User reviews

The opportunity to watch so many of Britain's great female actors working together in parts that allow them to demonstrate just how good they are is one of the two immensely satisfying aspects of Cranford, the five-part, 291-minute drama imported from Britain by way of Masterpiece Theater. The other is the story itself -- a kind of Austen-like tale of good manners, gossip, punctilious courtesies and extraordinarily detailed production values. Cranford may be a genteel and gentle soap opera, but it glows with warmth, humor and the occasional dramatic crisis.

Cranford is a small English village, tidy and well kept. The time is the early 1840's. The village hasn't changed much over the years. The established ladies of the village plan to keep it that way. For the next 12 months of Cranford we'll see a new, young doctor come to town, the affects of a train line being built closer and closer to the village, romance and marriages, typhoid, death and poverty. We'll see why some think the lower classes should not be taught to read or write, how it really hurts to have your leg amputated, how a woman of a certain age who is not married may well expect to live a lonely life. We'll also see friendships, misunderstandings, the love for a cow and the deep comfort of accepted ways. Keep in mind that the story isn't simply a bucolic tale of a world long gone. We're going to deal with class distinctions, poverty, condescension to women, and customs that can strangle affection. There are several story lines that develop and weave around each other.

At the heart of the story are the women of Cranford, for whom gossip is a way of life. Eileen Atkins plays the elderly Miss Deborah Jenkyns, a severe woman who is not without feelings and who is the acknowledged arbiter of what is proper. Her sister, Miss Mattie Jenkyns, played by Judy Dench, is a bit scatterbrained but a warm and empathetic person. And we have Miss Pole (Imelda Staunton), a lightening transmitter of juicy information; Mrs. Forrester (Julia MacKenzie), a widow who is a bit of a ditherer but good-hearted; and Miss Jamieson (Barbara Flynn), better off than the others which she is careful to display, and more conventional, but prepared to be brought around. There is Mary Smith (Lisa Dillon), who comes to live with the Jenkyns sisters to escape a busybody stepmother and who finds more than she thought she would. Thankfully, she has a good mind and a sense of humor. And there is Lady Ludlow (Francesca Annis), the grand, aging lady in the grand estate nearby who learns to acknowledge that others may be correct, while not seeming to apologize for her class standards. What of the men? They're around, but for the most part they exist simply to provide the framework for the women's stories. Such superior actors as Michael Gambon, Jim Carter and Martin Shaw play them.

When we leave Cranford five hours after we arrived, we've smiled a lot, teared up a few times, and have come to admire these women, their capacity for friendship and their desire to keep the future from arriving too soon. If you hear the term "heartwarming," don't be put off. This program is intelligently written and is acted with extraordinary and underplayed skill.

First, I'm a big Elizabeth Gaskell fan. I had just reread Cranston last winter...so starting this series, I was really confused and frankly worried about the age of my brain...until I realized that the plot was an amalgamation of three different Gaskill stories. I'm not such a purest that it bothered other than not being aware of it at the onset.

Actually, I was just grateful that anyone was paying attention to Elizabeth Gaskill in the first place. No doubt there are those of us who adore Jane Austen but she always gets all the attention in movies and TV, what with the oodles of remakes and re releases and her immense popularity. But Gaskill is just down right hilarious to read...so hurray for the old new comer!

There's a wealth of material here and BBC put a lot of effort and time into making this a worthwhile production. I agree that the music was really sappy, but the script and the fine acting made up for it. Of course the costuming was fabulous! There were a lot of belly laughs surrounding the escapades of the ladies of Cranford...Mrs Forrester's cow, the misbegotten meaning behind gifts and letters, hair dying, much gossip, of course...even lace eating cats! As character would demand, Eileen Atkins was a tour de force as Miss Deborah...in fact, the entire cast was astounding! All together a remarkable entertaining miniseries!

I really enjoyed this very much, it was an incredibly well written story.

The cast were superb, I feel a bit harsh saying this but the lad who plays Harry is a terrible actor and so wooden. I really do not understand how he managed to get such a big part in this program!! I'm almost certain there is better talent out there. He made me cringe every time he spoke, that was the only thing that spoilt it for me!!!! I love period drama's however sometimes they can be very repetitive and similar, this was very different. It was a joy to watch. It was not at all predictable, the program had humour along with some very sad story lines. It's a 9/10 from me.

Not a dry eye in the house as this came to a close last night. Absolute perfection. Never has a better cast been assembled for a t.v. drama. For me, Imelda Staunton shone, with her fantastic comic timing, but they were all excellent. A departure from the usual Dickens or Austen ( which I adore) in that the plot is more episodic and less dark. There are no obvious villains and few mysteries to unravel. More of a 19th century Archers. However, the insight into the people of the time and into social history is fascinating. Some hilarious lines mixed with occasional haunting tragedy which makes you empathise with its many characters regardless of their faults. Everyone I know has been watching this and all would rate this as the best thing on t.v this year.

If you thought that North and South 2004, Bleak House 2005 and Jane Eyre 2006 were heroic steps forward in period adaptation you are absolutely going to adore this. I'm hoping, on the strength of the first episode, that we may be about to ascend new heights.

Liberties are taken. The material is being reinterpreted for the screen with a dashing disrespect for fidelity that is bound to offend those critics who watch screen adaptations with their Everyman edition on their knee but what Thomas has done here is bring the spirit of Gaskell and the humour of the age (specifically northern humour), magnificently to life.

Eileen Atkins' performance alone will carry this series to every Award ceremony worthy of attention but there is so much more you may be left agape with wonder or clapping your hands with glee at the stories surrounding Cranford's womenfolk, many condemned to spinsterhood by the Napoleonic Wars. And there's much more still to come.

You won't see the novel reassembled piece by piece, but what you'll get instead is a mordant, hilarious, moving, masterpiece of the art of adaptation and a brilliant cast extracting every last every drop of juice from the fruit (sucked separately, of course).

Cranford is vibrantly alive and kicking as it never has been before. Bring on the rest. If you please.

As a typically boofheaded Aussie bloke, it is very hard to admit that i have found myself weeping like a child, during each episode. My wife and I have been keen viewers of BBC drama over a period of 25 years or so and both agree that this must be the most incredibly beautiful series that we have seen! I am humbled by the strength of the female characters and how delicately simple the plots. I can but only give all involved in this series a huge bouquet. I have never been overly impressed by Dame Judy until now. She is incredible in her role as Matti. 10 out of 10.The actress who plays Mary is also a favourite. The right mix of humour and pathos will make this a memorable series for years to come.

I cannot believe that anyone could miss this wonderful piece of work. I have just watched the final episode with tears streaming down my face! Partly due to the content and partly due to the fact that there will be no more of this feast of period drama/comedy/social comment.Not one performance has jarred not one piece of dialogue does not uplift ones heart. I cannot praise the whole thing enough (perhaps you may have noticed)!! It would be unfair to single out one of the actors for special praise as they were all so exemplary and masters of their craft. Versatility, though, was seen by Philip Glenister's part. To have seen him as the detective in Life on Mars then see him do Cranford just shows what a wealth of talent the British scene has. I want to see it again!!

I am at heart an Austen girl, and I will admit that I find that the BBC's adaptations often far outrank any other, and Cranford was no exception. I have yet to read the books but have dropped heavy hints to Santa. The BBC has, if I'm honest disappointed me recently, but for one Cranford' quality programme I can almost forgive for everything else. Pure excellence. Cranford had me in tears for every episode, and often begging for the happy ending which given the often dark nature of the narrative was unlikely to come, and often didn't. Wonderful performances, from the Sirs and Dames, down to the youngster who played Harry Gregson, and with wonderful characterisation, which made the characters lovable and known and even gives unseen characters and histories unseen depths which are sometimes unavoidably and sadly missed in period pieces. A wonderful job. One request, may 'Cranford' never meet Hollywood, they won't be able to do it better than the BBC! Does anyone know when it comes out on DVD?

This was Austen, Dickens and a bit of George Eliot all together and then some. The bad people not quite as cruel as Dickens. Class System naturally present but not as pronounced and little to none of who has how many thousand pounds and the need for dowries as in Jane Austen. And like (Mary Ann Evans) George Eliot's epochs, decisions and choices we make have consequences. There is laughter, joy, tragedy, misunderstanding, partings, reunions, love, gained, lost, unrequited. What makes this a tour de force is the Cast. Every performance exceptional beyond words, Jewels both from the women and the men. So many from the treasure chest of British thespians female and male. It is only amazing that Dame Maggie Smith or her stellar son Toby Stephens were absent in this Royal feast of actors. All somewhat overwhelming compared to the mediocrity of performance served up from Hollywood. Of Dame Judi Dench one could wax lyrical without end. However, Dame Eileen Atkins as always profound, who has now a career of nearly 50 years, as actress, writer, creator of television and theatre productions and is so extraordinary that adjectives do not suffice. To leave any name out is an injustice but in this space necessary. Francesca Annis' performance must be mentioned not only for its perfection but for her continued beauty and ethereal quality that mesmerises and haunts the spectator. More than 30 years I have rejoiced each time I have seen her. This production is among the finest of what BBC can do. It is rich beyond measure in its script, direction, decor and costume. Visually and Intellectually a Feast.

It is one of the best pieces of work I've seen in all of 2007. A juicy mixture of stars and I looked forward to every Sunday. Beautifully shot and acted and single handedly put me on to period dramas now. Ms Pole needs to come back on the screen. A real class act of a project!! Judy Dench is subtle but endearing. Someones not much actually happens and yet you wonder why on earth is it still so incredibly captivating. It's really works because everyone of the characters is beautifully played, and the story line is layered and passionate. And did I mention Ms Pole!! I am now a big fan of this actress. I LOVED HER. Don't miss this gem.

Gossip is certainly a way of life in CRANFORD where the neighborhood seems to be ruled by ladies who have nothing better to do than arrange marriage proposals or spread misinformed gossip about any new arrival in town--or, for that matter, any new ideas that might endanger the "way of life" in their small universe.

As always in all of these British miniseries, the acting is impeccable, the costumes are perfect, the settings have an authentic look, and the color photography captures every scene with uncanny nuances of light and shadow.

But upon close examination, the screenplay gives one little time to reflect on the eccentric and very plentiful characterizations. JUDITH DENCH has the biggest responsibility of carrying the personal drama but everyone around her seems equally capable of wringing the most from every scene. MICHAEL GAMBON's scenes with Judith are exquisitely played, with much regret lingering below the surface that their relationship has been stifled by events they were unable to control.

Viewers of this sort of Victorian drama will enjoy--others may not be able to keep up with all the village characters involved. One almost expects a murder to break out so that we can begin to view all the characters in a suspicious light as though we were watching a typical Agatha Christie story which is always cluttered with too many suspects

The series lack historical sense and is a typical effort of reworking 19th century themes in order to make them more palatable to 21st century taste. But why not stick to adapting contemporary fiction then?

First the short-story "Lady Ludlow" takes place much earlier than "Cranford", in fact during the French Revolution. It's one of the "historical" works of Mrs Gaskell. Besides this, the character Lady Ludlow is already old-fashioned for those times, particularly in her opposition to "lower classes" learning to read. The short-story is both full of light irony (very Austen-like) and pathos (though a long melodramatic story within the story about the French Revolution mars it a little to my mind). But Lady Ludlow becomes annoying in the TV adaptation, because she's no longer in her historical time but transported to a much later time, at least 50 years later, where her prejudices become utterly ridiculous. She and the other people related to her tale seem artificially grafted into Cranford and simply do not belong.

As for "Mr Harrison's Confessions" which as a short-story is absolutely hilarious, I find the series only produced a pale imitation of it, only mildly amusing at times. Besides, if, in tone and period, it blends more easily with "Cranford" than "Lady Ludlow", Sophie's characterisation and her father's underwent a great change to make them acceptable to 21st century prejudices. For instance, since he's a clergyman, he has to be bland and cold in the series, yet he is presented as a sort of worthy example in the short-story: a type of the upright and balanced Christian who sometimes appears in Gaskell's fiction. In the short-story, the death of Walter is very moving and depicted as the death of a Christian child with Christian hope. Why was this turned into another occasion for questioning God's mercy and will in classic 21st-century fashion? This shows a total incapacity to even begin to understand the Christian beliefs of the time (which are still held by some).

What a pity adapters cannot see that 21st-century pet theories are in no way superior (or more logical or more consistent or indeed more interesting) than those of previous times.

I just discovered this show on Britbox, the BBC streaming service here in the US. I enjoy British tv shows, even old ones, so much more than anything that is done here. And this show lives up to my expectations - good writing and good acting. The positive reviews say is it all - the show is beautiful, funny at times, heartbreaking at other times. I do not care if there are few liberties taken with history (and I am a former history teacher) or the books. I want to be entertained, and this show does just that. As for those who think the plots are thin or nonexistent, you are right. But that's what I love - character driven works, in tv and in books. If you like action, this isn't for you. If you like to immerse yourself in a period piece, even if it is a bit flawed, then you will enjoy this, and perhaps come to love it as I have.

"Cranford" is the type of drama, in writing (starts with a novel), acting and directing that the British do so well, a period piece that runs the viewer through the gamut of emotions -- frustration, anger, joy, relief, etc. -- in reaction to oh-so-subtle variations of human behavior, by illustrating the mores of the time, from quaint to maddening by modern standards on one hand, to the human generosity which defies them on the other.

As befit the greatest tales, there are several main characters with deftly interwoven stories here, so one must look elsewhere beyond these comments for knowledge of the characters and plot; but let me conclude by saying that "Cranford" has more HEART than any piece I've seen in quite some time. Shown as a "Masterpiece Classic" on America's PBS network, "Cranford" truly, truly, truly lived up to the Masterpiece moniker, with a capital M.

For those interested, it is available on DVD. I bought my copy whilst in London recently, but BBC America might have it. Also, in the "extras", the makers mention that they do have another book ready to go if anyone wants it ! I DO!!! I love this series, it is beautiful, sad and happy, great cast all around. If one likes costume dramas, or "bonnets & bustles" as one the actors put it, you cannot get much better than than this. If anything justifies the license fee in the UK, this series does. Probably on a par with Upstairs Downstairs. And better, in my opinion than any Austen adaptation. Definitely not Dr Who, but I could see him landing in Cranford, would spoil the effect though. Set in a Cheshire village in 1842-43. When the trains were being built across the country, intruding on the old, quite country life. Manchester is the nearest big city, London a terror to these people. That is, they would never consider going there, but Manchester if they must. Purely delightful and, yes, a tear jerker at moments. I do not normally have such tears when watching a film, but admit I did not a few times watching Cranford. Brilliant.

Cranford is one of the best period drama/comedy series of all time. There are many reasons why that is so. One is the period detail. The photography is stunning, the scenery is breathtaking, the costumes are truly wondrous and the sets are realistic looking. The music is also gorgeous, and the quality of the script is exceptional. While there are some poignant moments, there are some truly funny ones as well, I mean the whole drama sparkles with constant wit and subtlety. And of course the acting, what a divine cast. Judi Dench is magnificent as Matti Jenkyns; I for one don't think she is overrated as an actress, she is wonderful in my opinion. Her performances are consistently brilliant and here it is no exception. Imelda Staunton is brilliant as Miss Pole, Julia McKenzie(who I last saw as Miss Marple) is terrific as Mrs Forrester and Deborah Findley is just as good as Miss Tompkinson. Other performances worth of mention were Eileen Atkins in a scene stealing turn as Deborah Jenkyns, Phillip Glenister shows real versatility as Mr Carter and Michael Gambon is exceptional as Mr Holbrook. His chemistry with Dench was ever so touching, it did make me cry. All in all, a truly brilliant piece of television. Whenever it is on, it always makes my week. 10/10 Bethany Cox

I wish I could give this a 20 instead of just 10. This is the best mini series I've seen in a VERY long time. Cranford is a terrific "bonnet and bustle" period piece. You'd be hard pressed to find a better cast. The actors are perfect for the parts they play and do a superb job.(How could you go wrong with Eileen Atkins, Judi Dench and Imelda Staunton?)The scripts are very cleverly written to reflect the idiosyncrasies of the characters. Cranford has everything: Comedy, farce, drama, pathos and a charming bunch of highly eccentric characters. You'll love these people. You'll laugh with them. You'll cheer them on. You'll hope there's a sequel because you can't bear to part with them. Buy this, it's GREAT!

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.

What is so satisfying about British productions of 19th century authors is that there is inevitably an ensemble cast of outstanding actors. They all work together from minor to major roles without letting ego or grandstanding overwhelm the story.

Cranford and Return to Cranford (RTC) is enjoyable not only for it's acting, but for it's excellent writing. The adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's novel about a small village with little outside influence, and it's growing pains when old ways begin to change, specifically when faced with the development of the railroad, is consistent and true to the story.

As expected for this period, the class system based on the remnants of the feudal system is ever present between the relationships of the townspeople and the aristocrats. Propriety, appearances, and societal rules forever rule the lives of the 19th century Britons. Cranford/RTC will draw you in and immerse you in the conflicts, misunderstandings, and joys of its characters.

Someone who has read these stories from which the series was written has a lot of criticisms, & objections to significant changes. It's entertaining with what seems to be changes that are historically inconsistent. It's slow paced, & for some will be annoying.

Our family so much enjoyed "Cranford" from 2007, and could hardly wait for the "Return to Cranford" to be available on DVD. It is another winner! The cast and crew of these 2 video presentations are wonderfully talented and have presented excellent works. Heidi Thomas surely did her homework in setting up the dialog... the costuming was extraordinary... the music lovely... the acting was superb! We especially appreciated the roles that Michael Gambon (Mr. Holbrook), Judi Dench (Matty), Julia McKenzie (Mrs. Forrester), Imelda Staunton (Ms. Pole), Lisa Dillon (Mary), Claudie Blakely (Martha), Andrew Buchan (Jem Hearne), Simon Woods (Frank Harrison), Alex Etal (Harry), and Tom Hiddleston (William Buxton) played. I do believe that these actors have a way of speaking volumes with their eyes that adds so much to their acting skills. And Miss Pole's little maid, Bertha (Hannah Hobley), was priceless in her part, as well. All the characters did great jobs in providing us with exceptional entertainment. We laughed & cried...were surprised and even shocked at some turns of events, but all was very well presented. We highly recommend the works of Sue Birtwistle, Susie Conklin and Heidi Thomas, incl. "Pride & Prejudice" (1995), "Emma" (1996), "Wives & Daughters" (1999), and "Cranford" (2007 & 2009). We hope that they keep on producing those Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell novels. We are anxiously awaiting to hear that they will be making a "Cranford III" in the near future!

This series was recommended to me because I loved the BBC adaptations of Bleak House and North and South. It is a very high-quality production, but the story is pure fluff and lacks any substance. I've never read the books, but based on this series I would assume that, when they were written, they were pretty commonplace light reading. Someone else here described this as a "soap opera," and I completely agree. It's a nice cute series of stories, but contains nothing really interesting. In particular, the romance between Dr. Harrison and Sophie Hutton couldn't have been more boring and predictable, watching any of THAT was a complete waste of time.

We just sat down with our (first of many, hopefully) annual viewing of the entire Cranford cycle, and it has won an honored place in our collection of powerful, and sweet, stories of strong and loving people, in communities of both tradition and change. Remembering that adaptations of beloved literature do take some license, is as important to us, as knowing that, although Miss Deborah may be s stickler for rules and form, there are times when even she may adjust to the necessity of human kindness.

Please tell us that the events of the last episode will continue into another Cranford series, for we wish to see more of all the strong and loving inhabitants of Mrs. Gaskell's fictional Cheshire in the 1840's.