Cranford

Cranford

Directed by: Simon Curtis & Steve Hudson

Starring: Lisa Dillon

Genre: Drama

Run Time: ~60 min./episode (total of 5 episodes)

Release Date: November 2007

On The Web: Official Site

Teaser: Movie Trailer

Reviewed by Byron Merritt

The BBC never does anything half-way, and so goes CRANFORD, the story of a mid-19th century British town created by Elizabeth Gaskell and brought to life by screenwriter Heidi Thomas. Already nominated for ten BAFTA awards, eight Emmys, and three Golden Globes, this five episode miniseries is masterfully done in all aspects, including content, design and acting.

Taking place over one year — from the summer of 1842 to the summer of 1843 — the miniseries chronicles the struggles of one township and its unflagging residents as they battle rumors, financial ruin, educational boundaries, medical plights, and the threat of change brought by an unwelcome railroad line.

With a stunning 25 member prime cast, the BBC pulled out all the stops to make this a star-studded affair. They include Dame Judi Dench (CASINO ROYALE), Simon Woods (PRIDE & PREJUDICE - 2005), Imelda Staunton (FREEDOM WRITERS), Jim Carter (THE GOLDEN COMPASS), Alex Jenkins (THE QUEEN), and Francesca Annis (THE LIBERTINE) ...just to name a few.

Funny, compassionate, and often heart-wrenching, Cranford is a town the audience dives into and submerges themselves. We become intimate witnesses to everything, and most of this is accomplished through the eyes of Mary Smith played by Lisa Dillon (whom I gave top billing to rather than Dame Judi Dench). Upon Mary’s arrival in Cranford at the very beginning of the first episode we witness the trials, successes and failures of just about everyone within Cranford’s fold. Overseeing most of Cranford’s wealth is Lady Ludlow (Francesca Annis) who often delivers swift and hard decisions on the town but softens as time goes by. Helping her (and in her employ) is Mr. Carter (Philip Glenister, KINGDOM OF HEAVEN) who helps oversee her business and tries to keep Ms. Ludlow from destroying her wealth. Helping Mr. Carter is Harry (Alex Etel, THE WATER HORSE), the child of squatters and battling a life of education versus hard labor.

But I would be seriously remiss if I didn’t mention the main ladies of Cranford for whom everything encircles. Mainly this is Matty Jenkyns (Dench) and — initially — her sister Deborah (Eileen Atkins), whom Mary Smith comes to live with during the first episode. Deborah (Atkins) is the somewhat overbearing but incredibly hospitable sister who fears change more than anything but grudgingly accepts it (this is shown during an early funeral scene when she walks behind the carriage). Matty (Dench) is the more accepting sister who learns that love never really dies, it sometimes just takes a lot longer to blossom (via friendship, old romances, or a simple child).

The other two women that I must mention are the comedic relief within the series (and the heaviest gossipers), Miss Pole (Imelda Staunton) and Mrs. Forrester (Julia McKenzie). These two trouble-making but vitally important characters were the glue that helped hold Cranford together ...and sometimes threatened to tear it apart (for instance, when the new doctor was thought to have been engaged to three different women, much of the blame could be placed on these two women’s shoulders for the misunderstanding).

There is, of course, much more going on in this series than I would want to write about (mainly for fear of boring you or causing cramps from typing too much ...or both). Rest assured you should see this. It is quaint, fun, and simply brilliant. Enjoy another Masterpiece Theater spectacle.

(back to top)

Image from Cranford

Dr. Harrison (Simon Woods) sits near two modest women of Cranford