Monday 22 November 2021

The French Connection...

Two years ago, I went with a group of friends from church to see the first Downton Abbey film. It was indeed, sheer escapism, but if you enjoy DA, then it was a fun film. 

"Next year" I declared at the time, "we must go to Highclere Castle, before we retire. It is only 50 miles from Ferndown, but almost 200 from Cornerstones"

Now I know Bob wasn't that thrilled by the prospect -but I'm sure we would have managed it if it had not been for covid. But never fear, there is a second film coming out. I believe it is due to be released on March 18th, 2022 - and by then I might feel confident enough to go and sit in the cinema again. The plot centres on a villa in France inherited by the Dowager Duchess [aka Dame Maggie Smith]


Bob won't want to go to this one either - maybe I can find a few friends from the church here to come with me! Do you think you will go and see it?





27 comments:

  1. CBC wouldn't want to see it as I made him sit through all 10 series of it recently on Netflix and he moaned about it! I would like to see it though. Would like to visit Highclere!

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    1. Maybe you can find a friend to go with you

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  2. March 18th is already marked in my diary for next year and my brother booked to sit with Mother while I go. Wouldn't miss it for anything :)

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  3. One of the local libraries showed the first DA movie, free of charge, and I went with one of my friends to see it. I am not ready to go to a movie theater, yet.

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  4. Replies
    1. Thank you (I know it's not everyone's cup of tea)

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  5. I didn't know about the new film release. I loved the Downton Abbey series so might pluck up the courage to see the new one next year. I would love to visit Highclere too but it's not very likely now that G can't drive very far without pain. I think you need to do things while you are able. We've put off certain things, like our river cruise, and now it's too late. Make your plans Angela 😊 x

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    1. I'm endeavouring to do what I can, when I can. I'm sorry you have missed out on your cruise.

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  6. I dont really want to go to a cinema yet. I wonder if it will be televised?

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    1. Eventually. Or maybe you will be able to buy the DVD. If cinema audiences stay low, it might be released earlier

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  7. Hello Angie, I shall probably be going to see the second Downton film, I enjoyed the first one. Just to mention that I have been going to the cinema here in Dorchester for quite a while now post-covid - either by myself or with my hubby. We tend to go when it is quiet for example at lunchtime and the hygiene measures in place are excellent! Perhaps these comments will help you in making a decision to go one way or the other - best wishes - Jill

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    1. In Dorset we went to the Tower Park Cinema in Poole for the "Seniors" showings. Usually there were only half a dozen of us in there anyway, even pre covid.

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  8. I doubt I'll go to see it, I haven't watched ANY of the television series or the first film. Perhaps I should though!!

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    1. It's a bit "Marmite" - you love it or loathe it, I think.

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  9. I never even knew there was a first Downton Abbey film! I shall have to look out for it on DVD or on-line. I used to live in the next village over from Highclere and once went to a fete in the gardens there (back in the 60s). If you climb Beacon Hill just off the main highway you can see the castle in all its splendour and visit the grave of Lord Carnarvon.

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    1. Thats interesting information, thanks! [is that the Lord C who funded the Tutankhamun expedition in 1922?]

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    2. Yes, it is the same one. I once read a very interesting book called, "Lady Catherine, the Earl, and the Real Downton Abbey". It is really worth reading. I haven't read the earlier one about Lady
      Almina, her predecessor.

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  10. Oh, yes. I can hardly wait to see it. It's not the plot line that I like. It's the costumes. The jewelry--especially the the hair jewelry makes me swoon. And the coats! I nearly forgot about the coats. The shiny trains and autos are also a favorite of mine. It's all eye candy, and I eagerly await its release in the States.

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    1. I'm a costume fanatic too. They are pretty hot on accurate details too

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  11. Never watched DA. Wholly on account that it was too close to home for me being that I was one of those servants for a great many years. I could tell you stories that would make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up but I won't ever! My loyalty and integrity mean too much to me!

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    1. I wonder what my grandmother, in service to two titled families before her marriage, would have made of it all. I suspect some employers were much better than others

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  12. I go to the cinema in Norwich at least twice a week. I can tell you it is perfectly safe, both cinemas I go to are well organised, plenty of space, and helpful staff and lots of feeling that everything is clean and well looked after and customers safety is paramount. I saw the first DA film and although I have never watched DA on tv I enjoyed the film although I admit I found the sub plots slightly annoying. I was in the cinema today in fact, and it was wonderful. I continued to go each time lockdowns were lifted and never felt under any danger from Covid. I hope you are able to and enjoy yourself. I always go on my own.

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    1. Thank you Rachel. I've been to Vue in the Castle Mall a number of times preCovid, and always found staff helpful and facilities clean & well maintained. Thank you for this positive review. It's four months till DA cones out, so I hope I shall be able to go then

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  13. Downton 2 has some, almost, local roots as some of the filming locations were almost Suffolk

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