British TV fans in the US were overjoyed this year when we found out that the wonderful TV series "Upstairs Downstairs" had been updated and was going to be shown on PBS's Masterpiece Classic.
Synopsis: One of the most beloved television series of all time is brought back to life in a sumptuous new production with a fresh new cast. It's 1936 and six years since parlormaid Rose (Jean Marsh, Sense & Sensibility) left 165 Eaton Place. Fate brings her back as housekeeper to its new owners, Sir Hallam Holland (Ed Stoppard, The Pianist, Brideshead Revisited), his wife Lady Agnes (Keeley Hawes, MI-5, Ashes to Ashes), and his mother, Lady Maud Holland (Eileen Atkins, Cranford, GosfordPark). Rose soon finds she has her work cut out for her as she recruits a new “downstairs” family to help run the elegance and finery of the “upstairs” world. Both upstairs and downstairs, it soon becomes apparent there lies a labyrinth of secrets, lies and scandal. Set against the historical backdrop of a pre-World War II Britain with a new King on the throne, with Fascism on the rise on the continent, and with sexual, social and political tensions at 165 Eaton Place, this new series provides an evocative take on the master-servant relationship.
Anyone who was captivated by the original series, which ran for 5 seasons in the 1970s will be happy to be back among familiar surroundings. Times are changing, but the social lines are still drawn. The interactions between the members of staff and the upper-class people they serve prove that there is more going on than meets the eye.
Here is a clip from the new series:
Thanks to BBC, I have one copy of the new DVD series of Upstairs Downstairs to give away! To enter, just leave a comment answering the following question: if your finances would stretch far enough to allow you to hire one servant, which one would you hire and why? I'd have to go for Cook. Cook always seems to be a sort of no-nonsense person, and I'm sure she'd be able to whip up all the traditional English dishes!
Please remember to leave your email address in your comment if it's not visible in your profile. The contest is only open to US Residents due to postal costs. Leave your entry by May 1. The winner will be drawn on May 2 and notified by email. If I don't hear back from you within 3 days, a new winner will be chosen.
Good luck on winning this wonderful DVD!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of Upstairs Downstairs to offer in this giveaway from BBC. I was not compensated for this post.
I'm a librarian who is interested in all things British. I try to visit London as often as possible, and am always planning my next trip. I lived in Sweden for a few years with my Swedish husband, so the occasional Swedish reference may occur . . .
9:24 AM
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Brilliant! 
Good, innit?
Fair to middlin' 
Has some good points 
Oi! Wot you playin' at? 
Don't be givin' me evils! 
