“DOWNTON ABBEY – THE GRAND FINALE” IN A CINEMA NEAR YOU – NOW!! 124 minutes, PG Director Richard Curtis

Characterisation and careful storytelling spins us another enchanting  yarn in The latest Downton Saga!

Plots, plot twists and sub plots feature in this movie, enchanting in the opulent lifestyles portrayed, and the banter and relationships between those above stairs and those below who all seem to get on famously, symbiotic  as their roles are in life in the 30s. It is now 15 years since Downton hit our screens with lots of spin offs and as it is so well loved, I hesitate to believe that the grand finale – the third film – is the last to be seen of the saga. Writer Julian Fellowes has given us yet another relaxing treat looking into the past ways of the landed gentry and their staff in the UK.

Helping to save the reputation and morale of one of the members of the latest plot twist dramas, (no more spoilers here) a famous man of the 1930’s and his entourage appear and add some comedy and resilient support at a large function at the semi palatial residence of The Crawleys in their Yorkshire Estate. Social opinion on the issue in question is now archaic in our modern world but the plot persists to cause plenty of ripples, gossip and scandal which forms a major part of the film’s story! A surprise is that we have a character focussed on meeting that famous man as he has a claim to fame in the same discipline. He gets his way though he has to struggle to do so!

Now to the costumes – it is said that the eye catching splendour of the jewellery and outfits sported by the women – including some incredible hats (especially at Ascot) were sourced by the costume department from vintage original gowns and dresses plus ornamentations giving a true representation of how aristocrats of the time used to dress.  Wigs were also used in the film partly to keep consistency in the filming as hair do’s were finely done with the assistance of maids and staff from “below stairs” and were quite fancy.

Not forgetting the male outfits which do include top hats – the seductive charm of traditional bow ties and formal dress together with some rustic outfits too add to the spice of the saga.  In another vein – enjoy seeing cars of that era  featuring to delight, enchant and possibly amuse when compared to modern methods of transport!

Injecting a modern and “across the pond” theme into the saga are an uncle from the USA and his foibles including his desire to maybe move to the UK, and a shady though attractive businessman who proves that romance may not be dead but is sometimes followed by a stunned reaction and down dressing.  See the film to learn more! How topical!

We are charmed and enchanted by the actors in this film equally by those upstairs and those downstairs. Time has moved on for both sets of this delightful equasion so we see the evolution of a new way of doing things and some promotions and some retirements. There’s a baby on the way and the children in the above stairs do feature but are not given feature roles. However  we know they are there – though seemingly mostly with their nannies.

Regarding the actors, locations and the cast:- clearly we have lost Dame Maggie Smith though she appears in a flashback, but the chemistry between those starring in “Downton Abbey The Grand Finale” whether in London scenes including the wonderful shots of Piccadilly Circus and locations  throughout the film,  is always good. We also get to see the local fairground and awards given out to those who farm on the land, which doubtless brings in a lot of income for the Crawleys….Suffice it to say, the cast will not disappoint and favourites from the other two films are there with exceptional performances in making the saga come to life.  

So what are you waiting for?  Buy yourselves some tickets and ENJOY!

Penny Nair Price