This was the second episode in this award-winning series, and the first to be made in black and white only.
Sarah, having already previously caused trouble 'below' stairs, now it seems is to start her 'agitating' of affairs 'upstairs' too! In 'The Mistress And The Maids' she gets caught up in the life of a visiting artist (played by a handsome Anton Rodgers) who is doing rather more than painting a portrait of Lady Marjorie! This is an interesting episode as we get to know the characters a bit better - particularly from the viewpoint of the relationship between 'master and servant'. Some humble pie is eaten after what appears to be a breach in conduct and integrity of the servants turns out to be nothing more than a misunderstanding by the 'upstairs' folk! It's also interesting to note that had this story been played out differently, we could have lost what would turn out to be two of the best-loved characters ever in the series! A 'close shave' indeed, that even after all these years is still too painful to contemplate...
The character Sarah shows considerable 'backbone' - both against Hudson and the Master as she stands up to both for what is 'just', with a successful outcome for all concerned.
Pauline Collins was very adept at comedy - and this can be seen in a few priceless scenes with a 'comic' slant.
Sarah, having already previously caused trouble 'below' stairs, now it seems is to start her 'agitating' of affairs 'upstairs' too! In 'The Mistress And The Maids' she gets caught up in the life of a visiting artist (played by a handsome Anton Rodgers) who is doing rather more than painting a portrait of Lady Marjorie! This is an interesting episode as we get to know the characters a bit better - particularly from the viewpoint of the relationship between 'master and servant'. Some humble pie is eaten after what appears to be a breach in conduct and integrity of the servants turns out to be nothing more than a misunderstanding by the 'upstairs' folk! It's also interesting to note that had this story been played out differently, we could have lost what would turn out to be two of the best-loved characters ever in the series! A 'close shave' indeed, that even after all these years is still too painful to contemplate...
The character Sarah shows considerable 'backbone' - both against Hudson and the Master as she stands up to both for what is 'just', with a successful outcome for all concerned.
Pauline Collins was very adept at comedy - and this can be seen in a few priceless scenes with a 'comic' slant.