> IMAGE GALLERY
> Behind the scenes videos on PBS (new)
> Susie Conklin answers questions about sequel (including what happened to doctors from original Cranford)
> BBC video interview/preview
> Click for updated details posted
> episode synopses
> interview with Judi Dench for sequel
> interview with writer Heidi Thomas in Telegraph
> article by Heidi Thomas in Daily Mail
> interview with Judi Dench
> interview with co-creator Sue Birtwistle
> Cranford comeback blends the old and the new
> * Watch it on Youtube *
and will air on PBS in U.S. January 10 and 17, 2010
It's August 1844 and Miss Matty knows only too well that faces will always come and go in Cranford, but for now she is happy that her dear brother, Peter is home from India and that Martha, Jem and baby Tilly make for a lively household. Lady Ludlow is awaiting the return of her son, Septimus, and young Harry Gregson is about to start his education at Shrewsbury, benefiting from the moral support of Miss Galindo. Then there's news that wealthy widower, Mr Buxton has returned to live in Cranford, bringing with him his charming ward, Erminia and his handsome Eton-educated son, William. Whilst at nearby Thorn Cottage, Peggy Bell tries to make the best of things caring for her mother and brother Edward. Elsewhere, the world continues to change, but for now the railway has stopped five miles outside Cranford in spite of the efforts Captain Brown. All too soon life in Cranford will change in some very unexpected ways.
Gaskell's books used for the special, bits of Cranford still and Moorland Cottage has been mentioned as a source. (updated: besides Moorland Cottage, The Cage at Cranford is also used)
"Dame Judi Dench reprises her role as Cranford's much cherished Miss Matty Jenkyns on BBC One this Christmas, and heads a cast that boasts some of Britain's top film, TV and stage talent including Cranford newcomers: Jonathan Pryce, Celia Imrie, Lesley Sharp, Nicholas Le Prevost, Jodie Whittaker, Tom Hiddleston, Michelle Dockery, Matthew McNulty and Rory Kinnear. [photos of new cast below]
Made by BBC Drama Production and WGBH in association with Chestermead, Cranford is created by Sue Birtwistle and Susie Conklin, directed by Simon Curtis and written by Heidi Thomas, based on Elizabeth Gaskell's novel Cranford woven together with two of her other works.
The Amazons of Cranford are reunited in this two-part special feature with Imelda Staunton back as Miss Pole, Julia McKenzie returning as Mrs Forrester, and Deborah Findlay reprising Miss Tomkinson. Barbara Flynn returns as Mrs Jamieson, whose aristocratic sister-in-law, Lady Glenmire (Celia Imrie), arrives and makes quite an impression on the friends. back as Miss Pole, reprising Miss Tomkinson.
Miss Matty knows only too well that faces will always come and go in Cranford, but for now she is happy that her dear brother, Peter (Nicholas Le Prevost) is home from India and that Martha (Claudie Blakley), Jem and baby Tilly make for a lively household; Lady Ludlow (Francesca Annis) is eagerly awaiting the return of her long-absent son, Septimus (Rory Kinnear), and young Harry Gregson (Alex Etel) is about to start his education at Shrewsbury, benefiting from the late Mr Carter's bequest and the loyal, moral support of Miss Galindo (Emma Fielding).
Then there's news that wealthy widower, Mr Buxton (Jonathan Pryce), has returned to live quietly in Cranford bringing with him his charming ward, Erminia (Michelle Dockery) and his handsome Eton-educated son, William (Tom Hiddleston).
Whilst at nearby Thorn Cottage, Peggy Bell (Jodie Whittaker) tries to make the best of things caring for her demanding mother (Lesley Sharp) and opportunistic brother Edward (Matthew McNulty).
Elsewhere, the world continues to change, but for now the railway has stopped five miles outside Cranford in spite of the best efforts Captain Brown (Jim Carter) to bring the modern age right into the heart of King Street. But nothing can stay the same forever and all too soon life in Cranford will change in some very unexpected ways.
Cranford starts filming this June in and around Wiltshire and London."
More news from BBC posted here
Imdb link for Christmas special
(Good, Tess of D'urbervilles)
Lesley Sharp(Diary of Anne Frank, Inkheart)
Celia Imrie(Daniel Deronda, Doctor Zhivago, Love in a Cold Climate)
Jonathan Pryce(Evita, Affair of the Necklace, Pirates of Caribbean)
Michelle Dockery(The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler)
Rory Kinnear(Rushworth in Mansfield Park)
We'll finally get to see Lady Ludlow's son...
Tom Hiddleston(Wallander, Miss Austen Regrets)
Does anyone think he looks like JJ Feild??
Matthew McNulty(Lark Rise to Candleford)
Nicholas Le Prevost[replaces Martin Shaw as Matty's brother]
Tim Curry(since he's played King Arthur in Spamalot,
I envision him arriving in Cranford while banging coconuts together...)
"This is the most heartening news since the battle of Waterloo."
ReplyDeleteNow T, do you really have to go that far back for good news? Rumour has it that Star Trek can be inspiring! I've heard nothing but good reviews of that one from you and others!
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to this! Let's hope it is a massive smash hit and persuades the BBC they really need to make some more costume dramas.:) Judy
ReplyDelete*snort* I stole that quote from Mrs. Bennet/P&P 1940. I always liked that line. And Star Trek is great! Get thee to the theater and see it on the big screen before it's too late. Films move to DVD so quickly now.
ReplyDeleteCranford is one of my favorites! I can't wait to see this one! ~Lori
ReplyDeleteI saw the 2nd series over the weekend & loved it!! Do hope there will be a 3rd one as well. Cranford 3 perhaps! Hope so.
ReplyDeleteAnon,
ReplyDeletePleased to hear that you liked Cranford 2. Hate to burst your bubble but they've indicated that there won't be any more sequels. I was impressed that they were able to gather all those talented actors to film not only one but both series!