James almost sells 165 and disbands the staff - luckily the new Mrs Bellamy's kids fall in love with the house and the servants. Destitute, Edward and Daisy are offered jobs back in the house, but Eddie resents being back in service. More than once we get the message that the working class thought that the war would even the classes out more, but didn't. Karen Dotrice is the new parlour maid. Georgina throws a wild party, but an admirer commits suicide there.
I love the way they shoot scenes like the party and Simon's election speech - you know it's continuous, so well choreographed, people and cameras (they are very rarely out of focus). In the election scene one of the cameras is actually visible! (I hadn't noticed.)
The Governess thinks she can get the better of all the staff, young Lady Alice and a dog... when Virginia gets home, she fires her at once. Celia Bannerman plays James's old flame - they run off together, leaving Bunny (John Quayle) rather put out. Both written by Hawkesworth. Then Freddy Shaughnessy wrote somewhat incredible episode of Hudson falling for Lily (Karen Dotrice), In another strange episode, Virginia is wooed by a rich political lobbyist (Robert Hardy) who it turns out is gay. In an amusing parallel story Ruby dates a Herbert Turner, but turns down his offer of marriage - he's too boring and doesn't look anything like Rudolph Valentino!
The sad fate of James brings waves of tears, so well are these characters brought to life and acted. Loved the moment between him and Prue; "You're in love with her, aren't you?" We think we've enjoyed this more than any other viewing.
With Anthony Andrews, Nigel Havers.
Shaughnessy had worked on Passport to Pimlico and Kind Hearts and Coronets (in what capacity I'm not sure) as well as directing some scenes from Brandy for the Parson, whilst Hawkesworth had started out as a designer on The Third Man and Hobson's Choice.
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