes. All in all this one is a must see.

Hugh Bonneville as the Prince Regent in Beau Brummell: This Charming Man

From the sublime back to the ridiculous, here he is as the poncy Prince Regent in Beau Brummell. I really liked this film which I only saw recently. Hugh gives us a fascinating glimpse at the insecurities of the man that the Regency Period was named after.

Hugh Bonneville as Rev. Brook Bridges in Miss Austen Regrets

As a poor vicar in Miss Austen Regrets, he gives a tender portrayal of a man still in love with Jane Austen years after he had married another woman. So sweet!

Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Bennet in Lost in Austen

Still stuck in the Regency era, here is Hugh as the wonderful Mr. Bennet in Lost in Austen. He looked like he had a riot with this Jane Austen time travel piece.

And as a bit of fun, here is Hugh Bonneville in the Grand Finale episode of The Vicar of Dibley as Vicar Jeremy Ogilvy who is marrying Geraldine and Harry (Richard Armitage) but who apparently still has a crush on his old classmate Geraldine. So cute! (and I can always find a way to get a bit of Richard Armitage on my blog)

Downton Abbey Season 2: Episode One

Downton Abbey Season 2

Well, after waiting patiently since this time last year, it is finally here! I hope you were able to catch the season opener of Downton Abbey. I made sure I was plastered to the TV screen at 9 o'clock. We are two years later and the Great War has been taking its toll on the whole of Europe, Downton Abbey included. Matthew and Thomas are at the front and Lord Grantham and William are champing at the bit to get to the action. The Dowager Countess is manipulating things behind the scenes as usual, and everyone else is trying to do their part and to keep up with the changing times.

Lady Sybil learning to cook in Downton Abbey Season 2

Lady Sybil has been trained as a nurse in York, and has come back to work in the Downton Hospital, helping tend to wounded soldiers sent back from the front. She has even learned basic cookery skills which makes her mother proud.

The Earl of Grantham and his heir presumptive- Downton Abbey Season 2

Matthew is now Captain Crawley (my, sounds like Vanity Fair now doesn't it?) and the Earl has been given an honorary title and kept at home to "help boost morale". Ouch!

Lady Mary heartbroken- Downton Abbey Season 2

Lady Mary has seen Matthew and his new fiancee Lavinia Swire, which has made her realize her true feelings for Matthew. Poor Lady Mary. Longing glances abound.

Lavinia Swire Downton Abbey Season 2

Matthew Crawley's fiancee Lavinia Swire is one of the more interesting of the new characters this season. What is her hidden secret?

Sir Richard Carlisle and Lady Mary- Downton Abbey Season 2

Sir Richard Carlisle is Lady Mary's new beau this season. Will he be her saviour or will he be just another in the long line of Mary's ex-suitors? Points to anyone who recognized Iain Glen as Mr. Preston from Wives and Daughters. He still makes my skin crawl!

Maggie Smith as Violet, Dowager Duchess in Downton Abbey Season 2

While we have other new characters such as the new Valet Lang, the cheeky new housemaid Ethel and Bates's evil wife Vera, the best lines still come from Dame Maggie Smith as the delightfully haughty Dowager Duchess Violet.

Violet: Oh that's a relief. I hate Greek drama. When everything happens off stage.

Violet: Ridiculous! You're not Toad of Toad Hall.

Violet: Amputation in the dining room? Resuscitation in the pantry? I forbid it!

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So, here's to another great season of Downton Abbey. Thank goodness for ITV and PBS Masterpiece Theater for giving us something to look forward to during the long winter months ahead.  I am so glad now that I didn't watch this online in the fall. It was worth the wait!

P.S. My husband, who I affectionately refer to as The Squire, watched this with me all last year and at the very end of the first episode of season 2 said:

 "What is this, a soap opera?"

To which I replied: "Um....yes!?!?" He is usually pretty perceptive, but I think the costumes threw him off. Yes, honey, this is truly a soap opera in costume, and I'm enjoying every moment.

War Horse- 2011

War Horse- Movie Poster

The Squire and I just went to see War Horse last night. Absolutely worth seeing, I would say this one is an instant classic. It would be good to take pre-teens and teenagers to, but the second half of the film is too intense for young ones.

It is essentially a war movie (an anti-war movie to be specific), but it has a wonderful story about the journey of the horse Joey from the gorgeous countryside of Dartmoor, Devon in the west country of England to the horrors of the trenches in France in WWI.

Jeremy Irvine as Albert Narracott in War Horse

Young Jeremy Irvine is absolutely transfixing as Albert Narracott, the boy who trains and loves the gorgeous thoroughbred his father buys at auction instead of a good working plough horse (Oops-seemed like a good idea at the time).

Peter Mullan and Emily Watson as Albert's parents in War Horse

Emily Watson (one of my fave actors) is wonderful as the pissed off mother Rose Narracott who rightly takes a strip off her alcoholic husband Ned (played brilliantly by Peter Mullan), but stands by him and loves him through everything.  Awww!

Benedict Cumberbatch, Patrick Kennedy and Tom Hiddleston in War Horse

Joey the horse is unfortunately not able to be kept at the farm after war is declared and so is sold to a Cavalry officer Captain Nicholls (played by the ever wonderful Tom Hiddleston). Pull out your tissues at this point in the film.

Grandfather and Emilie with Joey and friend in War Horse

Not only does Joey make an equine friend (Topthorne, the black horse) but the two horses go from the Germans, to a French girl and her grandfather, back to the Germans and then a very dramatic scene at the front where Joey ends up in no man's land, between the English and German trenches. The no man's land scene is the best scene in the entire film, and you can see the hand of both Lee Hall (Billy Elliot) and Richard Curtis (Four Weddings, Love Actually) in the wonderful writing.

Joey and Albert in the beautiful Devon countryside in War Horse

I was sobbing at parts of this film, more because I was thinking of my two great-uncles who died in the Great War (they never thought there would be another), one of whom was born in Devonshire. So  you may not find it as much of a weeper as I did, but still I would not have missed it for anything.

So I give this one two hooves up!

Tom Hiddleston- Actor of the Week

Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston is getting lots of press lately for his role in War Horse. But we have seen him in a few other period dramas in the past few years (and a Superhero film too!).

Tom Hiddleston as John Plumptree in Miss Austen Regrets

The first time I was aware of Tom Hiddleston was as the adorably clueless John Plumptree trying to woo Jane Austen's niece Fanny Knight in Miss Austen Regrets. He was just so EARNEST!

Tom Hiddleston as William Buxton in Return to Cranford

His lovely curly hair was again on display as the perfectly sweet and wonderfully egalitarian William Buxton in Return to Cranford. Wouldn't we all love to untie that cravat?

Tom Hiddleston as Loki in Thor

This is the only time I have seen his hair dark and straight! As the bad boy Loki in the Superhero flick Thor, he looked like he was having fun NOT being the good guy for a change. He reprises his Loki role later this year in The Avengers.

Tom Hiddleston as F. Scott Fitzgerald in Midnight in Paris

His hair is slicked down into waves for F. Scott Fitzgerald in Woody Allen's wonderful Midnight in Paris. I have seen this film 3 times and I would love to see it again. Ooo-la-la!

Tom Hiddleston as Captain Nicholls in War Horse

Now look at those expressive eyebrows as Captain Nicholls in War Horse. I have not seen this one yet, but my birthday is coming up so perhaps The Squire will accompany me to the cinema. He really does have quite extraordinary brows doesn't he?

Tom Hiddleston and horse in War Horse

Apparently he is now working on playing Prince Hal opposite Jeremy Irons in Henry IV, a TV miniseries production from NBC Universal being distributed by BBC2 and PBS. Can't wait, sounds great!

Have you got a favourite out of these or other roles of Tom Hiddleston's? By the way, is that a great English name or what?

P.S. He got a double first in Classics at Cambridge University (Pembroke College). For those of us not in the UK, that means he's really really smart as well as cute!