screenman This was a well-made series on a typically small British budget.A working-class cockney matriarch suddenly finds herself catapulted into control of the most fashionable hotel in Georgian London. An' don't she know how to keep them toffs in line? You betcha.The first part of the series is a comedy of manners that plays-out the contrast between upper-class sensibility and arrogance against uncompromising no-nonsense working-class pragmatism for all that it is worth. Later episodes tend to centre upon relationships, as the gap between our host's and her guests disposition and manners gradually begin to narrow.The programme was made with panache and excellent performances were given by all involved. It just tended to go on for a bit longer than the ideas entertainment value. As most dramas tend to do.The Yanks seem to have liked it though!

barrymn1 Even though this series is compared to "Upstairs Downstairs", it stood on its own feet as a first rate drama about an extremely interesting Cockney character going from getting her job in service to becoming the best chief in Britian and running the most famous private hotel in London.The ENTIRE cast was superb, with Gemma Jones performing the part of a lifetime with power, wit and grace.For the life of me, I can't understand why BBC chose not to release this on DVD....instead they leased it to Acorn video and the quality is no better than the VHS version the BBC issues years ago. Some of the episode are such lousy visual quality that it's hard to enjoy them.I own both sets on VHS and was first-in-line to the buy the DVD......but crickey, the quality on the two DVD sets is so mediocre.

overseer-3 If you loved the BBC mini-series "Upstairs, Downstairs", you will adore "The Duchess Of Duke Street". Produced by some of the same people, with many of the same actors popping up in character roles, it almost feels like a re-visiting of the Bellamy household to some extent. It's the same Victorian-Edwardian time period, similar examinations of the class differences between servants and masters, same colorful, plucky people going through life discussing politics, war, scandals, etc. Gemma Jones as Louisa Trotter is utterly fantastic in her role, showing multi-layers of this Cockney girl's character that are absolutely fascinating to watch. Gemma had the role of a lifetime in Louisa, and she is simply unforgettable. Christopher Cazenove is so handsome as Charlie Hazelmere he just about takes your breath away. He brightens up every scene he is in with his presence, adorable smile and flashing eyes. Joanna David is touching as the tragic and anorexic Margaret. All the secondary characters will touch your heart and leave a lasting impression: Mary, Starr, The Major, and the hysterically funny Mr. Merriman (same actor who played Soames' father in the original "The Forsyte Saga"). This series is definitely worth the money to obtain all 31 episodes in the currently offered two VHS boxed sets. Just wish it were on DVD. After I purchased mine I watched the entire series straight through on one weekend; it was completely addictive. The video prints for Duchess are of much better quality than the ones for Upstairs, Downstairs, which were grainy and off-colored for the most part. Plus another positive: each tape has three episodes blended into one, without being interrupted by end titles and music. This allows for smooth transitions and a more enjoyable viewing experience, almost like watching a movie. Duchess Of Duke Street is a must-have series for all people who love quality British television.2006 Update: there are now DVDs for this series, Series One. Hooray! We're anxiously awaiting a DVD box collection here in the US for Series Two.

west-1 There is still great pleasure to be had from this series. Set in the earlier 1900s in London, it is the story of a young woman who begins as a kitchen hand and, through talent and determination, becomes a great chef and hotelier, (though she refuses to lose her cockney speech).Louisa Trotter, played by the truly WONDERFUL Gemma Jones, must be one of the most memorable characters in television history. A creature of so many moods - haranguing her staff in the kitchen, deliriously in love, vulgar when she's angry, prickly with her mother, sentimental about her affair with the old King - it's hard to know whether to laugh at her, or cry. But there is one constant about her - her artistry in her profession, and that is always awe-inspiring.During a long series, relationships between characters can acquire great reality. Louisa's covert affection for her staff, her enduring love for Charlie (Christopher Cazenove), and her deep friendship with the Major (Richard Vernon) - mainly because of the exquisite playing of the cast - have an extraordinary conviction.