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Secrets of the Manor House DVD

$24.99
Item #: WC2512
The early years of the twentieth century rank among the most peaceful in European history. In Britain's grand homes it was a time of glamour, high society, and unfettered optimism. The British aristocracy enjoyed life on vast estates as they had done for centuries. Retinues of servants, beautiful houses, and fabulous costumes: the parties were extravagant, the scandal was infamous. ... More
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The early years of the twentieth century rank among the most peaceful in European history. In Britain's grand homes it was a time of glamour, high society, and unfettered optimism. The British aristocracy enjoyed life on vast estates as they had done for centuries. Retinues of servants, beautiful houses, and fabulous costumes: the parties were extravagant, the scandal was infamous.

It's no surprise that some of the most popular dramas to hit our screens have been set against this rich and colorful backdrop. In reality, however, the picture was less than golden; the historic order was starting to crumble.

With World War One looming, and new technology, money, and ideas coming over from America, the British aristocracy were being threatened by deepening undercurrents of change as the nation stood at the brink of an upheaval so monumental that few could imagine it.

Nowhere was this threat of change felt more acutely than within the confines of the British Manor House.

Producer: Susannah Ward
Executive Producer: Stuart Carter, Robert Strange
Production Company: Pioneer Productions
Production Year: 2012
Copyright Year: 2012
Director: Susannah Ward
Narrator: Samuel West
Discs: 1
Subtitles: Y
Subtitle Language: English (SDH)
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 Widescreen

10 Reviews
G
Granny
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
07/17/20
A peek inside was very interesting.
Review by Granny on 07/17/20 review stating A peek inside was very interesting.
After seeing both Season 1 and Season 2 of Downton Abbey, I was interested in how things really were in that time period and especially in the great British houses. This was a good start to my search. It provoked lots of questions....and my search continues about that period of history. Ill be looking for other videos which add to my interest.
C
Chris
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Fascinating,
Review by Chris on 07/17/20 review stating Fascinating,
Very interesting and informative. Cant wait to see it again.
S
Soc T.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Secrets is fabulous!
Review by Soc T. on 07/17/20 review stating Secrets is fabulous!
As an avid viewer of Downton Abbey, and Upstairs, Downstairs before that, I have long been fascinated with the story lines. I purchased this DVD to show students in my college Sociology courses because it brings into focus all aspects of society -- not only British, but in all of Western Society. The obvious is the clash between social classes; however, since history and our own personal biolographies transect one another, changes that affect all people in Western societies are brought to the fore, such as WWI and the economic, political, legal and family structure transformations. This illustrates how society - and our lives - are always being transformed by what happens in the world; in this, we are helped to understand our place in society and, yet, and through that understanding, we are empowered to make choices and to change our own personal biography!
C
Chi C.
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
07/17/20
Secrets of the Manor
Review by Chi C. on 07/17/20 review stating Secrets of the Manor
Most interesting,thoroughly enjoyed.
L
Lawpal
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Informative Ineresting
Review by Lawpal on 07/17/20 review stating Informative Ineresting
It brings light to the Haves and the the Haves not. A social cast system that is still practiced today
L
Lilo
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Manor House
Review by Lilo on 07/17/20 review stating Manor House
I am hoping that my relative who works in Berlin for a real estate management company from the UK and has no idea of manor houses and baronial estates can see this program. She had to write about the various housing available in the UK in the real estate class she has to take. While she was visiting us in the U.S. I explained some of the things about the UK housing to her as I have visited there several time. She got an A on her report card. But I would love for her to see at least London and environs to get an idea what things are really like. from row houses to manor houses.
T
Tomboysuze
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Excellent! Worthy of Masterpiece
Review by Tomboysuze on 07/17/20 review stating Excellent! Worthy of Masterpiece
Just watched the entire documentary and have to say that I thought it was quite good. Music: As a musician, I always critique that first. I liked the score very much and it kept the pace of the documentary rather exciting. Content: Extremely well researched and presented in a pleasant, story-like narrative that explained a lot concerning the British Aristocracy -- about which Ive always wondered. Cinematography: Smashing. I guess the Brits would say; brilliant - and as a yank, I concur. Nicely done, Masterpiece! Ive been a fan of British period dramas from the Edwardian era for many years, and now I finally understand how they kept those [*] big mansions going! (and what happened to their owners.) Bravo!
B
Butterflyhug1
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
07/17/20
The Real Inside of the Manor House
Review by Butterflyhug1 on 07/17/20 review stating The Real Inside of the Manor House
The previews look extremely promising for a grand documentary of the English way of life. The many films presented by Masterpiece do a wonderful job of conveying the level structure of the day. I will enjoy this when released, but the clip by the picture says, to be aired Sunday. I certainly hope it will not take the place of Masterpiece Theater. I like documentaries, but not that well enough to give up Masterpiece.
D
Downton F.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
For Downton Abbey Fans!
Review by Downton F. on 07/17/20 review stating For Downton Abbey Fans!
I recently watched this wonderful program and, if you are a fan of Downton Abbey, you will LOVE this documentary. The information provided deepens a persons understanding of life in England at the time.
E
Ellen
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
07/17/20
Secrets of the Manor House
Review by Ellen on 07/17/20 review stating Secrets of the Manor House
I saw this on PBS the other day. Maybe its just me but I looked at the overall comparison of then and now. The rich vs the middleclass and poor. It was very interesting!What I dont understand was that at the end of the show PBS said the DVD could be ordered for [$], not [$] as shown here.

Highlighted Customer Reviews


D
Downton F. reviewed Secrets of the Manor House DVD
5 star rating
For Downton Abbey Fans!
Review by Downton F. review stating For Downton Abbey Fans!
I recently watched this wonderful program and, if you are a fan of Downton Abbey, you will LOVE this documentary. The information provided deepens a persons understanding of life in England at the time.
T
Tomboysuze reviewed Secrets of the Manor House DVD
5 star rating
Excellent! Worthy of Masterpiece
Review by Tomboysuze review stating Excellent! Worthy of Masterpiece
Just watched the entire documentary and have to say that I thought it was quite good. Music: As a musician, I always critique that first. I liked the score very much and it kept the pace of the documentary rather exciting. Content: Extremely well researched and presented in a pleasant, story-like narrative that explained a lot concerning the British Aristocracy -- about which Ive always wondered. Cinematography: Smashing. I guess the Brits would say; brilliant - and as a yank, I concur. Nicely done, Masterpiece! Ive been a fan of British period dramas from the Edwardian era for many years, and now I finally understand how they kept those [*] big mansions going! (and what happened to their owners.) Bravo!
L
Lilo reviewed Secrets of the Manor House DVD
5 star rating
Manor House
Review by Lilo review stating Manor House
I am hoping that my relative who works in Berlin for a real estate management company from the UK and has no idea of manor houses and baronial estates can see this program. She had to write about the various housing available in the UK in the real estate class she has to take. While she was visiting us in the U.S. I explained some of the things about the UK housing to her as I have visited there several time. She got an A on her report card. But I would love for her to see at least London and environs to get an idea what things are really like. from row houses to manor houses.

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