PBS Masterpiece Classic 2009-2010

[EvelynMC]

 

Masterpiece Classic 2010 brings back favorite authors and introduces new authors and programs. See the complete 2010 MASTERPIECE CLASSIC schedule.

NOW DISCUSSING

Small Island
April 18-25, 2010, 9pm
Two 90-minute episodes
When an ambitious Jamaican woman moves to gritty post-war London, she finds that the "Mother Country" is not the land of opportunity she had imagined. Starring Naomie Harris, Ruth Wilson and Benedict Cumberbatch and based on the award-winning, bestselling novel by Andrea Levy. Small Island is available for online viewing April 19 - May 25 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/smallisland/watch.html


PAST PROGRAMS

The Diary of Anne Frank
April 11, 2010, 9pm
One 120-minute episode
The most accurate adaptation of Anne Frank's account of hiding from the Nazis stars newcomer Ellie Kendrick as the maturing teenager undergoing an extraordinary ordeal. The Diary of Anne Frank airs on Holocaust Remembrance Day, 2010. Watch the program online from April 12 through May 11 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/annefrank/watch.html


Sharpe's Peril
April 4, 2010, 9pm
One 120-minute episode
The adventures of Colonel Richard Sharpe continue as he leads a ragtag party of civilians and soldiers on a march across India, with the murderous army of an opium lord in hot pursuit.  Watch it online through April 27 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/sharpeschallenge/watch.html


Sharpe's Challenge
March 28, 2010, 9pm
One 120-minute episode
Soldier-adventurer Richard Sharpe comes out of retirement to quash a rebellion in British India. Sean Bean returns as the swashbuckling hero of this series based on Bernard Cornwell's novels. Top Chef's Padma Lakshmi guest stars. Watch it online through April 27 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/sharpeschallenge/watch.html


The 39 Steps
February 29, 2010, 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Secret agent Richard Hannay battles German spies on the eve of World War I in a riveting and romantic new version of the thriller by John Buchan. Rupert-Penry Jones (Persuasion) stars as Hannay.  Learn more about this series at http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/39steps/39steps.html.  Watch the full episodes online at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/steps/watch.html through March 30. Email JoanP for a copy of the book for only the cost of postage. Read some of Buchan's works online at http://www.gutenberg.org/browse/authors/b#a285


Persuasion (Encore Presentation)
February 21, 2010, 9pm
One 90-minute episode
Sally Hawkins plays Jane Austen's Anne Elliot, a woman destined for spinsterhood after refusing a proposal eight years earlier. Then her spurned suitor reappears. Learn more about this series at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/persuasion/index.html. The text of Jane Austen's Persuasion is available online at http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/105


Northanger Abbey (Encore Presentation)
February 14, 2010, 9pm
One 90-minute episode
In a medieval house that appeals to her most lurid fantasies, romance addict Catherine Morland (Felicity Jones) begins a relationship with the younger son of the estate in this adaptation of the Jane Austen novel.  Learn more about this series at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/northangerabbey/index.html. The text of Northanger Abbey is available online at http://www.gutenberg.org/files/121/121-h/121-h.htm#2HCH0001


January 24-February 7, 2010, 9pm
Three episodes.
A new adaptation of Jane Austen's comic tale of a headstrong young woman's failed matchmaking schemes. Learn more about this series at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/emma/index.html.
See resources provided by PBS at http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/emma/emma_links.html


January 10-17, 2010, 9pm
Return to Cranford
Two 90-minute episodes.
The construction of a new railroad line is at once thrilling and threatening to the residents of Cranford. This sequel stars Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton and Julia McKenzie. New faces include Jonathan Pryce and Tim Curry. From the creators: “We leapt at the opportunity to include two strands from Cranford that we hadn’t been able to include the first time around, introducing two colourful new characters: Lady Glenmire (Celia Imrie) and the conjuror Signor Brunoni (Tim Curry). We looked for additional source material to weave into the mix, and finally settled on two very different Gaskell stories that excited us: The Moorland Cottage and The Cage At Cranford." Learn more about this series at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/cranford2/index.html.


December 20, 2009-January 3, 2010, 9pm
Cranford (Encore Presentation)
Three episodes (Episode one 120 minutes; episode two 60 minutes; episode three 120 minutes).
The Emmy-nominated drama about a small English village in 1842 on the brink of change — where some find romance and opportunity, and others fear the breakdown of social order. The series is based on three Elizabeth Gaskell novels: Cranford, My Lady Ludlow and Mr. Harrison's Confessions. Learn more and see a preview at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/cranford/index.html.

Discussion Leaders:  JoanP and marcie

I enjoyed 39 Steps.  I took it at face value, wonderful escapism.  Loved the old cars, the fashions (expecially when she hiked up her skirts to climb the wall and we could see her long white cotton drawers) What a hoot! The scenery was beautiful.  I just sat and watched the whole thing.  I was terribly disappointed when she seemed to be lost in the water and I thought, "Oh Noooo!" --- And then the ending.... As someone mentioned naive.  Naive, I think, because we know how WWI ended and the terrible loss of lives of a whole generation of men.  So it was a bittersweet ending.

I am saving the book with its small print to read outdoors on the deck in the sunshine when it warms up. I can see better that way.

Evelyn

[marcie]

Evelyn, yes, weren't the costumes great and so detailed! That scene of her hitching up her skirts was funny. I too loved the scenery and all. The upcoming Sharpe should be good for that kind of production values too.

[Babi]

 My daughter watches 'Top Chef'. I'll be most interested to see how
Padma Lakhmi does as an actress in the first Sharpe.  She does have
 striking features, doesn't she?

[marcie]

Babi, I haven't seen Top Chef and hadn't heard of Padma Lakhmi. I looked her up and found she started her career as a model. She is beautiful.

[joangrimes]

i used to watch Top Chef.  We no longer get here.  I liked it when I watched it.

[JoanP]

Here's another offer from PBS -

IThe Diary of Anne Frank
"The most accurate adaptation of Anne Frank's account of hiding from the Nazis stars newcomer Ellie Kendrick as the maturing teenager undergoing an extraordinary ordeal. The Diary of Anne Frank airs on Holocaust Remembrance Day, 2010 - April 11, 2010, 9pm

PBS has offered us 10 copies of the diary, free, exept for the postage.  Let me know if you think you would like to read The Diary at this time and I'll put you on the list.  I can't remember the last time I read it, can you?

[joangrimes]

And what is that date?  Alabama PBS  will be fund raising for the for tal of March.  They always do that.

I will read Anne Frank again on my kindle if it will be shown at a time that I can join the discussion. If not I will not download Anne Frank to my kindle since I have read the book in the past.
Joan Grimes

[joangrimes]

Oh we were posting at the same time.

[salan]

I am looking forward to the new "Sharpe" series.  My late husband got me hooked on the series.  They were really good.  He had all the Sharpe books and all the tapes of the program.  Every so often he would announce that he was going to have "A Sharp-a-thon".  I never felt inclined to read the books, but I did enjoy the programs.
Sally

[mrssherlock]

Fundraising for an entire month?  Is this the only fund raising they do for the year?  OPB has three drives per year and pledges amount to approx $700,000.  They tell us that we have a high percentage of viewers and are charged accordingly.  The last drive offered such an alluring grand prize that I had to up my pledge though my membership starts each January.

[joangrimes]

Oh no WE have three drives a year in Alabama also.  Each one lasts a month...It seems sometimes that all that they do is fund raise.  It really is a turn off.

[JoanK]

JoanG: I agree. But then thy started to tell us how much it cost to keep the programs on the air, and I'm more sympathetic. Unfortunately, the amount I can afford to give pays for about 3 seconds. (Not even that -- they may spend more than I give them sending me appeals for money).

[salan]

Our PBS (Austin, TX area) also has month long pledge drives and at least 3 per year.  It really angers me and I feel like they are taking advantage of viewers--especially since their pledge drives are programs that they have show multiple times.
I make sure to send my small donation during times when there are no pledge drives--just my small way of protesting.
Sally

[Aliki]

Boy, this seems to have been a very long time between our Masterpiece Theater productions and it took me until last week to realize why--fundraising! I think PBS is well worth donations but mine have certainly plummeted since I've been retired!

I would love a copy of "The Diary of Anne Frank" as I've never read it completely and any time I've tried I had to return the book to the library to soon to finish it (yes, even with a renewal!).

JoanP: I have just been able to get out and get stamps for another book I requested (I believe it was 39 Steps) so if you know if you have enough copies of Anne Frank to send me one when available, let me know and I'll send both sets of stamps at same time. If not, I'll send for 'Steps.'

Thanks much, aliki

[marcie]

Yes, Aliki, two weeks until the Richard Sharpe series begins and, following that, we'll see The Diary of Anne Frank. I'm looking forward to these PBS programs.

[JoanP]

Yes, I do have copies of Anne Frank's Diary left - one with your name on it Aliki.  They should arrive here today or tomorrow and I'll get a copy right out to you when they get here.

Anyone else interested in a copy?  I have four left.

[JoanP]

The copies of the Diary of Anne Frank arrived today.  I'll try to get them into the mail in the morning. 
Jackie, are you interested? 
Anyone else?  If so, just email me your name and address and I'll put you on the list.  jonkie@verizon.net

[Aberlaine]

I'll be watching The Diary of Anne Frank when it plays on Masterpiece Theater in April.  I saw the play last year here in Elmira and was very moved.  I imagine the movie will be more intense, but very worthwhile watching.

Nancy

[mrssherlock]

Yes, i'll be interested in all of them.  in addition to being fine literature, the editions are very nice.  now I'm sorry I didn't add additional copies to my Jane aust3en collection.

[JoanP]

The nice thing about the new edition is that it contains new information, pages from her diary that her father, Otto Frank had edited out for his daughter's privacy.  The Masterpiece Classic presentation was based on this edition. Nancy, all of the copies have been sent out and they were the last ones that PBS had to give away.  I'll tell you what, as soon as I finish reading my copy, I'll send it on to you.  Give me a few days.  I'm sure you'll get it in time to read before the show airs on April 11.

Jackie, I have an extra copy of Jane Austen's Emma, if you would like to have that.

I've also an xtra copy of "Cranford" here too - if anyone is interested a copy of that?

[Aberlaine]

Thanks so much, Joan.  Are you sure you don't want to keep your book for when the movie plays and we start our discussion?

Nancy

[ginny]

This is a non sequitur but I visited the Anne Frank house when I was in Amsterdam  a few years ago and it sort of stunned me, and there were lots of exhibits. And film or maybe it was photographs  of her at the exhibit taken as she looked out the window I think. Not sure how that can be right, but it seems what I recall.

 I had not realized that her father had survived Anne  and her mother,  I don't know why I didn't but I didn't, and just seeing the house and the space where they were was quite... I don't know the word....it made an indelible impression.

The room (rooms?)  where they were was bigger and brighter than I had thought and for some reason I was glad of that too. Lots of photographs there and some of her  writings.  Something about a tree, the same tree? Anyway, it was quite moving.

There were lines around the block to see it too.

[ginny]

Yes I was right, there is film of her.  This is a link to the  Anne Frank House, now a museum, and some of the things there, it's quite interesting:

http://www.annefrank.org/content.asp?pid=1&lid=2

[marcie]

Thank you, Ginny, for the link to that amazing website and for all of those details from your trip. I hadn't realized that information either.

[mrssherlock]

Joan:  Send them all to me.  They will make a nice collection and they are books that can be read moire than once.  What is your preference for method of payment?  Check or stamps?  I wonder how difficult it would be to set up a Paypal account for SL?

[JoanP]

Jackie, I'm not certain, but I think the PBS Masterpiece series is over after Anne Frank's Diary.  Do you know, Marcie?

I've sent you Anne Frank, Jackie.  You should get it today.  The postage is about 2.50 - (look at the postage stamp.)

Actually I was mistaken - I have no "Emma's" -  I think I've sent you Cranford and 39 Steps. 

If anyone else is interested in receiving a copy of Cranford or 39 Steps, please let me know.

[marcie]

There is one more Masterpiece Classic program after The Diary of Anne Frank. It's "Small Island." See http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/schedule/index.html.

Then PBS Mystery will start up in May. See the schedule at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/mystery/index.html

[Frybabe]

No Wallander this summer. Oh, well. Looks like a very good lineup all the same.

[Babi]

 "Sharpe's Challenge" is scheduled for this coming Sunday locally. I believe that's what is
listed in the heading, also.  No 'Small Island" here.  I'm glad; I've been looking forward to the
two Sharpe films.

[mrssherlock]

Joan:  Anne Frank arrived, thank you very much.  Shall I send a check?

[pedln]

The Mystery schedule coming up looks good, especially if there are NEW performances of Foyle's War and Inspector Lewis.  I think I've seen all of the Foyle's War up through series 5.  My library has them as well.

It will be interesting to see David Suchet in the Murder on the Orient Express.  I think I've seen only the all-star cast one with Albert Finney.

[JoanP]

A check would be fine.  Thanks, Jackie.  I hope everyone has received the books they requested by now.

[marcie]

Frybabe, yes, I too was expecting a new Wallander series during PBS Mystery. It looks like three new episodes premiered on BBC TV in January of this year. See the second item at http://www.inspector-wallander.org. I hope we'll get to see these episodes at some point.

[JoanK]

I'm not familiar with the Sharpe series, but looking forward to it. I see that Padma Lakshmi is in it: she's famous locally for doing sexy commercials for a local hamberger chain (if you want to know how to dribble your dinner all down your dress and look sexy doing it, she's your gal. I've acheived the dribbling part, but so far the sexy escapes me).

[JoanK]

The mystery series looks great, except for lack of Wallendar. New Foyle's War's rates a cheer!

[marcie]

LOL, JoanK. I can dribble too .  I too missed the earlier Sharpe episodes but am glad that we've got more Masterpiece Classic to enjoy.

[Aliki]

marcie:  but am glad that we've got more Masterpiece Classic to enjoy.

me too!!!

[Aliki]

Hi All...

I've been waiting to see what you others thought of Sharpe program. I personally turned it off before 1/2 hour was up...just not for me. I was hoping, however, some of you may have enjoyed it and posted here.

aliki

[marcie]

Aliki, I didn't get a chance to see it on Sunday but I plan to watch it online at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/sharpeschallenge/watch.html. I think I'll get to it today.

[mrssherlock]

I watched it all, hoping it would improve, but it was just poorly written, contrived, predictable, too many battles, screaming men on horses, cameras panning heaps of the dead, obviously to pad the thin story line.   I won't bother with the nest "Sharpe".