My pal Cindy B. invited me to take part in the February edition of her Lucky 13 Film Club series! This month’s topic is 1930s British Female Protagonists and we’re discussing Gosford Park, Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day and Being Julia. Check out the post on Cindy’s blog and take part in the discussion!
WELCOME to the discussion this month as we feature three period films set in 1930s Britain. They share comedic elements, great costumes, and illustrate the economic relationship between the classes. Thanks to my friend Ruth at FLIXCHATTER, who agreed to co-host.
Ruth’s observations
It seems that I have a fascination with the English class system and films/series about the upper crust world of nobility and their servants are in vogue again thanks to Downton Abbey. But perhaps there’s always an interest in such topic, as Upstairs/Downstairs series was popular in the 70s and remade again in 2010. Gosford Park is one of the most famous cinematic study of the class system in the 1930s, but with an Agatha Christie mystery thrown in. Julian Fellowes (the mastermind behind Downton Abbey) won an Oscar for Best Screenplay.
The cast alone makes it a MUST see for me, with the who’s…
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Ruth, your write-ups or review of the film, “Gosford Park” was outstanding and so glad you admitted you didn’t notice the social class structure as much the first time around. I am one who loves the costumes, “sets” or scenery and the way people handle themselves in social setttings. I thought this one reminded me of the book by Agatha Christie, “And Then There Were None.” It is so interesting thought, in her book I felt interested and hopeful that one couple would “make it” and not be killed off! In “Gosford Park,” I had a hard time relating to anyone or wishing things would go well for them. I did think I should have viewed it again with a different, more mature perspective. ha ha!
I wrote a post about “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day,” in which I felt fairly happy with the way it came out. I included Cindy’s blog link and your name (and blog) as a guest on Cindy’s blog.
Hope you have a lovely Valentine’s Day weekend! Smiles, Robin (reocochran)
Hello Robin, how lovely to have *met* you through Cindy’s blog. Thanks so much for the kind words, glad we have a great discussion about the social elements of these films. I really love period dramas for the costumes & set pieces, but also for the intriguing social commentary of that era. I feel that in Gosford Park, the emotional elements just wasn’t there, I mean compared to Austen’s work or Brontë’s but then again it’s not a romance per se. Have you seen BBC’s North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell? That’s one of my all time faves, and I love Mr. Thornton more than Mr. Darcy.
I’m definitely gonna check out your blog. Sounds like we have a lot in common. Happy V-day to you as well!
I haven’t seen “Gosford Park” in ages, but I remember really liking it. “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day” is such a charming, funny and romantic film. It’s the kind of movie that puts you in a good mood 🙂
I haven’t, however, seen Being Julia. May have to give that one a try!
Hi Tiffany! I really adore Miss Pettigrew, I should rewatch that again at some point as it’s on Netflix. Lee Pace is lovely to look at as well 😉
I haven’t seen Being Julia either, that was my friend Cindy’s portion of the discussion but I love Mr. Irons so will give that a shot.
Such an awesome write up Ruth! I love how much you love this genre. Every time I see a new period piece my first thought is…I wonder if Ruth loved this one as much as I did!
Awwww thank you Drew! Yeah I have a penchant for period dramas, I think half of my dvds are in that genre, ahah. If you have films to recommend, do let me know!
Oh, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day is fun, and Gosford Park is quite good. I wish I liked Being Julia more.
I haven’t seen Being Julia yet but I’m curious about it. Glad you like the other two, Josh!