Julian Fellowes with his Oscar for Gosford Park |
Gosford Park cast 2002 |
I can't think of a better film to watch this winter as we North Americans are savouring the second season of Downton Abbey. Both Gosford Park and Downton Abbey were written by Julian Fellowes, an actor/writer who, by being a bit of a toff himself, is quite well placed to write about the English Country Houses he has been visiting for decades.
Maggie Smith is the most obvious similarity between these two productions. She gets all the best lines in each show and apparently the characters were based on a great aunt of Julian Fellowes. (by the way, anyone else notice the similarity between the names? Countess of Trentham/Grantham?)
Constance, Countess of Trentham |
Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham |
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There are other similarities as well. The imperious housekeeper who knows all and anticipates everything.
Mrs. Wilson of Gosford Park |
Mrs. Hughs of Downton Abbey |
Mrs. Hughes: Not when *I'm* in charge! Don't push your luck, Thomas. Now, tea's over. Back to work!
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Although, the Butler with a secret past is perhaps more comparable.
Jennings the Butler of Gosford Park |
Mr. Jennings: It's just Jennings, sir.
Morris Weissman: Then thank you, just Jennings.
Carson the Butler of Downton Abbey |
Thomas: I hope not, for his mother’s sake.
Jennings had a criminal record as a conscientious objector from the Great War and is derided by the constable. Carson only had a vaudeville past to haunt him, but seemed to be just as ashamed of it.
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Sir William McCordle has a little fling with Elsie, among others |
Robert Earl of Grantham would never diddle with the maids...would he? |
Maids caught in flagrante with their "betters", war heroes and shirkers and conscientious objectors, backbiting sisters both from upstairs and downstairs, and nasty footmen tend to be themes in both story lines. And the cook always seems to be grumpy at first but then ends up with a heart of gold.
Do you think Dorothy the maid (Sophie Thompson) would have gotten together with Mr. Jennings if there had been more time to develop their story lines? And do you think Elsie became a film star after she took off in the car with Ivor Novello and Mr. Weissman? The maid wishing to get out of service does seem to be another theme with Julian Fellowes. Ah, the man writes about what he knows and that is why we love to watch his films and miniseries.
Titanic 2012 airing on ITV and ABC on April 12 |
My blog post about Julian Fellowes and his novels
My Blog post about Gosford Park
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