Elizabeth Gaskell and friends

Elizabeth Gaskell was born 1810 and died in 1865. She was an author during the Victoria era and weaved through her books the plight of the very poor and the consequences of the Industrial Revelation on these people plus an insight into the class system of Britain at the time.

Several of her books have been made into mini series and they are all excellent. My favourite would have to be North and South, a gritty portrayal of northern England during the height of the British cotton industry.  Cranford is lovely, I thought  it was much more gentle that "North and South" but so beautifully made with some of England's best actors including Judy Dench. 

And on the weekend I watched Wives and Daughters as recommended by my brother. Another wonderful BBC production by Andrew Davies. Interestedly, Gaskell never finished "Wives and Daughters", she died before she wrote the ending.  However she had told a friend how it would end and who Molly would marry. 

For anyone looking for well made, well performed, beautiful costumes set in lovely locations, these are all perfect. 

Did you know that:

* Elizabeth Gaskell wrote the biography of Charlotte Bronte on the request of Bronte's father.

* Charles Dickson's released Cranford as a serial in his magazine "Household Words".  He loved Cranford, but strongly disliked North and South. 

* Elizabeth Gaskell died while having tea with friends.

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Now I look forward to watching Season 3 of Downtown Abby. It arrived in the post on Thursday and I am going to watch it soon.  Another great series with brilliant costumes and sets. 

And I can't wait for the next season of Call the Midwife and I just noticed the BBC have made a Christmas special which will be available on DVD in January 2013.  

And whilst on the topic of film, I am looking forward to the musical of Les Miserables and the Hobbit, both due out in December.  However I doubt Les Miserables will beat the four part French production made in 2000 (400 mins). This version is considered the truest to the novel by Victor Hugo and my son and I loved it. 

Watch have you been watching lately?  Can you recommend anything?