Downton Abbey ★★★
MY knowledge of Downton Abbey is pretty limited, to state the least.
Going into the 2019 film, I knew it was a period drama based on the much-loved English television series that ended more than a decade ago.
This long-awaited film is actually a continuation of the television series which centered on the goings-on amongst the residing Crawley family and their many staff at a large country estate in the early 20th century.
The story picks up two years after the final episode of the last television series but this historical point didn’t seem to matter in the grand scheme of things.
The cast of characters is apparently much the same and Downtown Abbey itself is still standing.
There is a little talk about financial struggles but that’s a minor issue compared to the main story and its many tributaries.
The King and Queen are travelling and have insisted that Downton Abbey is on the list of stop-overs for dinner, a ball and a parade in the nearby village.
Why some of the Royal Family staff are against the idea is, again, not fully explored so I guess its mainly because they’re snobs – and there is a lot of snobbery going on here.
When the Royal butler, maid and chef arrive in advance, the Downton Abbey staff become frustrated and annoyed that their expertise and knowledge is being belittled and pushed aside.
They mount a plan to ensure the Abbey’s reputation is firmly stamped on the visit and the Royal household.
In addition there are a range of sub-plots involving a love affair, a marriage proposal, an illegitimate child and a gay relationship.
Oh yes, there’s also the small matter of an attempt to assassinate the King that has to be foiled.
There is a lot packed into the film, no doubt too much for the running time of just over two hours, but the fans who invaded Perth’s Windsor Theatre for Universal Studio’s Gala Premiere seemed constantly enthralled and well satisfied.
The film may have less impact on others; it’s engaging, beautifully produced and efficiently filmed, but the dramatic moments are too subdued.
Generally the film comes across as a loving tribute to the original story and characters, made specifically with the fans in mind.
The main strengths are the costuming, sets and production design and familiar cast including Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, Jim Carter, Imelda Staunton, Tuppence Middleton and Matthew Goode to name just a few.
My favourite, however, is one of the newcomers – David Haig playing the Royals’ officious and obnoxious head butler.
The big-screen Downton Abbey experience is sure to be lapped up by the fans and lovers of lighter period drama.
No doubt they can all look forward to future news of sequels.