Article summary

Based on a trio of novels by Elizabeth Gaskell, Cranford is the latest in a long line of sumptuous costume dramas from the BBC. And it’s a fine addition to the BBC’s heritage too, pulling together a stellar cast for an involving, highly enjoyable series that’s well worth picking up on DVD.

The key asset Cranford has in its corner is that aforementioned cast. It’s lead by the marvellous Dame Judi Dench, and she’s in fine company alongside Dame Eileen Atkins, Francesca Annis, Michael Gambon, Julia Sawalha and Imelda Staunton. They’re just some of the residents of Cranford in the 1840s, a town in the north of England on the verge of potentially dramatic changes.

In the midst of the general feeling of unrest comes a new Doctor, Frank Harrison (played by Simon Woods). His presence further unsettles matters, thanks to his appeal to the town’s female contingent, and also his differing methods. From here, Cranford goes on to deliver an engrossing cocktail of humour, emotion and raw drama that’s quite brilliantly put together.

Cranford is, ultimately, the kind of lavish production that we’ve come to know and admire from the BBC. It’s a very good drama, spread across five episodes, that simply leaves you thirsting for the next time the corporation unlocks the costume cupboard. That time can’t come soon enough. --Jon Foster

This is the DVD of the lavish BBC costume drama, Cranford, based on three of Elizabeth Gaskell's novels including Cranford itself.

The cast boasts some of Britain's best-loved and most experienced actresses, including Dame Judi Dench, Dame Eileen Atkins, Imelda Staunton and Francesca Annis.

The five-part drama series tells the witty and poignant story of the small absurdities and major tragedies in the lives of the people of Cranford, as they are besieged by forces that they can't withstand.

Cranford in the 1840s is a small northern English town on the cusp of change. Things are on the move. The railway is pushing its way relentlessly towards the town from Manchester, bringing fears of migrant workers and the breakdown of law and order.

The arrival of handsome new doctor, Frank Harrison (Simon Woods) from London causes a stir; not only because of his revolutionary medical methods, but also because of the effect he has on many of the ladies' hearts in the town.

Judi Dench plays Miss Matty Jenkyns, whose hopes and rebellious spirit are crushed when she was forced as a young woman to give up Mr Holbrook (Michael Gambon), the man she loved.

Philip Glenister, Lesley Manville, Julia McKenzie, Julia Sawalha and Greg Wise also star alongside Judi Dench and the above-mentioned actors. Created by Sue Birtwistle and Susie Conklin for BBC One and written by Heidi Thomas (I Capture The Castle, Madam Bovary, Lilies).

Set in a 1840s Cranford—a small, idyllic Northern English town—where the residents are coping with a sea of change that includes a new railway network that threatens to unleash a tide of immigrant workers that the locals fear will reduce their town to lawlessness...

Customer's review

Exellent

This is a beautiful, sad and very funny costume drama, really a treat. The acting is super and the costumes, surroundings are one of the best so far. I would highly recommend this for any costume drama fan!

Excellent

Others have covered what my views on this, so I'll just say an excellent rendition of the original. Worth watching and re-watching.

Pure Class

What a fantastic series, and a real breath of fresh air on television which is polluted with "reality" stars who are famous usually for being talentless.
A quality cast from the top to the bottom, great subtle humour, some very funny moments as well as being heartbreaking in parts. A real gem, a great delight and unfortunatley a real rarity for any channel to produce such an all round class act.

Ideal entertainment for a rainy Sunday afternoon

I loved this subtle but at the same time poignant period drama series. It brilliantly portrays the lives of serveral middle class women of various ages who have too much time on their hands and therefore any trivial event in the small town becomes a welcome distraction and the subject of gossip. The arrival of a young, handsome bachelor doctor as well as the building of a railway line through Cranford bring romance, excitement as well as jealousy and anger to the female population.
There is a lot of humor in this series but it is gently ironic and subtle reather than 'in your face'. Very well acted and enjoyable to watch!

a craving for Cranford

All I can say is I want more... I went through this boxset in a flash, the storylines and the realness of the characters were wonderful. I hadn't heard much about this series but decided to purchase the dvds on a whim as I love period drama and couldn't have made a better choice. Being in my early twenties and seeing that the cover was solely graced by older women made me wonder whether or not I would be as interested. However can I just say that its the maturer women that make it so enjoyable. Judi Dench does a delightful performance especially! I recommend to all who love a bit of classic period depiction.

Cranford : Complete BBC Series [2007]

Article summary

Customer's review

Exellent

Excellent

Pure Class

Ideal entertainment for a rainy Sunday afternoon

a craving for Cranford

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