“There's a place for everyone--and everyone better know their place.” The latest historical reality program from the producers of The 1900 House (VL-9/00) and 1940s House (VL-5/03) once again transports modern folks into another time and place: this time a British Edwardian manor circa the early 1900s. Not surprisingly, the lucky family living as minor gentry enjoyed the experience, but the servants tell a different story. Social stratification was rigid and complete, from “Sir” John and each member of his family, to the “upper servants,” and finally down to the “lower servants.” Some of the volunteer participants quickly discovered “the good old days” were too physically and emotionally demanding: one scullery maid quit after two days and the other after only hours! Life was undeniably grueling--18-hour days were not uncommon, and when the family gave a party, some staff worked 20 hours straight. Full of interesting people with myriad interpersonal tensions, suffice it to say that Manor House will give viewers a new appreciation of the unsung labor force that actually ran Britain's stately homes (and you have to admire and respect the unpaid volunteer participants here who gave up three months of their lives to show what many of their ancestors “in service” endured). Fortunately, the grotesque sense of entitlement evidenced by “Sir” John (who took to his position as lord and master to a frightening degree) is largely gone today. The DVD includes bonus house diaries. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Reagan)
Manor House
(2002) 3 videocassettes or discs. Approx. 360 min. VHS or DVD: $49.98 (VHS w/PPR: $79.95, DVD w/PPR: $109.95). PBS Video. Color cover. Closed captioned. ISBN: 0-7806-4265-1 (dvd). Volume 18, Issue 5
Manor House
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