10 Must-See Classic British TV Series (Part 1 of 3)

All this month, the Cafe will pay tribute to classic British televison of the late 1960s and 1970s. We could easily devote six months to this endeavor, because it was such  a rich period for British TV. Some of the series we'll be highlighting were shown on U.S. commercial networks, many appeared on PBS, and a handful could be seen only on local stations in America. Some of our posts will focus on certain genres (e.g., those snappy spy series) and others will highlight specific series. That said, we'll start this month showering some Yankee love on ten classic British series that everyone should see! So, here's the first installment in our three-part series on must-see British shows.

Poldark – Set in late 18^th century Cornwall, Winston Graham’s sweeping historical drama centers on the Poldark and Warleggan families. The opening episode establishes a gripping premise. Captain Ross Poldark (Robin Ellis), supposedly killed during the American Revolution, returns to his home to find his father dead, his estate in ruins, massive debts, and his fiancée about to marry his cousin. While Ross’s story dominates the early part of the series, Poldark evolves into an ensemble saga populated by rich characters portrayed by a first-rate cast (e.g., Ellis, Angharad Rees, Ralph Bates, Jill Townsend, etc.). Graham’s script also comments on the social injustices and political ploys of the period. The breath-taking Cornish cliffs and beaches are an added bonus. Poldark ran for 29 episodes over 1975-77 and covered the first seven Poldark novels (all that had been written to that date). Both seasons are available on DVD from Acorn Media. Different producers mounted a new Poldark in 1996, based on an eighth novel, but it featured a different cast and never found a following.

Upstairs, Downstairs –  As part of the 35^th anniversary of PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre in 2006, viewers chose Upstairs, Downstairs as their favorite series (my choice, Poldark, was seventh). The series spanned 27 years in the lives of the Bellamy family and their servants at 165 Eaton Place in the Belgravia district of London. Starting in 1903, the series addressed political unrest in Europe, the suffragette movement, World War I, the stock market crash, and even the sinking of the Titanic (which plays a small, but very significant, part on the plotline). However, the majority of the drama focused on the relationships among and between the Bellamy family and their servants. The superb cast is anchored by:  Gordon Jackson as Hudson (the Scottish butler and senior staff member); Jean Marsh as Rose (the parlor maid and later a lady’s maid); and David Langdon as Richard Bellamy (the head of the family); and Angela Baddeley as Mrs. Bridges (the cook). Upstairs, Downstairs won numerous awards in Great Britain and the U.S., where it earned Emmys for Outstanding Drama Series in 1974, 1975 and 1977. A 1979 spin-off, Thomas and Sarah, followed two characters that left Eaton Place—but the tone was very different and it fizzled quickly. In August 2010, Jean Marsh starred in an updated version of Upstairs, Downstairs, set in 1936. It was popular enough to earn additional seasons, but I think it lacks the sparkle of the original.

Lord Peter Wimsey – Dorothy L. Sayers’ Wimsey mysteries have been adapted for television several times. In my opinion, the best version remains the 1972-75 series with Ian Carmichael as Lord Peter and Glyn Houston as his versatile valet Bunter. Sayers purists may quibble that Carmichael was too old for the part, but he still projects just the right amount of intelligence, likability, and upper-class manners. Set in the 1920s and 1930s, the multi-part mysteries range from superb (The Nine Tailors) to good (Five Red Herrings). The series excels at capturing Great Britain at a transitional period between the two World Wars, from the flapper lifestyle and gentleman clubs in London to the country gentry and rural impoverished villagers.  Carmichael and Houston (who played Bunter in four of the five) make a fine pair of inquisitive amateur sleuths, their relationship a combination of mutual respect, professional pride, and friendship.