"Upstairs, Downstairs" (1971)TV series 1971-1975

Directors:

Bill Bain
Derek Bennett

Writers:

Alfred Shaughnessy (writer) (15 episodes)
Jeremy Paul (writer) (14 episodes)

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Release Date:

6 January 1974 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

The series follows the lives of both the family and the servants in the London townhouse at 165 Eaton Place...

Plot Keywords:

Edwardian | 1900s | 1910s | 1920s | England

Awards:

Won Golden Globe. Another 11 wins & 19 nominations

Cast

Gordon Jackson	...	Hudson (60 episodes, 1971-1975)
David Langton	...	Richard Bellamy (56 episodes, 1971-1975)
Jean Marsh	...	Rose (54 episodes, 1971-1975)
Angela Baddeley	...	Mrs. Bridges (52 episodes, 1971-1975)
Christopher Beeny	...	Edward / ... (46 episodes, 1971-1975)
Jenny Tomasin	...	Ruby (41 episodes, 1972-1975)
Simon Williams	...	James Bellamy (38 episodes, 1971-1975)
Jacqueline Tong	...	Daisy (32 episodes, 1973-1975)

Runtime:

USA:60 min | Sweden:50 min | UK:60 min (68 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Singapore:PG | Portugal:M/12 | Australia:M (some episodes) | Australia:PG (some episodes) | Portugal:M/6 (DVD rating)

Filming Locations:

65 Eaton Place, Belgravia, London, England, UK

Company:

London Weekend Television (LWT)

Trivia:

The line drawings in the opening title sequence were taken from Edwardian editions of the British satirical magazine Punch.

Goofs:

Continuity: Hamish and Dorothy Matthews' names are spelt Mathews in the credits of episode 3.11 and Matthews in episode 4.6

Quotes:

Maude Roberts, Lady Bellamy's maid: [regarding Sarah] After all she's done, and the shame she's brought on us all!
Rose Buck, housemaid: What shame has she brought on you, Miss Roberts?
Maude Roberts, Lady Bellamy's maid: She's a stuck-up, lying minx! Huh! Thinks she's better than all of us... puts on airs! Gets Captain James into such trouble that he has to be sent to India. Then she thinks she can walk in here as though nothing has happened!
Mrs. Kate Bridges, cook: We're none of us perfect, Miss Roberts!
Rose Buck, housemaid: Oh have a heart, Miss Roberts, how would you like to be...
Maude Roberts, Lady Bellamy's maid: [furiously] I wouldn't be ever in such a disgusting position in anyone's house!
[...]

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Killer Barbys (1996)

Classic television

I have just bought the whole 5 series on DVD and am currently watching them all, especially the first two series which i never saw on their first showing. The series has not dated and is just as powerful as when it was first shown. Pauline Collins was a revelation as the sassy housemaid. I had only ever seen her before in the strange sitcom 'No Honestly,' in which she again co starred with real life husband John Alderton. They also starred in 'Thomas and Sarah' and the environmentally aware series 'Forever Green.'