The Christmas Special

The holiday season is on and I guess most of you have already made plans. Does your plan include watching your favorite Period Drama? Well, which one are you most willing to watch?

Downton Abbey Christmas Special

Downton Abbey Christmas Special

Like last year, Downton Abbey Christmas Special episode would be on air on ITV. It is probably the biggest name in period drama series presently.

This year too, the special episode would be full of drama and love and betrayal. ITV has put in strong efforts in making this one and is expecting over ten million viewers worldwide!

Let me give you a head-start, somebody already has a romantic something for Branson, Lady Edith might have a new love interest, yet again and there is some more romance, involving Mrs. Patmore! This is going to be interesting and promises drama to the very end.

Call the Midwife Holiday Special

Call the Midwife Holiday Special

I love this series because of its sheer honesty and realism. There's hardly anything dramatic about it yet you enjoy watching it.

This is Call the Midwife's first Christmas Special (obviously). So, like always the Nonnatus House and its residents are busy with work even in the holiday season (sure, childbirth wouldn't wait for the holidays to finish). Jenny Lee and Chummy are uptight with their schedule. What else, nurses and nuns are trying to find the parents of a newborn and Chummy is trying to organize something (sounds like an oxymoron Chummy : Organize).

Kind Jenny is looking for the children of an elderly vagrant, so there's quite a lot of work to be done.

 I can't decide which one am I going to watch. The one with lavish drama or the one which actually celebrates childbirth.

I would love to know your reasons for watching (or not watching) these dramas.

Happy Holidays!

Oliver with a Twist

“Oliver!” – Classic Period Movie with a Twist!

With the stage show of Dickens’ Oliver Twist (Oliver!) hitting recent headlines for still touring the UK after a staggering 50 years, it is appropriate to take a look at the 1968 movie it so closely relates to.

The 1968 version of “Oliver!” has an original take on most period movies as it contains music. All of the script, music and lyrics are by British musician Lionel Bart. Although there have been remakes of the Dickens classic for over one hundred years, another excellent version being the David Lean adaptation from 1948, which stars actor Anthony Newley as the Artful Dodger; “Oliver!” has to be one of the most memorable. One of the reasons for this is the outstanding cast which features Sir Harry Secombe as Mr Bumble, Leonard Rossiter as Mr Sowerberry, Oliver Reed as Bill Sykes, Ron Moody as Fagin and Mark Lester in the title role. The story is played out as follows:

At the start Oliver is living at an orphanage with fellow young boys and dares to ask for more gruel. In this period such insolence was considered outrageous so Mr Bumble ‘Caretaker’ of the workhouse promptly sells him to undertaker Mr Sowerberry. Oliver fights bully Noah Claypole after he insults his late mother and escapes in a commotion when Mr Bumble comes to collect him.

Oliver heads to London and makes friends with the Artful Dodger without realising he’s a pickpocket. Dodger lures a trusting Oliver to Fagin’s lair where he initially believes they make handkerchiefs, only to discover later in the story that they steal them. Oliver meets Nancy, the live-in girlfriend of terrifying Bill Sykes and it is apparent there is a strong bond between them.

Oliver is framed for a crime he didn’t commit when Mr Brownlow, a wealthy man is robbed. However, he happily resides with Mr Brownlow and Mr Brownlow can’t help but notice the resemblance Oliver shares with his niece. Bill Sykes worries Oliver may reveal the whereabouts of the den so Nancy and Bill grab Oliver. Nancy protects Oliver when Bill tries to beat him and Fagin reviews his ways.

Feeling remorseful about taking Oliver, Nancy returns him to Mr Brownlow, after Mr Brownlow has worked out from a locket with the assistance of Mr Bumble that he and Oliver are related. Bill follows them and kills Nancy, grabbing Oliver as his hostage. Two Policemen sneak up on Bill and one fatally shoots him, leaving Fagin again to ‘Review the Situation’.

How successful has this version been?

The financial success of this version speaks volumes, with Box Office figures being recorded as over $37 million domestic and $56.8 million worldwide and rentals. One of the stars to have his name engraved on a prestigious Golden Globe award is the legendary Ron Moody for his portrayal as Fagin. He achieved ‘Best Actor Motion Picture Musical or Comedy’.  Additionally to Ron Moody’s award, another engraving the film received was on the Golden Globe for the Best Motion Picture in 1968. It also won 6 Academy awards.



Ron Moody as Fagin

Although the Dickens novel is at times gloomy, this version has uplifting moments and the viewer gets to experience a wide range of emotions. Bart’s musical score is truly excellent, catchy and memorable including songs such as “Food Glorious Food”, which has since been used in many commercials, the moving “Where is Love?” which rather controversially wasn’t actually recorded by Mark Lester and the upbeat “Consider Yourself”. It can only be a positive point that the portrayal of Fagin by Ron Moody in this production is a toned down version of the Dickens original that has been described as anti-Semitic. In fact Fagin is often seen as a likeable rogue by his viewers. In the stage production the character is often portrayed now by Comedians/Comic Actors including Jim Dale and Rowan Atkinson.



Rowan Atkinson



Eagerly awaited Sequel

 A sequel has recently been written called “Dodger!” It is set 7 years after the events in the Oliver Twist novel. Part of the plot includes Artful Dodger being sentenced to an Australian penal colony. Dodger also becomes romantically involved with a friend of Nancy’s called Bet (who appears briefly in the original movie.) I can only hope this will be turned into a movie of the same stature, but there is no doubt “Oliver!”is going to be a tough act to follow!

Period Movies Box - The Young Victoria (2009) - Reviewed

The Young Victoria (2009)
My Overall Rating - 7.5/10

The Young Victoria - Period Movies Box

My Saturday evening was delightful and you know why. I just finished watching The Young Victoria, a movie by Jean Marc Vallee. The movie is about the early years of Queen Victoria or should I rather say HER MAJESTY!

The movie stars Emily Blunt (as Queen Victoria), Rupert Friend (as Prince Albert), Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson, Jim Broadbent and others. I am impressed, definitely. This is what you can tag as comparatively a new cast with Blunt in the lead and the ensemble has worked very well.

The movie is very good, especially the furniture (and why not, it was the Victorian Era after all!). The performance of the young Victoria (Blunt) is controlled and decent. Also, Rupert Friend is very good, not overshadowed at all. And Paul Bettany is very charming (only second to Friend!)

Doesn't matter whether you're a regency era fan or a casual movie watcher, you'll like the movie I'm sure! Its a very well made period movie, just what you need to make a happy watching. So, I guess you might as decide upon watching it, this weekend and tell me about it!

IMDb Link - The Young Victoria
Wikipedia Link - The Young Victoria

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Period Movies Box - Dimensions - Curtain Raiser

Dimensions - a line, a loop, a tangle of threads

This is a very special post since I have been asked to write and let you all know about this upcoming movie, Dimensions -a line, a loop, a tangle of threads by debutante couple Ant Neely and Sloane U’Re. 


The movie stars Camilla Rutherford (Gosford Park, Rome, The Darjeeling Limited), Henry Lloyd-Hughes (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Inbetweeners, Annoymous) and Patrick Godfrey (The Remains of the Day, The Duchess, A Room with a View).


I just watched the teaser of the movie and I'm sure I'll watch the movie when it comes to theaters. Allow me to tell you the plot of the movie, in the words of the movie makers, "Stephen is a brilliant young boy who lives in Cambridge, England, in what appears to be the 1920s 
– but nothing in Stephen’s life is quite as it seems.  His world is turned upside down upon meeting a 
charismatic and inspirational professor at a garden party who demonstrates to Stephen and his friends 
what life would be like if they themselves were merely one, or two, dimensional beings.  He then 
proceeds to explain that by manipulating other dimensions, time travel may actually be possible.
As Stephen’s life unfolds, events lead him to dedicate himself to turning the Professor’s theories of time 
travel into reality.  Jealousy, love, obsession, temptation and greed surround him, influencing his fragile 
mind and the direction of his work."


Here are some of the links -

• Youtube - Teaser
• Movie Information & Synopsis
• Movie - Fashion & Style
• Facebook Page
• Twitter

The movie has been chosen to premier at the Cambridge Film Festival, alongside 'Tinker,Taylor,Soldier,Spy'.

We would love to hear from you, all your comments (praise or a suggestion) are welcome!

Period Movies Box - Friday Favorite Character - Elinor Dashwood

Elinor Dashwood

The main protagonist in Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility. Elinor Dashwood can be referred to as the 'Sense' part of the novel since she practical, honest, good natured and thoughtful. Elinor is not described as a complete beauty but is said to have regular features and good figure. She is very balanced both, mentally and emotionally. Comparisons have been drawn between her and her younger sister, Marianne Dashwood who happens to be the 'Sensibility' part of the book. Unlike Marianne, Elinor is more in control of her emotions and definitely much more compromising.


Some people are of the opinion that the character Elinor Dashwood is loosely based on Jane Austen's elder sister Cassandra Austen. Jane was most close to Cassandra, throughout her life.  


The way Elinor hides her feelings for Edward thinking that there was no hope for her only shows how practical she was in the ways love and romance. Though her feelings were genuine and strong, she could not give Edward a hint about them because she was very concerned about what exactly the society expects of her and her conduct.


Ah! I think Elinor was a little too concerned about the society and didn't think about herself. Personally, I am of the opinion that its fine to be agreeable in society but then its shouldn't be to an extent where you stop valuing yourself and all you care about is society. Elinor Dashwood is a very well written character indeed, sense personified!


I love love love Emma Thompson's portrayal of Elinor Dashwood in Sense & Sensibility (1995) and I think very highly of her. In fact, the casting of the movie was very good, perhaps a replacement for Hugh Grant would have added more soul to Edward's character. It is as I reckon one of the best period movies I have seen and the critics think the same.

Period Movies Box - Tangled (2010) - Reviewed

Tangled (2010)
My Overall Rating - 8/10

Tangled - Disney

I think I was really unlucky not to have watched a movie like this when it was still in theater, I guess I couldn't because of my exams! *Curse my College*


Tangled's picture should be placed next to the word "Delightful" in Webster dictionary. Anyway, that was my very weird sense of praising. Honestly, I don't know if there is anything bad about this movie, seriously, from the voice overs to the CG and animation, the scenes and ofcourse RIDER, it is what you can tag as a TREAT!


The story of Rapunzel has been retold and in an amazing fashion. The voice overs have been done by Mandy Moore (Rapunzel), Zachary Levi (Flynn Rider), Donna Murphy (Mother Gothel) and they all have done a very nice job. The jokes are simple and funny, timing is exquisite and I would love to have a dog like that white horse! I loved Pascal (chameleon) he's so mature and sensible, almost like an elder brother! 


Ah! I so loved the movie, I don't know why critiques weren't totally satisfied with it (on second thoughts, I guess they make a living by criticizing everything good!). 


What else can you expect from a movie. Its a total charmer and you'll love it.  As for the title 'Tangled', there's nothing more straight, shiny, silky and strong than Rapunzel's hair, not tangled at all! I wish all the period movies could be remade in animation, that would be so wonderful.

IMDb Link - Tangled
Wikipedia Link - Tangled

For more information on movies stay connected to Period Movies Box.

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Period Movies Box - Miss Potter (2006) - Reviewed

Miss Potter (2006) 
My Overall Rating - 7.5/10

Miss Potter - Renee Zellweger

Today I watched Miss Potter and what a delight it was. The movie stars Renee Zellweger (as Beatrice Potter), Ewan McGregor (as Norman Warne), Emily Watson (as Millie Warne), Lloyd Owen, Bill Paterson among the rest. The movie follows the story of Beatrice Potter, the celebrated and much loved author of children's books, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.


The story has been very well formed by Richard Maltby Jr, my sincere compliments to him. Much closer to the truth and the facts of the author and so subtle. This is exactly what I expected from Renee Zellweger, a great performance and I think Ewan McGregor's mustache made him look much more handsome (not many people can carry it off that well!). 


The movie captures the beautiful illustrations made by Beatrice Potter as well as the picturesque hill top farm where she lived. There's such beauty in the movie, and innocence too. No doubt Miss Potter celebrated the countryside living in Britain, it is what she preached and loved, until the very end.

Its a definitely 'catch it' movie, so simple and yet so good. I liked everything about it, the cast, story, scenes, music and ofcourse the stupid Puddle Duck! I can tag this Sunday evening as 'charming' one!

I wish there were more such movies, a family movie definitely. I think you might as well want to read a very nice post on Beatrix Potter on one of my favorite blogs.

IMDb Link - Miss Potter
Wikipedia Link - Miss Potter

For more information on movies stay connected to Period Movies Box.

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Period Movies Box - Friday Favorite Character - Elizabeth Bennet

Elizabeth Bennet

Elizabeth Bennet - Pride & Prejudice

Of all the books and all the characters, there are two which hold the top position for me, one of them is Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. I know there are millions of girls who look upto this fictional character as a figure of inspiration and why not, there are more than one reason to like the prejudiced young woman.

Her family calls her 'Lizzy' and friends call her 'Eliza'. Quick wit and a certain sarcasm can be counted as her charms. Through out the book we see that Jane Bennet is labelled to be the most beautiful of the five Bennet sisters, but Elizabeth's look have not really been seriously mentioned anywhere. She is thought to be the second prettiest of her sisters though. As quoted in the book,  "a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in anything ridiculous", Elizabeth is also proud of her wit.


The thing that I like best in this character is that she's not blondie like many other beautiful women. She is intelligent, independent and she definitely has a sharp tongue (which I too have)! There have been so many character analysis been drawn for this character but I thought to write what I personally feel as a reader of the novel and a viewer of the movies. 


Keira Knightley is the best Elizabeth Bennet so far, I think. Aishwarya Rai could have been very good only if she have had this role a decade earlier, when she was actually young and light.




For more information on your favorite Period Movies star check Period Movies Box.