The Duchess of Duke Street - The Complete Collection

A real gem

Being a lover of 'British period drama,' this dvd series was a great find to add to my library. It's set in an very interesting time period - before, during and after WWI. The fact that it's hours of viewing, filled with great characters and acting, based on the real life of an amazing woman, ahead of her time, made it all the more enjoyable. I highly recommend it! November 22, 2008

One Fiesty Cockney Lass!

Knowing the work of John Hawkesworth's Upstairs, Downstairs, I was intrigued in finding that from the golden age of Masterpiece Theater this beloved British miniseries entitled "The Duchess of Duke Street" was available on DVD.
This miniseries consists of two series. The first series consisted of 15 episodes and the second series had 16 episodes.
Gemma Jones creates a role in which Louisa Trotter born to the servant class rises from a scullery maid to become a World Class Chef. In time she learns the rules of high society from powerful men. In all this she never loses her Cockney attitude or the Cockney accent. This story is based on the true epics of Rosa Lewis who was a World Class Chef at London's venerable Cavendish Hotel.
Louisa Trotter becomes the hostess and owner of Bentinik's. During her reign before and during World War I through to the roaring 20's we find Louisa dealing with the trials and tribulations of her guests as well as her rather eclectic staff. You will take comfort in the antics of the dear old Major as well as the dog Jack who greets the clientele at Bentinik's.
In the course of the miniseries, we see Louisa's story including an affair with the Prince of Wales, an unhappy marriage and monetary problems. Also along the way she has to deal with an out of wedlock birth and deal with the death of her one and only true love.
Through thick and thin Louisa maintains the proper British stiff upper lip. Gemma Jones is masterful. Great Series! Six Stars!! No Problem!!!
November 3, 2008

Worth every penny.......

I fell in love with "The Duchess" back in 1976 when it was first broadcast, nothing has changed. The color is good and the price is right for the entire series. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Upstairs, Downstairs.

The only negative I can say about the collection is the "jewel" case packaging. When I opened the case and tried to removed the DVD's (there are a total of ten) I had a terrible time trying to "pry" them out. I'm going to go a buy a case with sleeves so I won't damage or warp the DVD trying to remove them from the plastic case it came in. I want to enjoy this over and over again.

I'm still giving this collection 5 stars.... September 11, 2008

A treat

This is just an awesome experience.
If you liked Upstairs Downstairs, Berkley Square and the likes, you will love this one as well.
August 16, 2008

The Best Of The Best

I Bought The Complete 2 Sets On Video Tape And Then I Bought The Series One And Two On DVD And Now A New Set//They Say The Complete Collection//
Well The New Set Runs Only 10 Minutes Longer If The Imformation Is Correct//I Will Get The New Set Only As An Extra In Case Something Goes Wrong With The Original Sets That I Have//Gema Jones Gives One Of The Finest Performances That I Have Ever Seen//When You Watch This Series You Feel That You're Part Of Whats Happening Thats How Great It Is//Not Only Is Gema Jones Great But All The Other Actors Big Parts Small Parts//It Doesn't Matter They Are All Wonderful/Not Only Is The Acting Great But The Script The Direction The Casting The Pacing Is Just So Very Very Good//What Ever You Pay For This Set If You Don't Have It Well It's The Best DVD Buy That You'll Ever Make//I Guess You Can Tell That I Loved It/I Watch A Lot Of Great British Series Like The Grand/ThePallisers/
Upstairs Downstairs/Yes Minister/YesPrime Minister/Fingersmith/Tipping
The Velvet/House Of Eliott And One Of The Best Ian Richardon In House Of Cards//I Could Go On And On/The Producers In The USA Could Learn A Lot If They Watched All The Above//But They Won't//Anyway Again I Say GEMA JONES Is Just Wonderful

Stanley Cooper Jupiter Florida
zoundz@bellsouth.net August 3, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...