by Olivia Hill copy editor
In 1971 a period drama set in the turn of the 20th century in London, England aired. “Upstairs, Downstairs” was the first television show to depict the lives of both the household and the staff. Throughout the five seasons in which it was aired, “Upstairs, Downstairs” showed the changes to both the society around them and the technological advances spanning the years of 1903 through 1930.
The Bellamy family, who owns the house, is part of the elite upper crust in Britain’s society. Lady Bellamy, who appears more often than other characters in the series, is a socialite who enjoys the company of other wealthy ladies. Though she is vain about her appearance, her treatment of the servants is kind and generous. Her husband, Lord Bellamy, is a member of Parliament and often not at home. They have two children, Elizabeth and James, which show up later on in the series.
The staff downstairs is a family of their own kind. The butler, Hudson, is a stern man, but very dedicated to the household. The cook, Mrs. Bridges, runs a tight ship, but looks after all in the staff like a mother. Rose, one of the maids, has a steady head and is one of the few who can read and write. Many of the other staff come and go as the series progresses.
The show doesn’t gloss over the harsh realities that the staff faces. Illiteracy, having to do one’s duty, not being able to marry for love, being able to live only on the generosity of others. Though they complain about having to wake up before the sun does, they know that they really are lucky to have a job in the first place. The reality of the class system and what family you were born into is not lost upon any of them.
The show equally shows the lives of the Bellamy family and the servants’ lives downstairs. While the dialogue between characters upstairs is rich with wit and educated learning, the downstairs language is crass and harsh, but never glosses over anything. The same can be said about the characters.
“Upstairs, Downstairs” received many awards during its airing including two BAFTAs, eight Emmys and a Golden Globe. Dozens more nominations were received for the writing, specific actors and for best drama.
In 2010, the BBC revived the show and updated it, keeping the name “Upstairs, Downstairs.” However, the show was soon after cancelled due to lack of interest and complications between the writers and the network. However, the interest was revived again with the creation of the show “Downton Abbey,” which has a very similar concept to “Upstairs, Downstairs.”
Despite the bad transitions between scenes and cheesy dramatic music, the show has a warmth which radiates from its characters. Through the scandal of unplanned pregnancies, family secrets being revealed and elopements, “Upstairs, Downstairs” has enough drama in it to make a Briton feel compelled to make a cup of tea just to calm down. However, the warmth and genuineness of the characters and the loyalty the servants have for their masters keeps the audience compelled to know how it all turned out in the end. All of the characters, in one way or another, are very relatable, even today. We all have our own ups and downs.
—–
This piece is considered a “standard” article in our print edition.
Quintessential Classics: essential works of art that constructed genres and shaped our culture