A sleepy 1840s English village comes to life with gossip, parties, romances, sudden death, bankruptcy and the drama of an encroaching railway in the three-part “Cranford,” based on the beloved Victorian-era writings of Elizabeth Gaskell, who combines the romantic flair of Jane Austen with the class-consciousness of Charles Dickens. The all-star cast includes Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, Michael Gambon, Francesca Annis, Imelda Staunton and enough other top actors to populate a picturesque hamlet.
In episode three, Matty suffers great disappointment and, in a nostalgic mood one evening, decides to confide in Mary about Mr. Holbrook. The mention of India prompts Mary to write to Major Gordon to tell him that Jessie regrets her decision not to marry him. Also, Dr. Harrison visits the Rectory and formally asks the Reverend Hutton for permission to court Sophy. Meanwhile, Miss Pole invites the ladies of the town to a secret meeting to discuss Matty's crisis. United in their love for Matty, they decide to help her financially.
Watch a series preview plus behind-the-scenes video.
The full program "Cranford" will be available for online viewing December 21, 2009 - January 10, 2010.
