Cranford

First, I'm a big Elizabeth Gaskell fan. I had just reread Cranston last winter...so starting this series, I was really confused and frankly worried about the age of my brain...until I realized that the plot was an amalgamation of three different Gaskill stories. I'm not such a purest that it bothered other than not being aware of it at the onset.

Actually, I was just grateful that anyone was paying attention to Elizabeth Gaskill in the first place. No doubt there are those of us who adore Jane Austen but she always gets all the attention in movies and TV, what with the oodles of remakes and re releases and her immense popularity. But Gaskill is just down right hilarious to read...so hurray for the old new comer!

There's a wealth of material here and BBC put a lot of effort and time into making this a worthwhile production. I agree that the music was really sappy, but the script and the fine acting made up for it. Of course the costuming was fabulous! There were a lot of belly laughs surrounding the escapades of the ladies of Cranford...Mrs Forrester's cow, the misbegotten meaning behind gifts and letters, hair dying, much gossip, of course...even lace eating cats! As character would demand, Eileen Atkins was a tour de force as Miss Deborah...in fact, the entire cast was astounding! All together a remarkable entertaining miniseries!

"Cranford" is the type of drama, in writing (starts with a novel), acting and directing that the British do so well, a period piece that runs the viewer through the gamut of emotions -- frustration, anger, joy, relief, etc. -- in reaction to oh-so-subtle variations of human behavior, by illustrating the mores of the time, from quaint to maddening by modern standards on one hand, to the human generosity which defies them on the other.

As befit the greatest tales, there are several main characters with deftly interwoven stories here, so one must look elsewhere beyond these comments for knowledge of the characters and plot; but let me conclude by saying that "Cranford" has more HEART than any piece I've seen in quite some time. Shown as a "Masterpiece Classic" on America's PBS network, "Cranford" truly, truly, truly lived up to the Masterpiece moniker, with a capital M.

As a typically boofheaded Aussie bloke, it is very hard to admit that i have found myself weeping like a child, during each episode. My wife and I have been keen viewers of BBC drama over a period of 25 years or so and both agree that this must be the most incredibly beautiful series that we have seen! I am humbled by the strength of the female characters and how delicately simple the plots. I can but only give all involved in this series a huge bouquet. I have never been overly impressed by Dame Judy until now. She is incredible in her role as Matti. 10 out of 10.The actress who plays Mary is also a favourite. The right mix of humour and pathos will make this a memorable series for years to come.

Not a dry eye in the house as this came to a close last night. Absolute perfection. Never has a better cast been assembled for a t.v. drama. For me, Imelda Staunton shone, with her fantastic comic timing, but they were all excellent. A departure from the usual Dickens or Austen ( which I adore) in that the plot is more episodic and less dark. There are no obvious villains and few mysteries to unravel. More of a 19th century Archers. However, the insight into the people of the time and into social history is fascinating. Some hilarious lines mixed with occasional haunting tragedy which makes you empathise with its many characters regardless of their faults. Everyone I know has been watching this and all would rate this as the best thing on t.v this year.

I just discovered this show on Britbox, the BBC streaming service here in the US. I enjoy British tv shows, even old ones, so much more than anything that is done here. And this show lives up to my expectations - good writing and good acting. The positive reviews say is it all - the show is beautiful, funny at times, heartbreaking at other times. I do not care if there are few liberties taken with history (and I am a former history teacher) or the books. I want to be entertained, and this show does just that. As for those who think the plots are thin or nonexistent, you are right. But that's what I love - character driven works, in tv and in books. If you like action, this isn't for you. If you like to immerse yourself in a period piece, even if it is a bit flawed, then you will enjoy this, and perhaps come to love it as I have.