To the Manor Born -

Premise:

“To the Manor Born” is a British sitcom that originally aired from 1979 to 1981 and then later in 2007. The series revolves around Audrey fforbes-Hamilton, portrayed by Penelope Keith, a wealthy widow who is forced to sell her beloved manor house, Grantleigh Estate, due to financial difficulties. The manor is purchased by Richard DeVere, played by Peter Bowles, a wealthy businessman of Czech descent. The show humorously explores the clash of social classes, as Audrey, once the lady of the manor, must now navigate life as DeVere’s tenant.

Main Central Characters:

Audrey fforbes-Hamilton (Penelope Keith): The former lady of Grantleigh Estate, Audrey finds herself in reduced circumstances when she is forced to sell her manor.
Richard DeVere (Peter Bowles): A self-made millionaire and businessman who buys Grantleigh Estate, leading to humorous interactions with Audrey.
Marjory Frobisher (Angela Thorne): Audrey’s best friend and confidante, providing support and comic relief.
Brabinger (John Rudling): Grantleigh Estate’s loyal butler, who continues to serve Audrey after the change in ownership.

Themes:

The series explores themes of social class, adaptation to change, and the humorous dynamics that arise when individuals from different backgrounds are brought together. It combines elements of romantic comedy with satirical commentary on British social norms.

Critical Consensus (Rating: 4/5):

“To the Manor Born” received positive reviews for its clever writing, witty humor, and the chemistry between Penelope Keith and Peter Bowles. Critics appreciated its satirical take on class distinctions and the charm brought by the lead actors.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating:

The show typically carries a TV-PG rating, suitable for a broad audience. The humor is light-hearted and does not contain explicit content.

Original Network and Run:

“To the Manor Born” originally aired on BBC One in the United Kingdom. The series had its initial run from 1979 to 1981 and returned for a one-off special in 2007.