Downton Abbey — 4 Gavels 81% Rotten Tomatoes

Rest easy, my lords and ladies, pomp and pageantry still reside at Downton Abbey. Add in some downstairs deviousness, and you are in for an enjoyable ride through Memory Lane. If I have one slight complaint, it is to the pace. The Crawleys seem to live in a simpler, less hectic time. With 7-8 TV episodes per year, ample time could be allotted to each character, in a leisurely manner. In a two hour movie, the sheer number of characters means that each might get a quick quip or two, then on to the next. Still, after a rushed first half, it slows a tad, but this is a show to savor, not gulp.

Overall, it is good to catch up with old friends and find out what they’ve been up to. I give Downton Abbey 4 Gavels and it receives an 81% Rotten Tomatoes rating with no Audience score as yet.

Plot

The King and Queen are coming and Downton Abbey is abuzz. They have their own staff, including “butler” and chef, who conflict with Carson, Bates, Patmore, and company. Upstairs, Robert Crawley learns he is the closest heir to Lady Bagshaw, but her estate is going to another. Violet Crawley determines that she will set that matter straight. Is Tom Branson suspected of being disloyal to the Crown? And, will it ever stop raining?

Actors

To mention any actor is to slight a long list of a wonderful group. Let me just say that Maggie Smith (Violet Crawley) is as witty as ever. Allen Leech as Tom Branson steals the show. And Kevin Doyle strikes comedy-gold as Joseph Molesley.

Final Thoughts

Made on a modest budget of $13 million, it will do twice that in the US alone this weekend. Well attended at AMC, it will be interesting to see the final male/female attendee breakdown. Let’s just say I am happy to be in the presence of so many beautiful, young gentlewomen. For Downton Abbey fanatics, here is the information to stay there for one night (November 26) at a cost of roughly $200.00 through Airbnb. Like a pair of old slippers that you can’t throw away, I hope we get more. Not only is Downton Abbey the heart of Yorkshire, the inhabitants long ago stole their way into our hearts. We look forward to their next visit.