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starring: Raymond Huntley, Hannah Gordon, Madeleine Cannon, Christopher Beeny, Nicola Pagettdirected by: Derek Bennett, Bill Bain, Raymond Menmuir
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9780767009416
Format: Box set, Color, NTSC
ISBN: 076700941X
Label: A&E Home Video
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
Number Of Items: 7
Publisher: A&E Home Video
Release Date: July 27, 1999
Running Time: 663 minutes
Sales Rank: 19367
Studio: A&E Home Video
Theatrical Release Date: January 06, 1974
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Editorial Review:
Description:
War casts its dark shadow over 165 Eaton Place in the fourth season of the masterful series UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS, now available on video for the first time. One of the most popular and acclaimed shows in history, UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS has won 9 Emmys®, a Golden Globe®, and a Peabody® award, and has been seen by over a billion people in 70 countries worldwide. This special collector’s set, the latest in the complete series from A&E Home Video, features all 13 episodes from the pivotal fourth season of the landmark show praised as 'perennially fascinating' by Time magazine. Relive some of the most memorable moments in TV history. From the first stirrings of war to the confusing days of the Armistice celebration, the enchanting saga of the aristocratic Bellamy family and their loyal and lively servants continues. Journey back once again to 165 Eaton Place, and own a piece of television history.
Amazon.com:
Beloved by audiences in more than 70 countries, this seminal British television series is just as enjoyable now as when it first aired in the 1970s. Richard, his son James, and James's wife, Hazel, comprise the aristocratic Bellamy family that resides upstairs while their loyal servants maintain the London household from downstairs. These episodes, set in 1914 to 1918, during the Great War, follow the upper class family's troubles in changing times and the ongoing lives of their resilient staff. The fourth season is more soapy than the previous ones and is best viewed in order. Outstanding cast performances and the dramatic backdrop of the war give this season its reputation as the best of the five.
Due to limited filming budgets, the war is largely seen through home-front activities. While James and Edward serve on the frontlines, the rest of the family participates in the war effort as best they can, busy with tea parties for wounded officers, charity shows, and attempts to shelter refugees. Surprising everyone, Ruby even leaves to build munitions, only to return after an explosion at the factory. Marriages and tragedies ensue, affecting both upstairs and downstairs at 165 Eaton Place. As the Great War concludes, and things begin to settle down, England celebrates the Armistice and the Bellamy family contemplates the end of an era and the changes to come. --Tara Chace
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - the War Years at 165 Eaton Place...
The acclaimed fourth season of UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS focuses on the turbulent years of World War One, with the Bellamy's fighting to keep control of an ever-changing world, shattered asunder...
"A Patriotic Offering" - Lady Prudence (Joan Benham) convinces Hazel (Meg Wynn Owen) to take in a family of Belgian refugees, resulting in a major upset for the servants.
"News From the Front" - Whilst on leave, James (Simon Williams) finds himself drawn into a political situation which ... Read More
Rating: - The Best Season of Upstairs Downstairs So Far
I am new to the world of Upstairs Downstairs, but this (the fourth) season is the best season I've watched so far. For those of you who are new to the world of Upstairs Downstairs, this series is a character driven drama which focuses on the disparate (but yet entwined) lives of the rich Bellamy's and their servants.
Character growth, loss, tragedy and triumph are the themes of this season, as the characters are greatly affected by the trials of world war I. I highly recommend this for ... Read More
Rating: - The Best of all Upstairs Downstairs!
This series is my favorite in the Upstairs Downstairs canon. The residents of 165 Eaton Place face the loss and hardships of World War I bravely. Several important themes, such as duty, honor, love and loss are explored through the lives of several characters. War comes home, literally, when a Zeppelin drops a bomb on Eaton Place. James, Edward, Georgina, and most tragically Rose and Hazel are all victims of the war's bloodlust. There are some extremely fine moments, such as when Georgina sees some ... Read More
Rating:  - Great Production, Poor DVD
This is a wonderful classic. I have purchased each season as it has become available on DVD. I am usually very happy with A&E's DVD's, but I am not sure what went wrong with, "Upstairs, Downstairs". Season Four had some very long periods where the picture was so blurred that it bothered my eyes to watch it. Overall, I am quite disappointed with the results on DVD. I know I will continue to purchase each season, because I really enjoyed the series when it was on television, but I wish the quality ... Read More
Rating:  - Great Story - Mediocre Production Values
As usual I will not spend much time on the plot. The story line is one of PBS's best presentations of life in London from 1900 - 1930's. The story is about the below stairs staff who serve a very class conscious family called the Bellamys. The production values on this DVD set are about the same as in the first three series (which are none too good). The problem it seems is that there aren't any good masters from which to make the DVDs. I thank A & E for giving us this series. Every diehard USDS ... Read More
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