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Any one watching The Gilded Age (Julian Fellows)?

(28 Posts)
Namsnanny Tue 25-Jan-22 21:47:20

I'm finding it a bit flat.

FannyCornforth Wed 26-Jan-22 10:33:41

Hello
I’m really looking forward to it as I’m fascinated by that period in New York; but I’m waiting for all episodes to be available as DH and I are binge watchers.
I’m prepared to be disappointed tbh as nothing can compare to Downton, or indeed Gosford Park.
Mr Fellowes has spoiled us!
Even Belgravia was a bit disappointing (even though I enjoyed it)

travelsafar Sat 29-Jan-22 09:19:23

Where is this program please?

Shandy57 Sat 29-Jan-22 09:24:24

Where are you watching it Namsnanny, are you in the US? I see it's available on HBO but I'm not going to pay for another service, I already have Netflix and Apple tv.

Tina49 Sat 29-Jan-22 09:24:31

Namsnanny

I'm finding it a bit flat.

I agree - watched most of Episode 1 but not sure whether to bother with any more. Shame. Seemed a bit ‘whinged’.

Tina49 Sat 29-Jan-22 09:25:01

‘whingy’

Chardy Sat 29-Jan-22 09:28:34

travelsafar

Where is this program please?

It's on Sky Atlantic.

As I adored Gosford Park, I'm willing to give Gilded Age a few more episodes

GrannyGravy13 Sat 29-Jan-22 09:46:43

Haven’t started watching this yet, hopefully will start on Sunday afternoon.

I hope I am not disappointed.

FannyCornforth Sat 29-Jan-22 10:40:44

If you are interested in this period and the subject matter; I really, really highly recommend Anne de Courcey’s book ‘The Husband Hunters’.
It’s also available on audible, beautifully read by Clare Corbett.
I’ve listened to it several times, and DH really enjoyed it too.
It’s non fiction btw.

SachaMac Sat 29-Jan-22 10:49:28

Just started watching it, I got tired towards the end (or perhaps bored) so may re -watch the second half of the first episode. The scenes in the kitchen reminded me of the old Upstairs Downstairs series a little. Think I’ll persevere, it’s got potential and one that may grow on me.

Oopsadaisy1 Sat 29-Jan-22 10:51:36

I’ve watched episode 1 and it was good enough for me to want to watch episode 2.
Apart from all of the money they all had I was surprised by the brightly coloured clothes that the women wore in 1882 USA.
I might have to look into that but I’m sure that Julian Fellowes knows what he is doing. Makes Downton Abbey look very drab. I don’t recall seeing any of the Lords and Ladies in Downton wearing pale blue frocks.
Bit worried also about a couple of the accents in the kitchens, Irish maybe? But not Irish as we know it.

biglouis Sat 29-Jan-22 12:26:38

If you are interested in reading about the period I recommend The Age of Innocence novel by American author Edith Wharton. The novel is noted for Wharton's attention to detail and its accurate portrayal of how the 19th-century East Coast American upper class lived, There is also quite a good film adaptation of it.

An interesting note is that upper class "old money" American women would order couture dresses from Paris and then hide them away for a year or more before they dared to wear them in US society. Such was their dread of appearing nouveau riche and vulgar.

biglouis Sat 29-Jan-22 12:28:27

Im in UK and I watched it on Sky Atlantic available via Now TV subscription.

Poppyred Sat 29-Jan-22 12:33:17

I loved it. Looking forward to the next episode.

Bignanny2 Sat 29-Jan-22 12:36:20

The costumes are very different to Downton etc because it’s set in New York rather than England and the Americans were less reserved than us. I agree that Belgravia was pretty pointless, but I’m enjoying the gilded age. It’s on Sky Atlantic for those who can’t find it.

Aveline Sat 29-Jan-22 13:35:39

I enjoyed this programme. I always like Christine Baransky and this is a great role for her.
Once, when I was talking to a real expert on china, she explained to me that what I thought of as very odd colour schemes in 19th century china were to take into account that they'd be seen mostly by candle light. Perhaps that explains the colours in this programme? It's obviously such an expensive production that I'm sure the details will be spot on. (Mind you I never got over the 'Crown's' wardrobe dept getting the Queen's pearls wrong!)

kittylester Sat 29-Jan-22 13:47:58

I think it has potential and will watch more of it.

Namsnanny Sat 29-Jan-22 14:02:19

Sorry I should have come back sooner to answer the question of where to watch, (or put it in the op)as others have said Sky Atlantic through Now, is how I get it.

I'll continue with it, if nothing better is on.
I found every character is a copy of one in Downton, eg the Earl of Grantham, Robert Crawley, (patriarch), has a mirror character Agnes van Rhìin (matriarch). The young wilful Marian Brook is a similar character to one of the Crawley daughters etc.
But if I accept it's a weak version of D. I could may find interest in watching the New York life style.
I thought only the Brits had a crippling class system? (Ticheek)

Aveline Sat 29-Jan-22 15:35:20

The Americans specifically drew up a list of the top families and only they could attend their balls and social events. It was much more rigid than our one derived and developed over hundreds of years. I read an excellent book about the two different social circles. Completely different attitude to daughters in America. A beautiful, accomplished daughter could be an asset and could improve their mother's social position by coming to UK and marrying a title. So a mother could gain access to the American top social tier by having a duchess or a countess in the family!
I wish I could remember the book's title. It was very well researched.

FannyCornforth Sat 29-Jan-22 15:35:31

The most desirable dresses were by Worth of Paris

FannyCornforth Sat 29-Jan-22 15:36:37

Aveline was it the book I mentioned up thread, The Husband Hunters?

BigBertha1 Sat 29-Jan-22 15:43:22

I don't have SKY but would be interested in seeing this. I have to say Mr. Fellowes books are a bit vanilla so I am only looking for a bit of escapism. I am dog sitting in September at my daughters and she has SKY I shall watch it and Succession then.

FannyCornforth Sat 29-Jan-22 18:21:46

Another Edith Wharton novel which covers these issues is ‘The Buccaneers’

Atqui Sat 29-Jan-22 19:09:02

Refreshing to have a drama with no violence or murders.

Atqui Sat 29-Jan-22 19:09:20

-yet!!