Knowing my readers, it is probably no surprise to any of you that there are three new episodes of Upstairs, Downstairs, the 1970s TV classic. What may surprise some of you is that the series finally makes it to the U.S. on Sunday. Hooray.
Not only do I own the complete original series and have watched it many times, but over the years I have also picked up whatever UD-related books I could get my hands on. At only three books it isn’t a huge collection but I think you will agree that it is pretty cool. A novelization of the show, a social history of the period with lots and lots of photos, and a cookery book by Mrs. Bridges.
First the question: Who is your favorite character from the original UD?
Second, here is a little quiz about the original series. No prizes this time, just the ability to call yourself a true Upstairs, Downstairs Fan.
1. Richard’s second wife Virginia, had two children (Alice and her brother whose name I forget). What was Alice’s dog’s name?
a) Bertie
b) Checkers
c) Lucy
d) Thimble
EXTRA CREDIT: Since I can’t remember, tell me Alice’s brother’s name.
2. Hudson has a creepy May-September relationship with one of the other servants. What was her name? (This doesn’t include the various episodes that dealt with his relationship with Mrs. B.)
a) Daisy
b) Sarah
c) Lily
d) Clemence
EXTRA CREDIT: In addition to the correct answer, there is a trick in the answers above. Can anyone tell me what it is?
3. Who was the family’s solicitor?
a) Sir Ponsonby Smithers
b) Sir Geoffrey Dillon
c) Sir Charles Freer
d) Sir Edward Elgar
4. Who cheated on whom?
a) Lady Marjorie cheated on Richard
b) Richard cheated on Lady Marjorie
c) Richard cheated on Virginia
d) Edward cheated on Daisy
EXTRA CREDIT: How did Elizabeth lose her virginity?
And who doesn’t love this spoof of Downtown Abbey/Upstairs Downstairs? I think Kim Cattrell plays Lady Grantham perfectly. She sounds just like Elizabeth McGovern.
hogglestock 
Brilliant! Thanks for this.
LikeLike
I mean the spoof, of course– I've no idea what the answers to the quiz are.
LikeLike
LOVED the spoof — I didn't know about the second half. Thanks so much for posting it!
LikeLike
Uptown Downstairs Abbey is hilarious!!! How did that one get past me? Thanks, Thomas!
LikeLike
This is timely! I watched the 'new' UD a few weeks after it aired in the UK and then I got hold of the complete original series and had a binge. I haven't completed the final series – thought I'd save some episodes for later. I was surprised at how addictive it is and some of the plots had me really worked up! :-)
I loved the spoof and agree that Kim Catrall was superb and so like Elizabeth McGovern. I was quite in awe of her acting.
I could attempt the quiz… do we post the answers in the comments or e-mail you?
LikeLike
Oh Thomas I didn't know they'd done that spoof! I waited all day to come home and watch it and was absolutely laughing my socks off – brilliant! Thanks so much for posting that! Jennifer Saunders was excellent at doing Dame Maggie!
LikeLike
I am already fighting with my antenna and trying to convince it that it wants to pick up PBS on Sunday. I know I can watch it online, but I want to experience it as it happens!
And I'm so excited that Keely Hawes and Claire Foy are in this!
LikeLike
Had no idea there were books.
My favorite character was Hazel – James' wife. She had a romance with a young military officer whilst James was convalescing and falling in love with his cousin. And then she died of influenza.
I'm pretty sure the solicitor was Sir Geoffrey Dillon.
Can't wait to see the new story!
LikeLike
I didn't see the original series until a couple of years ago when the whole lot was shown again on television. Fave character definitely Hudson as Gordon Jackson was far the best actor in it.
I watched the first episode of the new series and gave up; hated it.
LikeLike
I think I'll go ahead and post my answers…
There are a few favourites such as Hudson, Mrs Bridges (who can be annoying at times), Hazel, Mr Bellamy but I think Rose’s cheerful, can-do, chin-up-cockney disposition shines through.
1. d) Thimble
Can't recall Alice's brother's name either.
2. c) Lily
Sarah and Clemence are the same person. Clemence is the name Sarah gave when she joined the household, claiming she was French.
3. b) Sir Geoffrey Dillon
4. a) Lady Marjorie cheated on Richard
Elizabeth: She was encouraged to get drunk and was intentionally seduced by her husband’s publisher (with her husband’s consent). This was the first plot that got me really worked up! I was so shocked.
This was a fun quiz! Thank you :-)
LikeLike
Harriet: The spoof is so much fun.
Karen: I only discovered Part II when I went looking to find Part I for this post. What a great surprise.
Darlene: I know, you would think it would be everywhere.
Cristina: You did so well on the quiz. I am very impressed. Writing the questions made me wish there was an Upstairs Downstairs trivia game.
Rachel: That must have been a long day at work.
Read the Book: Well, at least you will get a chance to see it.
Tessa: I liked Hazel as well, but so tragic. And James was such an ass toward her. And you are right about Sir Geoffrey.
Madam: I like just about any period piece so I think I will like it regardless.
LikeLike
Alice's brother's name was Master William.
I was in love with Hannah Gordon who played
Virginia Hamilton.
In fact, in love with the whole damn show, which
makes me wonder whether, with the new series,
lightening can strike twice in the same place.
LikeLike
Toby: Thanks for solving the Master William puzzle. I loved the scene where they were sending him off to school and Mrs. Bridges was filling his trunk full of goodies like homemade toffee and cakes and things. If that had been me I would have eaten it all on the train before I even made to school.
LikeLike
Much as I loved the old show (Hudson for the win!), I really enjoyed the new cast. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with the next season. Here's hoping Lady Persie meets a Mitford girl in Berlin!
LikeLike
A few days ago, I heard a segment on NPR radio about this show and was thinking that I needed to check it out.
Unfortunately, I hadn't previously heard of it so all of your trivia questions are lost on me. :)
LikeLike