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The Grand [1997]
![The Grand [1997]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51s8XrqYi4L._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £9.60 (subject to change)
Drama from a Manchester Hotel in the Roaring 20's
Review date: 2007-09-04 Rating: 10 out of 10
Russel T Davies (Dr Who) wrote this delightful series which was first shown in 1995 on ITV. Set in the luxurious Grand Hotel in Manchester just after WW1, it tells the stories of staff members and guests during the day to day running of the establishement.
John Bannerman and his wife Sara are the new owners of the hotel following the death of his father Charles. But the grand opening goes wrong when John and Sara learn that their accountant has gambled and lost the money put aside for the refurbishment. With few options they turn to Marcus Bannerman, John's brother (played by Mark McCann) who agrees to come in as a partner, accepting 49% of the business, with John retaining the other 49% - and Sara holding 2%.
Conflicts abound as Marcus makes his feelings for his sister in law clear and tries to drive a wedge between his brother and his wife. Meanwhile, son Stephen has returned safe from the war - but he finds it a struggle to slot back into civilian life and begins to make some bad choices....
Below stairs we get to know the team of maids, bootboys, bar staff etc who are led by Jacob Collins (Tim Healy - Auf Weidersen, Pet) the unflappable, practical doorman who keeps a quiet eye on the running of the hotel, assisted by the housekeeper, Mrs Harvey (Christine Mackie). Monica Jones (Jane Danson - Coronation St) is new on the staff but she has ambitions and when she learns that resident guest Esme Harkenss (the delightful Susan Hampshire - Monarch of the Glen) is a semi-retired prostitute and former brothel Madame, she begins to consider an alternative way of 'bettering' herself. Her friend, Kate Morris (Rebecca Callard - The Borrowers) tries to be a good influence on her impulsive friend but finds herself in a dilema of her own when Stephen Bannerman begins to get overly friendly.
With wonderful sets and costumes, The Grand is a beautifully made programme which ran to 2 series. I hope that series 2 is made available soon. Series 1 contains 8 complete episodes and is bound to be appreciated by fans of 'The House of Eliot' and 'Upstairs Downstairs'.
One word of warning, this is a grittier programme than the two mentioned above with plots about suicide, abortion, incest and murder together with a graphic hanging scene and it may be difficult to explain to children why Susan Hampshire, in a black basque, is whipping a naked man who keeps calling her 'Mother'- so a little caution with regard to "family viewing" is advised!
But check into The Grand - have a laugh with the maids as they conquer their fear of the latest technology - a hoover! - and watch Sara Bannerman struggle to maintain her composure as her brother in law Marcus makes her day to day life increasingly tense...
A delight from start to finish - buy it today!
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Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Mark McGann
Julia St. John
Michael Siberry
Stephen Moyer
Tim Healy
Creators:
Julia St. John (Primary Contributor)
Tim Healy (Primary Contributor)
Recording label: Acorn Media UK Ltd
Manufacturer: Acorn Media UK Ltd
EAN: 5036193050077
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 2
Format: Box set, Full Screen, PAL,
Release date: 2007-07-09
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 400 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1997
Language: English (Unknown)
Language: English (Original Language)