uPSTAIRS, doWNSTAIRS, BEHIND THE STAIRS, dOWNTON aBBEY'S BIG SCREEN TRANSITION IS LOVELY
The Cinema, as they say in Britain, is the latest landing spot for one of the most beloved television programs of the recent century. Fans, including me, missed Downton Abbey so much after its 6 seasons on PBS, that they clamored for more, and we got it, but instead of waiting for Sunday nights to find out what’s going on upstairs and downstairs at Downton,taking it all in is as easy as buying a movie ticket.
When the film started rolling and the familiar theme music started playing, Downton fans in my screening were quite giddy at hearing the familiar refrain and cheered (think Star Wars, but much more restrained.) The year is 1927 and the Crawley family is expecting some important guests. A letter has arrived instructing the Earl of Grantham that he and his family are to expect the pleasure of a visit from their majesties, the King and Queen (George V and Mary.)
You heard it right, and the ancient house is all a flutter. Mrs. Pattmore is worried about what to serve the royal couple and the upstairs staff is anxious to get a glimpse at the monarch. Unfortunately, once the staff from Buckingham Palace arrives, they let the Downton servants know they're going to be relegated to the sidelines. While I might enjoy a bit of well-deserved time off, the Abbey staff is in no mood to be talked down to by some snooty butler, excuse me, Page of the Backstairs, from London. Luckily, Revenge is a dish Mrs. Pattmore can prepare that's as delicious as any other.
Upstairs, we're going to find out what's going on with Edith. Is she happy in her new life now that she's got a beautiful home, her child, her husband and a title that outranks Mary's? What about Tom? There's something brewing with this Irishman at heart and someone has devious designs on him. And the Dowager Countess? Does she still have her rapier wit, and what kinds of designs does she have for... everyone.
These questions and more can be answered in two very short hours.
So far the film has, at this writing, made more than $100 million worldwide. A good sign for a sequel, or two.
Upstairs, we're going to find out what's going on with Edith. Is she happy in her new life now that she's got a beautiful home, her child, her husband and a title that outranks Mary's? What about Tom? There's something brewing with this Irishman at heart and someone has devious designs on him. And the Dowager Countess? Does she still have her rapier wit, and what kinds of designs does she have for... everyone.
These questions and more can be answered in two very short hours.
So far the film has, at this writing, made more than $100 million worldwide. A good sign for a sequel, or two.