Cranford (2007– )

In the 1840s, Cranford is ruled by the ladies. They adore good gossip; and romance and change is in the air, as the unwelcome grasp of the Industrial Revolution rapidly approaches their beloved rural market-town.

Writers:

Sue Birtwistle (creator), Susie Conklin (creator),

Stars:

Judi Dench, Julia McKenzie, Imelda Staunton

Nominated for 4 Golden Globes. Another 16 wins & 30 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Judi Dench	...	Miss Matty Jenkyns (7 episodes, 2007-2009)
Julia McKenzie	...	Mrs. Forrester (7 episodes, 2007-2009)
Imelda Staunton	...	Miss Octavia Pole (7 episodes, 2007-2009)
Lisa Dillon	...	Mary Smith (7 episodes, 2007-2009)
Deborah Findlay	...	Miss Tomkinson (7 episodes, 2007-2009)
Barbara Flynn	...	Mrs. Jamieson (7 episodes, 2007-2009)
Alex Etel	...	Harry Gregson (7 episodes, 2007-2009)
Alex Jennings	...	Reverend Hutton (7 episodes, 2007-2009)
Jim Carter	...	Captain Brown (7 episodes, 2007-2009)
Emma Fielding	...	Miss Galindo (7 episodes, 2007-2009)
Adrian Scarborough	...	Mr. Johnson (7 episodes, 2007-2009)
Andrew Buchan	...	Jem Hearne (6 episodes, 2007-2009)
Claudie Blakley	...	Martha (6 episodes, 2007-2009)
Debra Gillett	...	Mrs. Johnson (6 episodes, 2007-2009)
Francesca Annis	...	Lady Ludlow (6 episodes, 2007-2009)
Emma Lowndes	...	Bella Gregson (6 episodes, 2007-2009)
Simon Woods	...	Dr. Harrison (5 episodes, 2007)
Rosy Byrne	...	Lizzie Hutton (5 episodes, 2007)
Kimberley Nixon	...	Sophy Hutton (5 episodes, 2007)
John Bowe	...	Dr. Morgan (5 episodes, 2007)
Selina Griffiths	...	Caroline Tomkinson (5 episodes, 2007)
Philip Glenister	...	Mr. Carter (5 episodes, 2007)
Lesley Manville	...	Mrs. Rose (5 episodes, 2007)
Hester Odgers	...	Helen Hutton (5 episodes, 2007)
Julia Sawalha	...	Jessie Brown (5 episodes, 2007)
Greg Wise	...	Sir Charles Maulver (5 episodes, 2007-2009)
Hannah Hobley	...	Bertha (4 episodes, 2007-2009)
Hannah Stokely	...	Bessie (4 episodes, 2007)
Bessie Carter	...	Margaret Gidman (3 episodes, 2007-2009)
Dean Lennox Kelly	...	Job Gregson (3 episodes, 2007)
Andrew Byrne	...	Malachi Gregson (3 episodes, 2007)
Joe McFadden	...	Jack Marshland (3 episodes, 2007)

Storyline

In the 1840s, Cranford is ruled by the ladies. They adore good gossip; and romance and change is in the air, as the unwelcome grasp of the Industrial Revolution rapidly approaches their beloved rural market-town.

---

Plot Keywords:

marriage | england | doctor | gossip | small town | 

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Details

Official Sites:

BBC [United Kingdom] PBS [United States]

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 November 2007 (UK)

Also Known As:

Elizabeth Gaskell's Cranford

Filming Locations:

Ashridge Park, Little Gaddesden, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), WGBH, Chestermead

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min (5 parts)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jenny Beavan and Sue Birtwistle found designing the costumes a challenge because the original author had been very detailed, but both cited how much fun they and the actors had when it came to fitting. Eileen Atkins was reported to have put on a pair of boots that were somewhat masculine and stated that they made her know what her character would feel like. Atkins also wore costumes that were a few years out of fashion to the date of the story, because it was felt that her character wouldn't have bought her own clothes, and been frugal with her expenditures. Greg Wise and Julia Sawalha both also started liking wearing costumes, with the former stating that the restraint improved acting, and Sawalha saying she loved dressing up, joking that that the costumes were the "simple and shallow" reasons she liked period dramas.

---

Connections

Featured in Loose Women: Episode #14.94 (2010)

User Reviews

Absolutely delightful!

As a typically boofheaded Aussie bloke, it is very hard to admit that i have found myself weeping like a child, during each episode. My wife and I have been keen viewers of BBC drama over a period of 25 years or so and both agree that this must be the most incredibly beautiful series that we have seen! I am humbled by the strength of the female characters and how delicately simple the plots. I can but only give all involved in this series a huge bouquet. I have never been overly impressed by Dame Judy until now. She is incredible in her role as Matti. 10 out of 10.The actress who plays Mary is also a favourite. The right mix of humour and pathos will make this a memorable series for years to come.