Customer Reviews

Grand [VHS]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"The Grand," a former Masterpiece Theatere presentation, is a classic costume drama in the tradition of fine British fare such as, "Upstairs, Downstairs" and "The Pallisers," but I personally feel "The Grand," which I'd never heard of but stumbled upon recently via DVD, is better than either of those BBC classics.

The scene is post-World World 1 Britian, and the family-run "Grand Hotel" has recently been restored to its former glory and is celebrating it's grand reopening on New Year's Eve. Unbeknownst to the Bannerman family, their business manager has lost the family money in speculation and, to embarassed to tell his friend and client, does away with himself during the party. (This all happens in the first three minutes of the movie, so I'm not giving anything away.)

From there "The Grand" takes off as the owner, John Bannerman, is forced to allow his sinister brother, who has a passion for the John's wife, Sarah, as well as ladies of questionable reput, to invest in the Grand to save her. But "The Grand" follows far more than that one family story. There is the new chambermaid whose dreams of living "above stairs" turns into a nightmare and John's misguided son, whose life has been forever altered by his involvement in the war. As has the existence of the stalwart and oh-so-proper hotel manager/head butler, who lost his son, under rather mysterious cicrumstances, in the war. Then there's the mysterious guest whose profession shocks the sensabilites of the Victorian owners and a host of other guests and staff members who populate "The Grand's" enchanting landscape.

This engrossing series even held my husband's attention, who usually rolls his eyes when I utter the words "British costume drama." Though he was reluctant to begin watching, after the first episode he was like, 'Is that it? This is great!' We actually watched the entire 8-hour mini-series in two evenings and he was as eager to find out "what happens next" as I was.

A fascinating British costume drama, set in 1920, revolving around the people inhabiting the "Grand" hotel in post WWI Manchester. The plot is driven by the relationships between and among the owner/manager family members, the staff and the guests of the hotel. The various loyalties, rivalries and revelation of character within dramatic situations is intriguing. As is usual for a British production everything is done in ingratiating style and thoughtful detail in the sets and costumes. In the manner of "Upstairs Downstairs", "The Grand" is a study in class and human character. The viewer willingly enters their thoroughly convincing world and eagerly follows their entwined paths. The large cast of very fine actors illuminate a perseptive and provocative script by Russell T. Davies.

"The Grand" is certainly addictive -- thanks to the interesting writing and fine performances from all involved. One caveat: Initially, even the villainy is enjoyable, but by the end, the series turns quite dark and disturbing.

My personal favorites among the actors: Tim Healy is excellent as the heart of the hotel; interestingly, as his character becomes a bit looser in "The Grand: Series Two," he becomes less affecting. Mark McGann is an extremely interesting villain -- he manages to keep you wondering if, in fact, there are redeeming qualities in the character. He's a scene stealer, but Julia St. John, as his love interest (and his brother's wife), more than holds her own. Rebecca Callard is extremely appealing as one of the hotel servants. Stephen Moyer invests much depth into his character of the former soldier -- it becomes apparent just how much when you view "The Grand: Series Two," where his character is played by another actor of lesser caliber.

As others have mentioned, you'll soon be hooked and find it hard to stop watching until you have finished the entire series. And you'll be sure to want to check in again for "The Grand: Series Two." But that's the point where you might be somewhat disappointed, and not only because two characters (one mentioned above) are played by different, less-effective actors.

In the initial episodes of the second series, the tone seems off. While the first series managed to feel like drama rather than soap opera, the second dives wholeheartedly into the soapsuds and becomes more episodic. Some characters even seem to act in ways inconsistent with their previous actions. It almost feels as if a new production team had taken over, although that's not the case.

Luckily, the second series hits its stride with the fourth episode and, for the most part, sustains it until almost the very end (with some nifty surprises and plot twists along the way). There's some very enjoyable writing throughout -- great credit goes to Russell T. Davies for staying true to his period and not trying to impose modern sensibilities on his characters.

For example, the character who reveals his gayness is utterly confused and conflicted in a way that seems consistent for an uneducated worker in 1920s Britain; his self-hatred and seemingly unresolvable sense of isolation are never glossed over.

By the end of the second series, it becomes clear, though, why there were only two series of "The Grand." Just about every avenue of development had been explored and there was little ground left to cover with the characters. So, you check out of The Grand generally satisfied with your stay, but feel fine not returning for another.

If you are looking for a classic, you will be disappointed. This is good entertainment, classier than a soap opera, but just about. A very clever script and great acting - I watched the entire series of 8 one-hour episodes in a single sitting.

You need to be patient for the first 20 minutes of the first episode, and then you are hooked.

This drama series is about two brothers John and Charles Bannerman who run a Hotel called "The Grand" and the lives of their families and staff. Charles is in love with Sarah, his brother John's wife. What we are given to undersand is that they both wooed her, and she opted for "safe and steady" John over the "passion and excitement" of Charles. When the series starts, many years have passed since John's marriage to Sarah and their have children have grown to adults, but Charles has yet to get over Sarah.

What I found refreshing was the script refrained from classifying characters as good or bad. These are "real" people. For the most part, no matter how selfish or self absorbed a character is, he/she is shown to have a redeeming quality or two, while the more noble ones have their double standards or weaknesses.

I'm mid-way through Series Two. Which although good, is a let down compared to Series One. I've only just realized the apt casting of the actors who played John's son Stephen Bannerman, and Charles lover-interest Ruth, because they have been replaced by competent actors, but now these characters as played by the replacements seem flat and one-dimensional.

I also came by this DVD by accident when it was sent to me as a present. I watched it in two sittings. The drama is very intriguing and engrossing. This is not Jane Austen: If you are at all prudish you won't enjoy this as it deals with adult situations. I can't wait to see Series Two.

I purchased The Grand-Series One based purely on Amazon.com reviews and its description as I had never heard of it before. I am happy to say that I was totally entranced in the world of The Grand Hotel and its many visitors and residents.

The Grand follows the Bannerman family as they reopen their luxury Manchester hotel shortly after WWI. Be prepared for wonderful performances, exciting and unpredictable plots, and gorgeous 1920s era costumes and period decor.

The cast is superb and the characters are both complex and interesting. Stephen Moyer who plays Stephen Bannerman is absolutely gorgeous and irresistible in his role; Mark Mcgann as John's mischief-making brother Marcus is similarly excellent. Also, wonderful acting from Tim Healy as the wise, know-it-all porter Mr. Collins, and look for British costume drama veteran Susan Hampshire.

The Grand-Series One is a two-disc set, which contains eight episodes, each running around 50 minutes each. The series is addictive and I watched it in its entirety over the course of two days.

You won't be disappointed!

Now here is a wonderful 8 part series in the style of PBS Masterpiece Theatre. If you are fan of drama with complex charactes and endless intrigue, this is a series you will NOT want to miss. Set is post WWI era, it is filmed beautifully with the costumes, jewelry and decor of that era. Actors are all superb, language so fine and plot will keep wanting you see these episodes in a single sitting.

This was quite enjoyable, but not fabulous. It was similar to "House of Elliot" but not quite as good. It's worth the purchase in any event.....8 hours of better entertainment that you'll find on any American network, save Law & Order and The West Wing...the only programs I watch...

How refreshing to find a drama that so well thought out.The set's look solid and true to the period , the costume's are rich
ley detailed. And the acting is fabulous and heart felt.
The story it self is also true to the era with the long suffering
staff trying hard, to keep the bannerman's and guest's in pride
and pomp.You can sense the class division witch the story play's
on a lot.As some of the staff try to break free and other's just
dream about it.the bannerman's and guest's have not got it easy
with .Mysterious strangers,tragic circumstances,illict affairs,
prostitution and murder. I think i would prefer to be a staff
member. And with a script that almost like poetry in motion.
This is good viewing with strong characters and a good story.

I have to admit that I bought this series ONLY because Stephen Moyer is in it, and as usual, his performance did not disappoint. He is a very gifted and subtle actor, and he shone as Stephen Bannerman. I particularly liked what he did with his character's feelings about serving in World War I.
The rest of the cast was also good, in particular, Susan Hampshire, who I had not seen onscreen since The Forstye Saga. I also enjoyed seeing Jane Danson, who I know as Leanne on Coronation Street.
All in all, a good viewing experience. This was not a BBC production and it does show a bit in the production values. Overall, however, I am satisfied with my purchase. Fans of British series like Upstairs, Downstairs,will definitely enjoy this.