Cranford on PBS Sunday Night
If you come to visit me for longer than a day I'll probably try to make you watch my favorite movies, including Wives and Daughters, my absolute favorite 19th-century BBC period-piece, based on the book by Elizabeth Gaskell.
Sunday night PBS's Masterpiece series will begin airing three episodes of Cranford, based on another Elizabeth Gaskell novel about a small English village struggling with the effects of the looming Industrial Revolution.
I think this aired last winter in the U.K.? Was it good? It seems like it's gotten great reviews. I'm excited for it, I must say. If you aren't able to watch it Sunday night, they're making it available to watch on-line for a limited time starting May 5. Can't wait.
I bought the DVD a few weeks ago...loved it.
Posted by: Biscuitbear | May 03, 2008 at 08:17 AM
How cool! I loved North & South (also based on an Elizabeth Gaskell novel), I'll have to check both Wives & Daughters and Cranford out.
Posted by: Kim U | May 03, 2008 at 08:35 AM
It should be wonderful especially since Judi Dench is in it!
Posted by: Nancy from Northern California | May 03, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Mmmm... love those BBC/PBS period pieces. Thanks for the heads up!
Posted by: Natalie | May 03, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Cranford was fabulous, it's a real must see.
Posted by: Karoline | May 03, 2008 at 08:50 AM
I really enjoyed watching Cranford. Its a fab BBC costume drama with an excellent cast - Judi Dench of course, but also Philip Glenister, Julia Sawalha, Imelda Staunton and Michael Gambon. I'm sure you will love it!
Posted by: Emsy | May 03, 2008 at 08:55 AM
I love masterpiece theater. I am so sad we can't get PBS at my home!!!! Silly antenna!!! I hope I can find this on netflix!
Posted by: Kat | May 03, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Hi Alicia,
Yes, Cranford is definitely a must-see. A delightful story, very beautifully and well produced by the BBC. My hubby and I curled up on the sofa and watched each episode which was shown here in the UK on Sunday evenings.
Enjoy every moment!
Sheila
Posted by: Sheila | May 03, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Thank you Alicia for informing us of all the great TV programming, movies, books, etc. I really appreciate it. I'm sure I would have missed this, had you not passed it on. Keep it up, please?
Posted by: Mona | May 03, 2008 at 09:33 AM
One of the biggest shocks of my life was reading Wives and Daughters *without* knowing that Mrs. Gaskell died before she finished it! Thanks for the tip... the Tivo now has a special job to do...
Posted by: Jenn | May 03, 2008 at 09:39 AM
I'm excited, too! I liked the adaptation of Wives and Daughters a good deal, but the BBC version of Gaskell's North & South is even better!
Have you seen the BBC "Love in a Cold Climate"? It's a good one!
Posted by: Jodi | May 03, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Hi Alicia
Yes, Cranford was a lovely serial and the Beeb at its best. My, my Wives and Daughters was a little while ago but beautiful. My daughter's favourite - well, after P & P.
PS Thank you for linking up my blog on yours - lovely lady. How can I show some of your pics, tho? I'm having trouble. E-mail me purlease.
Posted by: Bee | May 03, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Thanks for the heads-up on Cranford! Hubby and I rarely miss these PBS treasures, although I'm bummed to say that I somehow missed the latest incarnation of Room with a View. Where was I that week? On Mars apparently.
Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Lilli | May 03, 2008 at 10:00 AM
I just read North and South last month. It was a great novel, top notch. I'm definitely going to have to watch the movie and read the other books, and watch those movies...
Posted by: KT | May 03, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Thanks for the tip! I enjoyed their Jane Austen series and was so sad to see it end. I'm glad they're bringing more girlie timepieces to the Masterpiece line-up. I'm going to set my DVR right now...
Posted by: Deardeedle | May 03, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Thank you so much! I love the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice. Their pieces are done with such beauty. I am off to look up the proper pbs station.
With Kindness,
Mary
p.s. I will check out the books also!
Posted by: Mary | May 03, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Ooh, thank you for the announcement. I had no idea this was going to be airing tomorrow. I can hardly wait!
Posted by: Renna | May 03, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Oh, yeah!! I have it marked in my TV Guide as a must see - and I will record it. I am SO looking forward to it! I've been waiting for something I hope to enjoy just as much as The Complete Jane Austen, which was fabulous.
Posted by: HeidiAnn | May 03, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Oh, and um....if I could come and visit you, I would LOVE to watch Wives and Daughters. I've never seen that, and I'm sure it would be right up my alley!
Posted by: HeidiAnn | May 03, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Cranford was awesome, beautifully filmed and wonderfully acted by all the cast.
We have just finished watching 'Miss Austen Regrets' which fictionalises somewhat Jane Austen's life which was riveting. Not sure if you can view BBC iplayer or not but it's on there for a short time.
Posted by: Toni-Ann | May 03, 2008 at 11:58 AM
It was absolutely BRILLIANT! And once you're done with that you'll want to try and get hold of 'Miss Austen Regrets'. Another success in the world of period drama...
ENJOY!
Posted by: Sarah | May 03, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Hi Alicia,
Like you, I am so looking forward to seeing Cranford! I think PBS has finally started showing some really good programs on Masterpiece (all the Jane Austens!). Can't wait until tomorrow!
Hugs, Bebe :)
P.S. Your blog is one of my favorites!! :)
Posted by: Bebe | May 03, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Oh that makes me so happy! I have been missing my Jane Austen fix on Sunday nights...This will do nicely instead.
Posted by: jerusalem | May 03, 2008 at 12:17 PM
I cannot wait to get this issue and see it for myself! Congrats friend!
Posted by: jerusalem | May 03, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Cranford was superb. Great acting, sets, costumes etc etc. You'll love it.
Posted by: Barbara | May 03, 2008 at 12:31 PM