Film Picks for When You Need Your Downton Abbey Fix

I’ve already made it quite clear that I think everyone should be watching Downton Abbey. If you’ve followed my advice, good for you! If you haven’t, what are you waiting for? It is an addicting piece of drama, overflowing with British charm, period fashion, bits of history, and a few witty quips (from Maggie Smith of course).

Now you’ve come to that devastating, inevitable end. Whether you’ve just completed the first season on Netflix (this article assumes you have, so if you’re stuck midpoint stop reading before you’re spoiled!), are waiting for the next episode to air on PBS, or have concluded season two, you’re probably itching for your next Downton fix. How will you ever fill the void? Here are some suggestions to put your mind at ease and mellow that withdrawal period.

Pride and Prejudice (1995). Everyone has seen Keira Knightley’s portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet in the 2005 adaptation of the beloved Jane Austen novel, but in another BBC/PBS stroke of brilliance this miniseries far outshines the big-screen film. Colin Firth as brooding Mr. Darcy is unforgettable. I was only a child when I first saw it but it is still one of my favorite films, and one of the only truly well-done book-to-screen adaptations I’ve seen yet.

Atonement (2007). While this film adaptation of Ian McEwan’s novel is set in World War II, rather than World War I, it does share a similar theme. Sisters Cecilia and Briony Tallis are from the British aristocracy and have grown up in an English manor house. Robbie, the housekeeper’s son, falls for Cecilia but they are torn apart due to unforeseen circumstances. Briony, being both young and ignorant, makes an ill-informed decision which ultimately results in jail time for Robbie (Edith anyone?). Atonement is more extreme than Downton: Mary gets off with a somewhat tinged reputation, while Robbie’s life is ruined.

Joyeaux Noel (2005). This film depicts the Christmas truce of 1914. World War I soldiers set down their weapons for an unofficial ceasefire Christmas Eve. The film shows the truce through the eyes of French, Scottish, and German soldiers. It will give you an idea of the turmoil along the frontlines during the early part of the war, but it also humanizes the soldiers. If you’ve just finished up season one, you know that Britain has declared war on Germany marking the start of World War I. Joyeaux Noel takes place the following December, so it’s the perfect film to watch while you’re waiting for season two to become available on DVD (or blu-ray if you’re so inclined).

Wuthering Heights (2009). Wuthering Heights is a wonderful novel but translates poorly to screen. This is one of the better adaptations that I have seen. A miniseries gives the complex novel room to breathe, but of course nothing will compare to the original narrative. This Heathcliff is far more rugged than that of Ralph Fiennes, who I’ve always felt was a little to kempt for a tortured gypsy. There is little to connect Wuthering Heights to Downton Abbey, but seeing as it is one of my favorite romances I felt compelled to include it. So why watch it? It’s a period piece produced by Masterpiece Classic set in Britain and centered on two lovers. What more could you ask for? There’s even an English manor complete with devoted servants!

Somewhere in Time (1980). Christopher Reeves uses hypnosis to travel back in time after becoming infatuated with actress Elise McKenna (Jane Seymour). How does he become infatuated with a woman from 1912, you ask? Excellent question! She appears as an elderly woman at a celebration, begging "Come back to me". Eight years later, he finally does some digging and finds out who she was. Enter time travel. A somewhat absurd, sappy romantic plot (or so say the critics) but I am a huge fan of this Edwardian film. If nothing else, it has a beautiful soundtrack!

Upstairs Downstairs (1971 or 2010). I must admit that I have yet to see either version of the Upstairs. The original series from the 1970s is set during the same era as Downton Abbey, while the current version is a continuation of the popular series set in the 1930s. Like Downton, Upstairs Downstairs shows us both aspects of the manor house: the aristocracy (upstairs) versus the servers (downstairs). Allegedly, the newer series bridges the gap a little more.

Brideshead Revisited (1981 or 2008). Surprisingly, I would recommend the original mini-series. And I haven’t even seen it. I have seen the 2008 adaptation and was content with it, but not overly zealous in my love of it. Trust me. If I really love a film it becomes a consuming obsession (cough, cough… Downton Abbey). It was even somewhat… forgettable. However, I have done my research and the 1980s miniseries seems to have come off far better in reviews. Of course loyalists will always stay true to the original, and a television serial does have the room to work with the complex narrative of the novel. Brideshead begins in the 1920s and centers on Charles Ryder’s relationship with the noble Flyte family. Yet another glimpse into a manor home in Post-Edwardian England!

Jayne Eyre. There is much debate over which version is the best, and I don’t feel I’m qualified to make that decision. I haven’t seen the latest adaptation or the PBS miniseries. The reason I include Jane Eyre isn’t because I was overly impressed with the versions I did see. Rather it is because I recently read an article attributing audience’s surprising obsession with Mr. Bates to that of their desire for a mysterious, wounded man. Mr. Rochester is the epitome of the tormented soul made whole again by the love of a woman.

Howard’s End (1992). Set prior to Downton Abbey, the film (and novel) explores the class struggles and relationships in Edwardian England. Howards End is actually a house, on a much smaller scale than Downton, but like Downton there is a bit of inheritance drama. No entail, but a last minute will that changes everything.

The Secret Garden (1993). One of my ultimate favorites. A perfect Edwardian film based on the novel by the same name, and it even includes Maggie Smith. Mary Lennox is a little girl, a contrast to the sisters of Downton entering womanhood, who has essentially been dumped in the English Moors with a mysterious uncle she has never known. Her maid Martha will be a pleasant reminder of Daisy and the manor house is not lacking in grandeur, even though it's in a state of partial deterioration. After all, Downton had Cora's money and Robert's passion to keep it in tip-top shape. Misselthwaite Manor just needs a little inspiration from Mary.

Gosford Park (2001). There are two things that Downton Abbey and Gosford Park have in common: Julian Fellowes and Maggie Smith. Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton, was the writer for Gosford. Maggie Smith plays a countess (surprise, surprise) that is always ready with a zinger. In fact, there's even a "I need a new lady's maid" conversation that is reminiscent of a conversation (on the same subject) with Lady Cora Grantham. If you love the upstairs, downstairs drama of Downton, there's plenty of that at Gosford. But take heed: Maggie Smith is really all this movie has going for it.

Titanic (1997). If everyone saw 2005’s Pride and Prejudice, then everyone and their mom has seen this epic film. Downton Abbey begins with the sinking of the Titanic, so what better way to tide your longings than going back to the beginning? If you think this celebrated version is overplayed and/or overrated, then there are plenty of other adaptations to turn to. And (get ready for it!) to honor the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of this “unsinkable ship” Julian Fellowes has created a greatly anticipated miniseries, the first part to be released on April 12, 2012.

The Remains of the Day (1993). A butler reminisces about his pre-war service and his could-have-been relationship with the housekeeper. Carson and Mrs. Hughes?
A Room with a View (1985). An Edwardian period film where a young woman, restricted by the time, experiences a different kind of life and love in Italy. Selling point: Dame Maggie Smith strikes again!
Any Masterpiece Classic. There are many more titles that I could list, but that's for another day. Just peruse the titles, check out your Netflix streaming, and spend a rainy weekend experiencing the joys of the Masterpiece.