The Duchess of Duke Street, Series 1

From the makers of Upstairs, Downstairs, the popular and critically acclaimed 1976 Masterpiece Theatre-aired miniseries The Duchess of Duke Street is a rags-to-riches saga starring Gemma Jones as the determined Louisa Trotter, who rises from Cockney-accented scullery maid to toast of Edwardian society as "the finest cook in London." Based on the true story of Rosa Lewis, owner of the renowned Cavendish Hotel, this 15-episode production boasts the BBC's characteristic attention to period detail both in sets and costumes, as it follows the ups and downs of Louisa's story, which include a bad marriage, a doomed affair with the Prince of Wales, and struggles with bankruptcy and poor health. DVD extras include a bio of Lewis, Edwardian period background, a photo gallery, and filmographies. Highly recommended. (K. Lee Benson)