Upstairs Downstairs - Life in a London Townhouse 1903 (Episodes 1-8 of 13, Series 1)

"Upstairs, downstairs" is a TV series that ran from 1971 to

1975 (5 series) on the British Channel ITV.



It deals with life in the household of an Edwardian London

townhouse, the story starting in 1903. There is "Downstairs"

(the domestic staff : Butler, maids, cook, footman) and

"Upstairs" (the Lady, the Master, their son and daughter,

their guests).



Upstairs, Downstairs was a huge success at the time. Perhaps

because of the cautious blend of drama, humour and comment on

social issues.



These are Episodes 1-8 of the 13 episodes in total of Series 1.

LANGUAGE: English (no subtitles)





1-1 "On Trial"



A new Under House Parlour-maid is taken on in the household

of the Bellamies but on trial. She claims to be of wealthy

background but was denied her inheritance. Yet the staff

soon discover a different "quality" to the new maid leading

to a real trial downstairs.



1-2 "The Mistress and the Maid"



Lady Marjorie has chosen an avantgarde artist heavily influenced

by his years in Paris to paint her portrait. When the painting

is publicly exhibited it is not only Lady Marjorie's picture on

display creating some embarrassment downstairs and upstairs.



1-3 "Board Wages"



The Bellamies are away and so is Butler Hudson. One evening after

getting very relaxed downstairs the party moves upstairs to carry

on with more splendour when it is unexpectedly interrupted. As a

consequence maid Sarah makes a grave decision.



1-4 "The Path of Duty"



The Bellamies' daughter Elizabeth returns to the household from an

educational stay in Germany and is to be presented to the king

during a grand ball. But the young lady has other ideas.



1-5 "A Suitable Marriage"



Young Elizabeth is to marry an incredibly wealthy Scotsman. And

then there is a German baron who seems charming enough.



1-6 "A Cry for Help"



The new maid Mary seems to be in some emotional distress. When

Mr. Bellamy takes an unusual interest the rumours are beginning

to spread.



1-7 "Magic Casements"



The Bellamies' son James brings along a friend who fills in for

the indesposed Mr. Bellamy to acompany Lady Marjorie to the opera.

But then there seems to be some mutual excitement beyond the shared

interest in music and poetry.



1-8 "I Dies from Love"



Kitchen maid Emily has really fallen for the footman of another

household and they go out together. But when his mistress finds

out she forbids him to see Emily.





MORE INFORMATION AT:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upstairs,_Downstairs

http://www.updown.org.uk/