To The Manor BornBy Phil Udell
To the Manor Born is another BBC sitcom from
the genre's golden age, one that came to dominate the ratings during its
initial three-season run from 1979-80. Providing Penelope Keith with her
first major role after The Good Life,
the show focuses on a way of life that now appears hard to comprehend,
with storylines concerning hunt balls, village committees, and eccentric
brigadiers only adding to the dated feel. What provided the program's key
interest, however, was not the terribly quaint Little England setting but
the burgeoning relationship between Keith's Audrey fforbes-Hamilton and
Richard De Vere (Peter Bowles), the new owner of Audrey's old home,
Grantleigh Manor. It's all very, very English (the show is set in a
village called Cricket St. Thomas) and the continuing use of farce almost
creates a sense of parody. But look beyond the infuriating stereotypes and
there is some sharp writing going on, predating the city vs countryside
debate by nearly two decades. Penelope Keith is, as ever, fantastic value
and while new viewers may simply not get the joke, those looking for a
spot of nostalgia could do far worse.
Follow the hilarious misadventures of the upper crust but impoverished
Audrey fforbes-Hamilton, once Lady of Grantley Manor, and Richard DeVere,
the mysterious millionaire who buys her ancestral estate.
Where is the Real Grantleigh Manor?
The real Grantleigh Manor, which is mentioned in the Domesday
Book of 1086 (six villagers, two slaves, and a variety of livestock),
exists in the Somerset countryside. Until 1999, it was owned by the
brother-in-law of Peter Spence. Who is Peter Spence? He was the writer and
creator of To the Manor Born! Warner Holidays purchased the estate
and has turned it into a hotel.
Yes, you too can live like a fforbes-Hamilton!
Episode Guide:
Episode One. When newly widowed Audrey is forced to auction
Grantley Manor to an unknown businessman, she immediately starts scheming
how to get it back. (Aired: September 30, 1979)
Episode Two. Audrey takes up residence in nearby lesser quarters
and is aghast to discover that Richard is a foreigner who intends to run
his grocery empire from the manor. (Aired: October 7, 1979)
Episode Three. When Richard fails to attend church in his role
of Lord of the Manor, Audrey undertakes to instruct him in his proper
social responsibilities. (Aired: October 14, 1979)
Episode Four. After Audrey helps Richard buy a horse, he
attempts to win her goodwill with the gift of a detestably ugly fireplace.
(Aired: October 21, 1979)
Episode Five. Richard tricks Audrey into organizing the
traditional Hunt Ball at Grantley Manor and then is too distracted by his
business to invite her as his guest. (Aired: October 28, 1979)
Episode Six. When Audrey pretends to go on vacation in Spain in
order to maintain appearances with her wealthy friends, Richard discovers
her secret and is forced to confess one of his own. (Aired: November 4,
1979)
Episode Seven. In order to create a genteel appearance, Richard
embarks upon a posh television commercial to be filmed at the manor, but
Audrey steals the starring role. (Aired: November 11, 1979)
1979 Christmas Special. Richard and Audrey compete to supply the
traditional Christmas creche to the village church, and the question soon
becomes which offer is more ridiculous—her homemade monstrosity or his
crassly commercial model? (Aired: December 25, 1979)
Episode Eight. Hilarity abounds as Richard imposes new
efficiency standards upon farm management and Audrey learns a few hard
lessons in housekeeping. (Aired: October 5, 1980)
Episode Nine. Audrey enthusiastically helps Richard to catalog his
antique china until a valuable piece is missing and she becomes the likely
suspect. (Aired: October 12, 1980)
Episode Ten. An itinerant laborer pits Audrey against Richard in a
contest of charity, with the reputation of Grantley Manor’s hospitality
at stake. (Aired: October 19, 1980)
Episode Eleven. Audrey’s scheme to set up a blind date between
Richard and his dumpy old school friend backfires when the friend turns
out to be a glamorous divorcee. (Aired: October 26, 1980)
Episode Twelve. Determined to make the farm profitable, Richard
proposes to clear the trees and hedgerows, igniting a storm of protest
from Audrey and the local conservation society. (Aired: November 2, 1980)
Episode Thirteen. When Audrey injures her back carrying firewood,
an attentive Richard invites her on a skiing holiday, then discovers he
actually needs to learn how to ski! (Aired: November 9, 1980)
Episode Fourteen. It’s the “War of the Scouts” with
Richard sponsoring the local Boy Scout troop and Audrey, as Commissioner
of the Girl Guides, competing for use of the common clubhouse. (Aired:
October 18, 1981)
Episode Fifteen. When Marlbury Rail Station is marked for closure,
Audrey leads the protest to save it as Richard schemes to turn it into a
new grocery store. (Aired: October 25, 1981)
Episode Sixteen. Audrey, unable to pay the repair bills for her
ancient Rolls Royce, decides to get about on horseback—much to
Richard’s dismay. (Aired: November 1, 1981)
Episode Seventeen. When Audrey embarks upon a beekeeping
enterprise, a rare bird takes up residence in her garden, attracting
hordes of bird-watchers…and honey customers. (Aired: November 8, 1981)
Episode Eighteen. Richard fends off the attentions of an amorous
French businesswoman by pretending he is married and then asks Audrey to
pose as his wife…a chance for mischief she just can’t pass up! (Aired:
November 15, 1981)
Episode Nineteen. When the stockholders of Richard’s company
threaten to throw him off the board for being an upstart foreigner, Audrey
calls upon her uppercrust family connections to come to the rescue.
(Aired: November 22, 1981)
Episode Twenty. Fate takes an ironic twist when Richard is
forced to sell Grantley Manor and Audrey inherits a fortune to buy it
back. But will this reversal of roles mean the end of their romance?
(Aired: November 29, 1981)
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