The Duchess of Duke Street - Series 1 (1979)

From the golden age of Masterpiece Theatre comes this beloved 1976 British miniseries by the creators of Upstairs, Downstairs. Gemma Jones gives a performance for the ages in this rags-to-riches saga that charts the ascendancy of the indomitable Louisa Trotter, who rose from scullery maid to become "the finest cook in London" and Edwardian society's premier hostess. Inspired by the true story of Rosa Lewis, who held court at her renowned Cavendish Hotel, The Duchess of Duke Street is the video equivalent of a good read. Immerse yourself in this lavishly mounted BBC production that impeccably re-creates a bygone era at the turn of the century and captivates viewers with the tragedies and triumphs of Louisa's story, which includes an ill-fated affair with the Prince of Wales, an unhappy marriage, and struggles with bankruptcy and ill health. But Louisa, Cockney accent intact, prevails as the reigning mistress of Hotel Bentinck. --Donald Liebenson Amazon.com

One of the best BBC period dramas with the excellent Gemma Jones!

The Duchess of Duke Street was a BBC period drama set in London circa 1900-1925. The lead character, Louisa Trotter, was played by Gemma Jones, an actress who made the role her own, and mesmerised audiences in the role of a maid who works her way up to becoming a famous cook and eventually the proprietress of the Bentinck Hotel in London. This story is loosely based on the real-life Rosa Lewis who managed the Cavendish Hotel in London.

In the first season, we are introduced to the cast of characters, with Gemma Jones in the lead role of Louisa Trotter. She plays a fiercely determined, independent, strong-willed woman who is bent on making a success of herself. She wants to be the most famous cook in London, and gets employed in the household of Lord Henry Norton, to the detriment of his French chef. But Louisa's determination sees Monsieur Alex relenting and eventually developing a grudging admiration for her cooking skills. Louisa's attractiveness garners her the attentions of many men - ranging from her employer's nephew, Charlie Tyrrell[Christopher Cazenove], to the household's butler, Gus Trotter [Donald Burton], and even the Prince of Wales himself!

This first season sees Louisa's struggle to get to the top - she is pressured to marry the butler, Gus, a disastrous union, and eventually finds herself getting the lease on the Bentinck Hotel, and making a name for herself as a famous hostess in London society. There are many light-hearted episodes here, and also poignant ones - and the wonderful co-stars make the show truly enjoyable - there is the porter, Starr [John Cater] who insists that his little terrier Fred works alongside him, the very old but steady waiter, Merryman [John Welsh], Louisa's steadfast friend and employee, Mary Phillips [Victoria Plucknett], and Major Toby [Richard Vernon], a gentleman who has fallen on hard times, but is brought into the fold of the Bentinck family.

Those who love period dramas will love this series, and not just for the high quality of the acting. The attention to period details is wonderfully authentic, and the sets and location shots are beautifully done, given the time this series was made, circa 1970s. All in all, highly recommended. May 17, 2008

Impeccable!

I have just finished a marathon viewing of this collection of 5 DVD's. not having seen it since it aired on Australian television, many years ago. I love it more this second time around for its' sheer quality of production, acting, furnishings and dressing, all of which are absolutely first class. Louisa Layton is a working class girl of humble background who is determined to raise her place in life by becoming the first famous female cook in a world dominated by men. Under the tutelage of a French chef, she does exactly this and, while working as a free lance cook, comes under the notice of Edward, Prince of Wales. A notorious womaniser, Edward insists that his ladies are always married, thus avoiding a scandal should any "little" accident ocurr, and so a marriage is arranged between Louisa and Gus Trotter, the butler of one of Edward's friends. Louisa at first objects strongly to the whole idea but is overwhelmed by royal attention and the promise that she would always be under the royal protection, even when the affair faded. With the money earned from her working as a top chef under royal patronage, she buys The Bentinck, a private hotel where she allows only the cream of Society to be guests. After a brief and disastrous marriage to Gus the butler (who squanders all of her money)she meets and is given financial backing by Charles, Viscount Tyrell, later Lord Hazelmere, and a passionate love affair begins. Louisa has Charles' daughter, Lottie, who is boarded out with a couple on his estate in Yorkshire, while Louisa and Charlie agree to have just a friendship as he lives almost permanently at the Bentinck and their love affair is too disruptive to her business life. Charlie is also aware of his need to marry and provide an official heir. I am now waiting impatiently for Series 2 to be released here on DVD, so that I may continue to enjoy the lives of the guests and staff of the Bentinck and to continue to drool over the magnificent gowns worn by Louisa, which are gems of perfection to anyone who has a love of fine costuming in movies. June 3, 2007

ONE OF THE GREATEST!!!!

For period film lovers or lovers of fine drama this series cannot be beat. Even though the production is a little dated, it has some of the finest costumes and actors I have ever seen. 5 stars is a hard rating to get from me but this work deserves even more!!! Be sure to add it to your collection, you can watch again and again and always find something new to admire. May 27, 2007

Fifteen glorious hours

I loved this when I first saw it on Masterpiece Theater, and loved it just as much watching this DVD set. The sets, costumes, and of course the incredible food give a glimpse into the atmosphere of the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. The superb acting and rich screenplay offer a corresponding glimpse into the lives of a certain class of people -- and those who serve them. Highly recommended. January 13, 2007

Pure entertainment

I loved it. I really enjoyed watching this DVD. Very good dialogues, very well acted and a very interesting issue. A very strong woman at the beginning of the 20th century shows us that is possible to get our dreams. I recommend it. January 11, 2007

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