barry1948 We just sat down with our (first of many, hopefully) annual viewing of the entire Cranford cycle, and it has won an honored place in our collection of powerful, and sweet, stories of strong and loving people, in communities of both tradition and change. Remembering that adaptations of beloved literature do take some license, is as important to us, as knowing that, although Miss Deborah may be s stickler for rules and form, there are times when even she may adjust to the necessity of human kindness.Please tell us that the events of the last episode will continue into another Cranford series, for we wish to see more of all the strong and loving inhabitants of Mrs. Gaskell's fictional Cheshire in the 1840's.

momnj I wish I could give this a 20 instead of just 10. This is the best mini series I've seen in a VERY long time. Cranford is a terrific "bonnet and bustle" period piece. You'd be hard pressed to find a better cast. The actors are perfect for the parts they play and do a superb job.(How could you go wrong with Eileen Atkins, Judi Dench and Imelda Staunton?)The scripts are very cleverly written to reflect the idiosyncrasies of the characters. Cranford has everything: Comedy, farce, drama, pathos and a charming bunch of highly eccentric characters. You'll love these people. You'll laugh with them. You'll cheer them on. You'll hope there's a sequel because you can't bear to part with them. Buy this, it's GREAT!

pawebster This is a women's soap opera in Victorian dress - ideal fodder to pull in the audience ratings. It is very sugary, especially in Episode 1, partly due to the syrupy background music reminiscent of the style used in old Hollywood films of the thirties and forties. I don't know what Carl Davis was thinking of. I did read that he had to produce the music in a hurry.The plot is a conflation of three works, producing a kind of telenovela. The stories shown were never envisaged in this form by Mrs Gaskell. What we are presented with here is a fluffy TV confection.I found it a bit slow and less than riveting, partly because many of the plot strands are very trivial. Middlemarch (1994) was better.However, on the positive side, it is well made in the best BBC tradition, and the acting by the stellar cast is excellent.

beresfordjd I cannot believe that anyone could miss this wonderful piece of work. I have just watched the final episode with tears streaming down my face! Partly due to the content and partly due to the fact that there will be no more of this feast of period drama/comedy/social comment.Not one performance has jarred not one piece of dialogue does not uplift ones heart. I cannot praise the whole thing enough (perhaps you may have noticed)!! It would be unfair to single out one of the actors for special praise as they were all so exemplary and masters of their craft. Versatility, though, was seen by Philip Glenister's part. To have seen him as the detective in Life on Mars then see him do Cranford just shows what a wealth of talent the British scene has. I want to see it again!!