To the Manor Born (1979–1981)

Audrey fforbes-Hamilton is sad when her husband dies but is shocked when she realises that she has to leave Grantleigh Manor where her family has lived forever. The new owner is Richard De ... See full summary »

Creator:

Peter Spence

Stars:

Penelope Keith, Peter Bowles, Angela Thorne

4 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Penelope Keith	...	Audrey (22 episodes, 1979-2007)
Peter Bowles	...	DeVere (22 episodes, 1979-2007)
Angela Thorne	...	Marjory (22 episodes, 1979-2007)
Daphne Heard	...	Mrs. Polouvicka (17 episodes, 1979-1981)
John Rudling	...	Brabinger (16 episodes, 1979-1981)
Gerald Sim	...	The Rector (15 episodes, 1979-2007)
Michael Bilton	...	Ned (14 episodes, 1979-1981)

Storyline

Audrey fforbes-Hamilton is sad when her husband dies but is shocked when she realises that she has to leave Grantleigh Manor where her family has lived forever. The new owner is Richard De Vere, owner of a major supermarket chain. Audrey makes sure she's on hand to keep an eye on him by buying The Old Lodge on the edge of the Manor grounds. As time goes by both Richard and Audrey realises that they are falling for each other but both are too shy to do anything about it. Meanwhile, Mrs. Polouvicka, Richard's mother (he changed his name to help him in his business.) knows the situation between Richard and Audrey and is determined to see that Richard does the right thing. Audrey's friend Marjory Frobisher and butler Brabinger are on hand to help out if necessary.

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Plot Keywords:

manor | mother | butler | supermarket | lodge | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 March 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

Han, hun og godset

Filming Locations:

Cricket St. Thomas Estate, Nr. Chard, Somerset, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The final episode held the record until 1996 for the biggest-ever audience for a single programme on British TV, with an audience of over 27 million viewers. The record was broken 15 years later by the series Only Fools and Horses.... with 27.6 million viewers.

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Quotes

The Rector: For what we are about to receive may the Lord make us truly thankful.
[Marjory stifles a laugh]
Audrey fforbes-Hamilton: Marjory?
Marjory Frobisher: Sorry! Um, got a bone in my throat.
Audrey fforbes-Hamilton: Do watch out for bones everybody. You can't be too careful with avocados.

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Connections

Referenced in The Comedy Christmas (2007)

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Soundtracks

"Theme"
Composed by Ronnie Hazlehurst

User Reviews

A Splendid British Comedy!

I remembered watching a few episodes of this show in the 1980s on PBS Channel 13. It was the first time I was exposed to a British comedy and I thought it was rather quaint and sweet. I always regretted that I never watched the whole series. Well, to my joy, I found this show at my local library! My husband and I watched the whole show and we were both extremely amused by Audrey fforbes-Hamilton and Richard DeVere. The comedy is very sophisticated. This kind of show appeals to intelligent people. There is nothing risque or low brow about this show. The actors all had wonderful comic timing and the episodes and dialogue extremely well-written. There was a nice sexual tension between the main characters but nothing overt or vulgar. This show leads up to a delicious ending that had me cheering and wishing the show will continue! I am very satisfied how this show ended. It was just too wonderful!

One thing I want to add, Peter Bowles, as well as a very funny actor in an understated way, is extremely good looking and debonair on this show. I still remembered the fashions from the 1970s and I thought they were awful, too many polyester suits! Well, on this show, the clothing represents the best of 1970s fashion. Peter Bowles cuts quite a wonderful, handsome figure in his 1970s suits and I was surprised at how well velvet looks on him!