Gossip is certainly a way of life in CRANFORD where the neighborhood seems to be ruled by ladies who have nothing better to do than arrange marriage proposals or spread misinformed gossip about any new arrival in town--or, for that matter, any new ideas that might endanger the "way of life" in their small universe.
As always in all of these British miniseries, the acting is impeccable, the costumes are perfect, the settings have an authentic look, and the color photography captures every scene with uncanny nuances of light and shadow.
But upon close examination, the screenplay gives one little time to reflect on the eccentric and very plentiful characterizations. JUDITH DENCH has the biggest responsibility of carrying the personal drama but everyone around her seems equally capable of wringing the most from every scene. MICHAEL GAMBON's scenes with Judith are exquisitely played, with much regret lingering below the surface that their relationship has been stifled by events they were unable to control.
Viewers of this sort of Victorian drama will enjoy--others may not be able to keep up with all the village characters involved. One almost expects a murder to break out so that we can begin to view all the characters in a suspicious light as though we were watching a typical Agatha Christie story which is always cluttered with too many suspects
As always in all of these British miniseries, the acting is impeccable, the costumes are perfect, the settings have an authentic look, and the color photography captures every scene with uncanny nuances of light and shadow.
But upon close examination, the screenplay gives one little time to reflect on the eccentric and very plentiful characterizations. JUDITH DENCH has the biggest responsibility of carrying the personal drama but everyone around her seems equally capable of wringing the most from every scene. MICHAEL GAMBON's scenes with Judith are exquisitely played, with much regret lingering below the surface that their relationship has been stifled by events they were unable to control.
Viewers of this sort of Victorian drama will enjoy--others may not be able to keep up with all the village characters involved. One almost expects a murder to break out so that we can begin to view all the characters in a suspicious light as though we were watching a typical Agatha Christie story which is always cluttered with too many suspects