Cranford

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.

If you thought that North and South 2004, Bleak House 2005 and Jane Eyre 2006 were heroic steps forward in period adaptation you are absolutely going to adore this. I'm hoping, on the strength of the first episode, that we may be about to ascend new heights.

Liberties are taken. The material is being reinterpreted for the screen with a dashing disrespect for fidelity that is bound to offend those critics who watch screen adaptations with their Everyman edition on their knee but what Thomas has done here is bring the spirit of Gaskell and the humour of the age (specifically northern humour), magnificently to life.

Eileen Atkins' performance alone will carry this series to every Award ceremony worthy of attention but there is so much more you may be left agape with wonder or clapping your hands with glee at the stories surrounding Cranford's womenfolk, many condemned to spinsterhood by the Napoleonic Wars. And there's much more still to come.

You won't see the novel reassembled piece by piece, but what you'll get instead is a mordant, hilarious, moving, masterpiece of the art of adaptation and a brilliant cast extracting every last every drop of juice from the fruit (sucked separately, of course).

Cranford is vibrantly alive and kicking as it never has been before. Bring on the rest. If you please.

I cannot believe that anyone could miss this wonderful piece of work. I have just watched the final episode with tears streaming down my face! Partly due to the content and partly due to the fact that there will be no more of this feast of period drama/comedy/social comment.Not one performance has jarred not one piece of dialogue does not uplift ones heart. I cannot praise the whole thing enough (perhaps you may have noticed)!! It would be unfair to single out one of the actors for special praise as they were all so exemplary and masters of their craft. Versatility, though, was seen by Philip Glenister's part. To have seen him as the detective in Life on Mars then see him do Cranford just shows what a wealth of talent the British scene has. I want to see it again!!

I am at heart an Austen girl, and I will admit that I find that the BBC's adaptations often far outrank any other, and Cranford was no exception. I have yet to read the books but have dropped heavy hints to Santa. The BBC has, if I'm honest disappointed me recently, but for one Cranford' quality programme I can almost forgive for everything else. Pure excellence. Cranford had me in tears for every episode, and often begging for the happy ending which given the often dark nature of the narrative was unlikely to come, and often didn't. Wonderful performances, from the Sirs and Dames, down to the youngster who played Harry Gregson, and with wonderful characterisation, which made the characters lovable and known and even gives unseen characters and histories unseen depths which are sometimes unavoidably and sadly missed in period pieces. A wonderful job. One request, may 'Cranford' never meet Hollywood, they won't be able to do it better than the BBC! Does anyone know when it comes out on DVD?

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.