As I had never seen an episode of Downton Abbey, I felt I needed to do some research before seeing this movie. Luckily, I watched the first two episodes of season one prior to Friday’s showing. I say luckily, because if I hadn’t I wouldn’t know what the heck was going on with this large cast of characters. Now, after watching the movie, I really want to go back and watch all the prior episodes. I am hooked on the Crawley’s and their enormous staff.
Set in 1927, two years after the ending of the British made series, the driving premise of this movie is the Abbey’s impending visit of King George and Queen Ann. The staff is beside themselves with what most likely would be, their once in a lifetime opportunity to cook and serve the royal family. The Crawley’s of course want to put their best foot forward, and unsure of current Butler Thomas Barrow’s ability to prepare the house accordingly, Lady Mary implores retired Butler Carson to return for the visit. Butler Barrow, is not happy with the family’s decision to bring back Carson, and basically tells them good luck; see you after the royals leave. I thought perhaps Barrow might have changed from episode one, season one, but he’s the same repressed person. More on Barrow later…….
I was surprised that during this time period, several of the character’s voiced their displeasure with the crown and the whole system of the monarchy. The storyline also included the conflict between the Irish Socialist party and Imperial England, including how that affects Irishman Tom Branson and the Crawley’s.
Just as there was in season one, there continues to be a battle over inheritance, and who is the rightful heir of Downton Abbey. Matriarch of the family, Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham (played by Maggie Smith) is still fiercely protective of son Robert, Earl of Grantham. Loved Maggie Smith and the lines she spouts: “A shy royal, is that an oxymoron?” Regarding asking a Judge for a favor, “Friendly or corrupt, whatever word you like” Her explanation for the rain stopping before the royal parade, “The rain has stopped, God is a monarchist” “Who do you think I am, a maiden aunt who has never left the village?” “I’m glad I’m a revelation, and not a disappointment” and the best line “I will be fine until I’m not.”
With the arrival of the royal’s pre-visit entourage, the staff learns they will have no interaction with the monarchs. The royals bring with them their own cook, food; wait staff, butlers, footmen, and dressers. They have absolutely no need for the Crawley’s staff whatsoever. As they are shunned and belittled by the royal staff, the Abbey workforce conspires to undermine the royal interlopers and present a dinner to the King and Queen, one they will never forget.
There are many subplots weaving their way doing the visit. Lady Mary’s questioning of the financial viability of keeping the beloved Abbey, Lady Edith’s dilemma of putting her own family’s needs before the crown, an unhappily married princess, a illegitimate child, and Sybil’s lonely widower Tom Branson.
And let’s get back to Butler Thomas Barrow. Barrow has had no luck in the love department, but it looks like things might be looking up with the arrival of the King’s dresser Richard Ellis. Question, how is it that Barrow has no idea there is a huge gay underground in York? He has to get out more, no wonder he is so bottled up and stressed.
Having not been a fan of Downton Abbey previous to this movie, why did I want to see this movie? Simple, if the movie was half as artistically captured as the trailer, this would be well worth the six dollars paid for my matinee ticket. This movie has been beautifully filmed, the interior and exterior locations, the Abbey itself, the costumes and even the period dressing of the village, just spectacular.
It was amazing seeing the development of the Abbey and the village from the beginning of the series in 1912, when the Crawley’s were fearful of bringing electricity into their home. Now, in 1927 electric cable cars run thru out the village dodging automobiles, and telephones in homes are the norm.
It was nice to see that supporting characters from the series, were brought into the movie. I would of missed not seeing Mr. Bates, Mrs. Patmore, Daisy, Mrs. Hughes and Andrew Parker just to name a few.
If you’ve been reading my reviews for a while, you’re aware I’m not a fan of historical period movies (The Favorite being not a fav). But, I really truly loved this movie and please please please make a sequel!! I need to know if Tom Branson finds love with Lucy!! Downton Abbey, if you are a fan of the series, and have some background going in, is rated an A. Well worth a full price ticket purchase.
If you don’t have a clue about Downton, do yourself a favor and spend a few hours prepping at home. If you don’t, I recommend skipping this movie for now and seeing Brad Pitt’s Ad Astra instead.
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