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Anyone watching / watched “A very British scandal”?

(192 Posts)
trisher Mon 27-Dec-21 22:35:52

Watched the first two episodes and although I think it's well acted I find all the characters irritating. I Googled the Duchess off Argyle to find out more and found she had an abortion at 15, the child was David Niven's. I couldn't help thinking how many girls without her money ruined their lives with an illegitimate child.

Calistemon Mon 27-Dec-21 22:30:16

Clare Foy is lovely but I never thought the Duchess of Argyll was beautiful.

eazybee Mon 27-Dec-21 22:29:10

I am watching it with interest, although it concerns a most unpleasant set of people of which the Duchess was a prominent member. Not quite the victim of patriarchy as she is being portrayed, but entitled and amoral with few redeeming features, as was her husband. She was born with wealth, beauty and intelligence and wasted it all.

Barmeyoldbat Mon 27-Dec-21 22:27:01

Loving it

M0nica Mon 27-Dec-21 22:19:23

I remember the case and it being in the papers, but that is all. At school (boarding) we only got the Daily Telegraph and that was notorious for reporting all the most salacious divorces in great detail.

Calistemon Mon 27-Dec-21 22:12:28

Margaret was the villain at the time but:
The writer Norman Mailer, who married the Duke of Argyll’s daughter from a previous marriage, described him as “one of the coldest, nastiest men I’ve ever known”

History Extra

Forsythia Mon 27-Dec-21 22:00:48

It’s fascinating. I did remember hearing about it but didn’t really know the whole story. Extremely well acted and, I suspect, still happens today in some circles. I shall wait for tomorrow’s programme.

nadateturbe Mon 27-Dec-21 21:49:37

Yes. Almost finished 2nd episode. Had to pause to watch Corrie. I visited Inveraray Castle many years ago so was interested. Both enjoying it. What a way to live. Felt sorry for the children.

Doodledog Mon 27-Dec-21 21:48:35

I watched it all last night, as I couldn't sleep (and craved some 'me time when everyone had gone to bed?).

I thought it was very good. I felt really sorry for Margaret - she was never going to win against the sexism of the time.

MayBee70, I had a similar experience. My grandparents were divorced, and I knew nothing about it until I was 15, when my grandmother came back from abroad and wanted to meet my father (and her grandchildren). Even then I was sworn to secrecy - it just wasn't talked about.

kittylester Mon 27-Dec-21 21:42:33

My aunt was divorced but it was never mentioned.

We are enjoying the programme and I too remember the scandal at the time

Calistemon Mon 27-Dec-21 21:34:35

Yes and I remember it being in the papers.

Of course, Margaret was vilified in those days!

MayBee70 Mon 27-Dec-21 21:29:46

I read an article that said people forget how frowned upon divorce was back then. My dad divorced his first wife and my mum was very embarrassed telling me about it when I was in my teens ( I thought she was going to tell me I was adopted!). It had been a very unhappy marriage and there was no adultery or anything like involved but mum was very ashamed of it and didn’t want people to know. One of the many things that I wish I’d asked my mum about before she died.

Galaxy Mon 27-Dec-21 21:22:37

Oh I read about it and the story sounded really interesting, I am glad it was good, I must have a look.

Grannyboots1 Mon 27-Dec-21 21:21:00

I’ve just watched all three episodes and thought it excellent. The acting and surroundings depicted that era. I was 13 at the time and vaguely remember the story through the newspapers.

Pepper59 Mon 27-Dec-21 21:20:51

Yes, I've only watched the first episode. It is a story I know nothing about I have to say.

MayBee70 Mon 27-Dec-21 21:12:06

Yes, I nearly watched episode 2 on catchup but decided to watch it tonight. I thought it was very good.

Kathy73 Mon 27-Dec-21 20:59:42

Anyone watched “A very British scandal”? Just watched the first episode; tempted to binge watch! A lot of people in it to feel sorry for - adults and children!