Wednesday, April 6, 2011

English Enamor

For as long as I can remember, I have let my eyes wander during a movie. I often stray from the main action and wonder about the extras--the people on the periphery. I like to try and see if I can find something that wasn't meant for the camera, or sometimes I imagine what the extras might be thinking... like, "Will I ever get a decent role?" or "Man, I look hideous next to Angelina"or "I only got this part cause I'm 300 lbs with the nose of a wife beater." Though I'd never want to be one, it's oftentimes the "nobody's" who intrigue me in a film. In the same vein, I have also thought about the servants in a grand household--the people you find in every English novel and film; the ones you pity. There they are, serving the soup and keeping quiet with only the occasional nod and "yes, mum" to mark their presence...never knowing who they are, where they came from or what they are thinking. Until now. Unleash your aprons and let loose your bow ties, as the servants of Downton Abbey take center stage; it's intrigue and drama from the very first episode!

The show is set in the fictional Downton Abby, home to Earl Grantham, during the early reign of King George V, and a few years before World War I. The news of the sinking of the Titanic sets the storyline in motion, as it follows the (anything but dull) aristocratic Crawley family and their servants.

If you haven't seen this fabulous first season, you are the lucky one. What I would give to sit down and start again. Watch it instantly on Netflix. Go now... don't wait. I'm serious. Go now.

14 comments:

jill said...

What I would give to watch it for the first time! It's right up there with BBC's Pride and Prejudice, and as you know that's saying a lot!!! Good post, I'm now thinking about Bates... Man I liked that show!!

Suzanne said...

Completely Agree! Loved it and was able to watch it on Netflix! He he! -Suzanne

Ann Marie said...

Amen Sister!!
My friend in Norway sent it to me.. and I LOVE it. Grateful I own it.. and wish I didn't have to wait for the rest!! I hear they are filming it right now...

PS: Thanks for your e-mail.
You have NO idea how much I needed it. I promise to write soon. -- When I have a little more than 5 minutes! Love you much...

Anonymous said...

So happy my east coast sweeties are seeing this wonderful epic. Masterpiece Theatre is something to look forward to each year. I loved 39 Steps and want to watch it again soon on Netflix. Keep posting. I have really missed you. Aunt Nancy

Jayne Layne said...

Jill, you are thinking of Bates?? I am thinking off the HOT Turkish guy.

A couple of different thoughts on this post... If you ever want the inside scoop of the "extras" in a movie just ask me and Jessica. We were them. Yes, we were rubbing shoulders with Rob Lowe in a mini series called "Vegas". Probably one of the funniest days of my entire life, NO JOKE.

Excited to see what the next 28 days have to offer.

Jayne Layne said...

I also take it you are not following the list.... This post didn't really tell us how you got your blog name (# 2 on your 30 days of blogging list)

jessamyn said...

Oh you have saved me!!!! Something to entertain me for one last little while by myself, the days get longer but I would to have a show like this to unwind to each day!! Hurray for watching entire seasons on Netflix!

JENNIFRO said...

Jayne--clearly you only skimmed my post yesterday, or you would know I wasn't following the list. Furthermore, if you really internalized my posts, you would recall I wrote an in-depth post all about my blog name a year or so back.. ask Mitch where it is. He pays attention.

Jayne Layne said...

I actually DO remember that post and why you chose the name..... DOY. Your favorite song and other sentimental emotions. I typically read blogs.... its mom that doesn't. She is just there for the pics. She admitted it. Sorry Mom.

jessamyn said...

ok I have to be annoying and comment again, I started the show... it blows my mind that doctors and lawyers were second class citizens! I would have definitely been the soot girl in charge of fireplaces, not even allowed to be seen in the dining room!

JENNIFRO said...

Jessamyn! Don't sell yourself short! You could've worked your way up to court jester...

Alison said...

You have NEVER let me down with your suggestions!

THANK YOU!

Jek said...

ALL I care to know about any of these posts is the negotiations you made with Paul and with what sister is being negotiated about?

JENNIFRO said...

Don't worry about it, Jek.