Duchess of Duke Street is probably my all-time favorite television series. Aside from being an Edwardiana buff, I am a fan of the real Louisa, Rosa Lewis, as well, and have read all but one of the books written about her. (I have the other on order.) I enjoy the faithfulness of Louisa's character/personality to Rosa's and I enjoy piecing the real personalities and events into those created for the series. Rosa, for example, never had a child. If she had, would she have chosen Lord Ribblesdale as the father--and is Charlie not Ribblesdale? Is the Major really Sir William Eden? He looks like him? Is Mary really Edith Jeffrey. Merriman's real name was Moon. Starr's was Scott (Dirty Scotty). Fred's name was Fred. I have many episodes on tape and flip them on, pour a brandy, and enjoy when sleep refuses to come. I'd like to see the show back on TV.

--AIK

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"Duchess of Duke Street" is simply a fabulous program. The plot line is engrossing. When Charlie died, I thought I'd die, as well! John Hawkensworth financed so many great series.

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When my husband brought home the first two videos of the Duchess of Duke Street it brought back memories of the Super70s. I remember watching the series in England. As usual the Beeb are true to form in their recreation of the early 1900's. The costumes, charactors and history are spot on. The story line is the history of Mrs. Trotter's life. An eastender, rising to the rank of "the best cook in England" and owner of the Bentick Hotel. She makes good with the British gentry, a very unseeming collaboration but it works.

--Millc54

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I think that this one of the BBC's best drama's of the Super70s. Superb sets, great storylines and wonderfully acted. I have only one comment to make. Please BBC release the whole set on DVD!!

--Piranha

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Really funny, I was a stoner pothead kid, and I loved this show! I wanted to be an edwardian gentlemen. I never missed an episode. I dared not tell my friends. It would have blew their minds!

--Jack

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I remember watching this series on Public Television when it originally aired in 1976 and how completely impressed I was with the dialogue, acting, costumes, settings, etc. Another triumph for Masterpiece Theatre. So you can imagine how thoroughly pleased I was when I received as a birthday gift the Part One series on videotape! I'm hoping that if I drop enough hints, I just might get the Part Two series (or breakdown and buy it myself).

--Peggy

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By far one of the best (if not the best) drama I have EVER viewed. I watched all the videos for both series over 2 weekends and cried when I viewed the last video (also cried when Charlie died). I did not want it to end. Gemma Jones was SUPERB!!! All of the actors were so true to life and their acting was excellent. I felt as if I were there and living their lives with them. I love British dramas and mysteries, and this one was tops.

--Parislexi

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A delightful series. Top notch from start to finish.I saw it in its original run, and just recently purchesed it, and viewed it again. As far as I am concerned,its one of the finest shows to ever come from the BBC.

--HPoirot36

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This is somewhat of an old series, but never to be forgotten. I have been watching it for the second time, and enjoying it as if it were the first. Only wish there was a part three. Gemma Jones and the whole cast are outstanding. This is another in a long line of British period dramas that I too wish would never end.

--Ms. Daisy

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I was serving in the Kings Troop R.H.A. and we were asked to appear in the episode where the troops were leaving for the war, we filmed over a couple of days,and despite watching every episode over the years I have never spotted our bit of glory, it looks like they must have canned it.

--AndyRoo26

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As a teenager I watched some of the series when it was first broadcast on BBC1. However, it wasn't until it was repeated on UK Gold in the early nineties that I fully appreciated the power and emotion portrayed by Gemma Jones.

Fortunately I recorded the whole of the UK Gold repeats, these appearing to be the same as the broadcast version.

I have waited patiently and bought the DVD release and while this is welcomed, I am just slightly disappointed that the episodes have been merged (one 153 minute episode for every three 51 minute episodes). Never mind, at least the drama can be fully appreciated by a new audience.

--tabbycat

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If you were charmed and entranced by Upstairs, Downstairs, the Duchess of Duke Street will entrap you further into longing to be transported to the Edwardian era. The characters are bright and sharp edged. Enjoy this - and look for the episode where Louisa, in an attempt to settle a social score, pitches chamberpots over a wall into an exclusive, snobbish club!

--Roc

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As stated by others, 'Duchess of Duke Street' allowed all of us to be a voyieurs into the restricted, stratified lives of women in the late 19th century. Watching 'Louisa' and 'Mary' struggle to conquer the obsticles that women had to surmount was merely wonderful. They were modern warriors - keeping the home safe. Although I live in Canada, my grandmother was from the midlands - accent and all. It was my real tie to her. Emma Thompson's skill as an actor made me voracious for every ounce of her talent. I found another part in 'Sense & Sensibility' - and again a gem of a character was portrayed. Thank you, thank you - please do more as many await your conquests!!!!

--Gayle MacDougall, Canada

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