PBS Masterpiece Classic 2009-2010

[JoanR]

 

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

That 1995 version is my favorite.  The more you see of Ciaran Hinds, the better you like him.  He was in a very good production of Sense and Sensibility, wasn't he?  Hard to keep all these different productions straight!

My copy of"The Thirty-nine Steps" just arrived - it will be interesting to see how PBS handles it.  I hope that both my husband and I will finish the book this week.  We read it as youngsters but don't remember too much of the plot!

[JoanK]

I enjoyed "Persuasion", too. I have seen it before, when it first came out. Ann (Anne? I don't remember) is a hard role to play: she is in a pitiful situation, but actually is the strongest of Austen's heroines. I'm not sure the actress got the mixture right.

[JoanP]

I'm really amazed at the US Postal Service.  They get a bad rep all the time, but how about this?  I mailed the books at 1pm on Saturday afternoon just as the Post Office was closing for the weekend.  Now I hear from so many of you that you received your book on Monday - some on Monday morning!  Isn't that amazing?  Who shall I write to?

I have three books left of the 20 that pbs sent - would anyone like a copy?  If I mail it tomorrow you'd have it by Wed or Thurs - plenty of time to read it by Sunday pm...It's quite a short book, isn't it?  JoanR, I wonder if there are any reviews of the Broadway show based on this book..

[marcie]

Thanks very much, JoanP.  My 39 Steps arrived today too, all the way to California. I look forward to reading it. I'll send you a check or stamps tomorrow.

[JoanR]

JoanP - Mailing the check for the postage today - thanks so much for sending the book!

As for reviews of the play:  I found a few:

http://theater.nytimes.com/2008/01/16/theater/reviews/16steps.html

http://nymag.com/listings/theater/the-39-steps/

I wish that I'd been able to see it, it must have been really good!

[Frybabe]

It seems the post office has outdone itself in getting these books delivered. I have just started reading. The author's bio is interesting. He sure packed a lot into his life. Here is more info from Wikipedia plus some pictures of the author. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Buchan,_1st_Baron_Tweedsmuir

As for Austen's men, I kind of like Colonel Brandon.

[Aliki]

Frybabe:  As for Austen's men, I kind of like Colonel Brandon.

Frybabe, funny you should say that!! Colonel Brandon's face was the first that caught my eye when I arrived on 'The Bachelor' page. However, in reading his 'bio' I was put off by two things: the 'falconry, hunting' (even though I'm not really sure what falconry is or if it is violent and in addition I eat meat and fowl--go figure!) and I was also uncomfortable about "...my dear Eliza..." although I don't remember who she was in Sense and Sensibility.

Funny thing, the mind, eh??!!         

[Aliki]

I keep forgetting to put this question in:

Will this discussion be archived. There are so many questions and comparisons that come to mind and I'll have more time when we break from Latin for the summer to enjoy reading the discussion for PBS Masterpiece Theater.

aliki

[Aliki]

Yippeeeee!! Just got "39 Steps" in the mail (we receive our mail 4pm or later). Thanks JoanP for your troubles. Stamps will soon be on way (whenever it stops raining!).

Off to start reading as it's a drizzly day here in PhillyTown...

aliki

[Frybabe]

When I opened The Thirty-Nine Steps the first thing I noticed is the FSC logo on the copyright page. This is the first book I have seen with the logo.  FSC is the Forestry Stewardship Council. Anyone using the logo must be certified that they are producing or using forestry products from certified foresters. The FSC has a set of principles and criteria for forest management that includes such things as environmental impact, indigenous rights, and labor rights. Here is their website if you are interested in more information: http://www.fscus.org/

[marcie]

Aliki, yes we are archiving all of our PBS discussions.

Thanks for the information, Frybabe, about the FSC.

[Aliki]

Thanks, marcie!

Frybabe: When I opened The Thirty-Nine Steps the first thing I noticed is the FSC logo on the copyright page.

Thanks for letting us know about the FSC logo. I belong to the "Green Team" at our local Senior Center and we are quite new and gathering information to take to other senior areas. We have a lot of readers and I'm sure this information will be valuable to them also.

[Frybabe]

Aliki I am glad the information will be useful. FSC is an international effort. My company gained certification a year or so ago. Some of our customers require paper certified by FSC for their magazines so we needed to be certified too.

[Aliki]

I received my Emma with Gwyneth Paltrow from Netflix and watched it last night and enjoyed it. Now my intention is to watch the Emma we watched to be sure I got an accurate opinion when I first watched this one!

'Where is my head...' as k.d. lang said in one of her earliest songs.

I don't remember the Paltrow version the way I thought...and certainly not a 'lightweight' for Jane Austin. And I quite liked her Mr. Knightly as well. Not as somber and kind of a tease, although good-naturedly.

I'm off to start watching 'our' Emma online.

aliki

[marcie]

I hope you enjoy EMMA, aliki. There is another good A&E production of EMMA with Kate Beckinsale. See http://www.amazon.com/Emma-E-1997-Kate-Beckinsale/dp/0767020308/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top. Youtube has the whole thing at http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=E6ACE4FD72987E0D&search_query=emma+kate+beckinsale

[Aliki]

dear marcie...you are beyond thoughtful!! I've just had a peek of the you tube link of the other version of Emma and like it already. I think I'll save it for after my nap this afternoon.

thanks, marcie!!

aliki

[marcie]

I took a peek at the Youtube video and it's not the best quality. The production is really good so it's well-worth seeing. Maybe your library has the video. I checked and mine does.

[JoanP]

It's so good to hear that you are receiving your copies of The 39 Steps - and enjoying it!  I'm looking forward to the PBS production on Sunday pm - but isn't that the closing of the Olympics?  Always quite a spectacular show.
Have you been following the men's hockey?  Last night the Canadians beat the Russians.  This was suppose to be the premier game - the biggest rivalry between the professional hockey players.  USA's brightest stars on on these teams.  We didn't have a chance.  Now it looks as if we might have a chance if we make it to the final round a play Canada again - as well as we did the other day when we beat them 4-2.

But I didn't come in for that today.  I just wanted to say that I was quite taken with the book this morning as I read the very entertaining  Introduction by Sir John Keegan.  I am really looking forward to reading this book now!
If you have been hesitating, I still have two more copies to give away.  You will be happy to have this book, even if you only intended to watch the PBS presentation...

[EvelynMC]

JoanP

I just received my copy of The 39 Steps.

Check will be in the mail.

Thanks,

Evelyn 

[mrssherlock]

JoanP:  Put my name on your list for any books Masterpiece sends you.  I have been well pleased with the quality of these editions and enjoy reading them again.  I hesitated over 39 Steps cause I reread it recently but decided to take advantage of this offer to read it again in conjunction with the showing. 

I gave up on "Northanger Abbey" in disgust, I had forgotten how silly this version was, but "Persuasion" was delightful.  Well cast and ably acted in even the smallest roles. 

[JoanK]

I've received my copy of "39 Steps", and read it already. Thank you, thank you, check will follow.

I was interested to see if it would hold up, or seem terribly dated. The beginning was terribly dated (and the anti-semitism obnoxious -- I'm sure they removed that from the broadcast)), and so was the ending ("if they're so English, they can't possibly be evil, let's play bridge!") but once he leaves the city and gets out into the country, it's still magical.

[marcie]

  ("if they're so English, they can't possibly be evil, let's play bridge!")

That is hilarious, Joan. I'm about to start reading the book and look forward to hearing that sentiment! :-)

[JoanK]

Not word for word, but it was there. Actually, I think they just said "cards". Maybe it wasn't bridge. Whist sounds more British.

[JoanP]

JoanK, I haven't reached that line yet -- but will think of YOU when I do...whist, I'll bet it was whist...

Jackie, please refresh my memory.  Is this your first request for 39 Steps?  I still have 2-3 copies left - but want to make sure that you weren't on my first list which I've already mailed...

[mrssherlock]

JoanP:  First request.  Do you need my snail mail address?

[JoanP]

That would be great, Jackie - just email name and address to jonkie@verizon.net and I'll get it right off to you.  I am really enjoying John Buchan's dry humor...and think you will too.

[FlaJean]

I'm looking forward to seeing the PBS "39 Steps".  The English are very good at authenticity.  PBS had an English series on PBS called "Foyles War" about WWII a couple of years ago and it was just terrific with the cars, clothing, etc.  Of course, the stories were also outstanding with British actor Michael Kitchen.

[Frybabe]

I am a little more than half way through "39 Steps".

I am guessing from the work load tonight I will probably have to come into work tomorrow night. Bummer! If I can get away with not coming in, I will. I would much rather be visiting Mom in her new digs at the Assisted Living facility. My sister got her settled in this afternoon. Meanwhile I have been terrorizing myself trying to do her taxes.

[JoanK]

I loved "Foyle's War" Hope they do more.

[joangrimes]

I really liked Foyles War too.  Very good.

Joan Grimes

[Babi]

The 39 Steps will be showing here tonight, I'm happy to see.  Hasn't been much on TV the
past couple of weeks but re-runs.  Ironic, we have a service that provides umpteen channels,
but we still spend many evenings with nothing new or of interest to watch. The need and
demand for 'new' material and stories is simply too great.

[JoanK]

The past couple of weeks, the producers assume everyone will be glued to the Olympics. But it is often true at other times, too.

[Frybabe]

Finished reading "39 Steps" this afternoon. I am hoping to be home in time to watch tonight. Lots of action in this short novel. Lots of old-fashioned British slang. I could almost feel Hannay's self doubt and anxiety especially in the final chapter.

[JoanP]

I'm up to the last chapter - "39 Steps!"...and just can't read it to the end because I want to be surprised when I watch tonight.  It really is gripping, isn't it?  A "shocker" as they called it back then.

[serenesheila]

I recorded "39 Steps", rather than watch it, last night.  I also have the book, on my Kindle.  Which do you think would be best to begin with?  I am looking forward to both.

Sheila

[Babi]

 I saw '39 Steps' last night,  and since some of you haven't seen it yet I won't mention any
details.  I did find it quaintly naive and somewhat predictable, but since it is pre-WWI that's
not surprising.  It was an enjoyable Sunday evening movie. 
  Let's discuss it a bit more after you've all viewed your tapes.

[Frybabe]

I will have to try to see it on OnDemand or online. Of course, the night I fervently wished there would be no work to keep me at my post - there was.

[Aliki]

I was conflicted between closing night at Olympics and '39 Steps'. The Steps won. I fell asleep within 5 minutes and missed both. I'm really disappointed so hope, like Frybabe, that I can find it on demand. Good thing I have the book!

[Phyll]

Our local PBS station is once again having one of their incessant fund drives and they were playing old Luciano Pavarotti tapes so I watched the Olympics closing.  They were interesting but a little strange.  Someone said it was like watching an old Busby Berkeley movie.  I could be mistaken but wasn't 39 Steps on before?  It seems to me that I've already seen it and didn't like it very much.  However, I'm probably confused.  I often am. 

[marcie]

Phyll, I believe that the PBS version of The 39 Steps is new in 2010. For those who missed it, it is available for viewing online at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/steps/watch.html through March 30. Maybe you saw the Alfred Hitchcock version? I've ordered that one from our public library.

I just saw The 39 Steps "on demand" via our cable service (I watched the Olympics closing ceremony last evening. The ceremony wasn't great, though it was cute that they poked fun at themselves about the mishap with one of the columns in the opening ceremony). I really enjoyed 39 Steps. It makes me want to see more of Rupert Penry-Jones :-) I'm going to read the book now.