"Upstairs, Downstairs" (1971) TV series 1971-1975

User Rating:

8.7/10   

Directors:

Bill Bain
Derek Bennett

Writers:

Alfred Shaughnessy (writer) (15 episodes)
Jeremy Paul (writer) (14 episodes)

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Release Date:

6 January 1974 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

The series follows the lives of both the family and the servants in the London townhouse at 165 Eaton Place...

Plot Keywords:

Parliament | Espionage | Kidnapping | Abortion | Masterpiece Theatre

Awards:

Won Golden Globe. Another 11 wins & 19 nominations

Cast

Gordon Jackson	...	Hudson (60 episodes, 1971-1975)
David Langton	...	Richard Bellamy (56 episodes, 1971-1975)
Jean Marsh	...	Rose (54 episodes, 1971-1975)
Angela Baddeley	...	Mrs. Bridges (52 episodes, 1971-1975)
Christopher Beeny	...	Edward / ... (46 episodes, 1971-1975)
Jenny Tomasin	...	Ruby (41 episodes, 1972-1975)
Simon Williams	...	James Bellamy (38 episodes, 1971-1975)
Jacqueline Tong	...	Daisy (32 episodes, 1973-1975)

Runtime:

Sweden:50 min | UK:60 min (68 episodes) | USA:60 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Singapore:PG | Portugal:M/12 | Finland:K-18 (2007) (DVD) (self applied) | New Zealand:PG (season 1) | Australia:M (some episodes) | Australia:PG (some episodes) | Portugal:M/6 (DVD rating)

Filming Locations:

65 Eaton Place, Belgravia, London, England, UK

Company:

London Weekend Television (LWT)

Trivia:

The title music, "The Edwardians", was specially composed for the series by Alexander Faris. Two different themes were used: a slower waltz-time theme, normally over the opening titles, and a faster jaunty polka theme over some of the end-credits, though the waltz theme was used for the end-credits of episodes that ended on a sombre note such as the news about the sinking of the Titanic. The polka theme was set to lyrics by Alfred Shaughnessy and sung as a bawdy song "What are we going to do with Uncle Arthur?" during a music hall act by Sarah (Pauline Collins) in the episode "Upstairs, Downstairs: For Love of Love (#1.13)" (1972).

Goofs:

Continuity: Hamish and Dorothy Matthews' names are spelt Mathews in the credits of episode 3.11 and Matthews in episode 4.6

Quotes:

Rose Buck, housemaid: [furiously] You've got foreigners on the mind, you have, Mr Hudson! I remember the time you said that the German Army had landed, and that they were all working on the South coast as waiters and hairdressers, and that they'd all rise up and slaughter us in our beds! Haha! Well they haven't, have they? We're still here, aren't we?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Laverne & Shirley: Upstairs, Downstairs (#5.4)" (1979)

Upstairs Downstairs

I would just like to say that Upstairs Downstairs has got to be one of my most favorite British Soaps of all time. It's such a shame that it had to end. The era is fascinating to me, and I really enjoyed the way the servants interacted with each other and the occupants of the household.

The story lines were believable, as were the characters. And when the Titanic was mentioned as the cause of death to the first Mrs. Bellamy, it brought a sense of reality to the show.

The whole premise of the show was brilliant, because I'm sure that was the ways it really was in those days. What with the class distinctions and all.

Over all I truly enjoyed the entire production.