For anybody in need of a bit of period drama, British wit or two early 20th-century closeted men in love, the first trailers for Downton Abbey: The Movie have arrived.
The new film picks up several years after the finale of the acclaimed PBS/ITV series concluded. An upcoming visit by the King & Queen to the Abbey sets in motion a reunion of the show’s aristocrats and servants to prepare.
Related: The Many Sins of Mr Barrow: Checking In On Downton Abbey’s Sexy Servant
Downton Abbey ran for six seasons before coming to a close in 2015. During that time, the series earned wide acclaim from critics and audiences, scoring dozens of Emmy nominations and winning a dozen of the prized trophies. The show gained a following for its prickly if hilarious characters like the Dowager Countess (played by Dame Maggie Smith), as well as its portrayal of a gay life revolving around the characters of the butler Thomas Barrow (Rob James-Collier) and his numerous liaisons, as well as that of Thomas Branson (Allen Leech) the family chauffeur.
The film reunites most of the show’s original cast, including Smith, James-Collier, Leech, Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery, and Elizabeth McGovern. Michael Engler directs from a script by Oscar-winner Julian Fellows. The film opens in theatres in the US September 20.
Heywood Jablowme
You can’t really call it “Edwardian” if it’s the late 1920s. Edward VII, 1901-1910, and the term can maybe be stretched a bit to the beginning of the war in 1914, but that’s it.
russellhm
I agree completely! Was a bit alarmed when I saw/heard it referred to as “Edwardian.” And on an interview recently with Alan Leech, the marvelous young Irishman who portrayed the chauffeur who marries Sybil and moves “upstairs,” back with us in the movie, when the interviewers announced that the king and queen would be coming to visit, was asked who was king then, Leech answered softly, “George I.” It was almost a question and he obviously didn’t know. Well, we forgive him as an Irishman might not have carefully studied the lineage of the monarchs. But it was George V. Now, on the early series that was incredibly popular, “Upstairs, Downstairs,” one episode has the Prince of Wales coming for dinner and a bridge game. And that would be the chap who became Edward VII. He was Prince of Wales for decades as his mum, Queen Victoria, had the longest reign in British history at the time. Oh, I must acknowledge Leech for his brilliance in “The Imitation Game” about Alan Turing and “Enigma,” and his performance in “Bohemian Rhapsody.” He is a treasure.
njplr
My all time favorite episode of one of my all time EVER favorite shows. But it was NOT the PoW who came to dinner, but the King, Edward VII. He brought his mistress, Alice Keppel, instead of Queen Alexandra. And Sarah, the ex maid, showed up and went into labor. Season 2, episode 5 (I think). But kudos to you for remembering – and mentioning – it!!!
michaelmt1009
I saw the movie last night….it is a fun watch with lots of surprises…