DOWNTON ABBEY {SEASON 6, EPISODE 6} (TV)
Summary
One in this dramatic British series about the aristocrats and servants who dwell at the Downton Abbey estate in post-Edwardian Yorkshire.
In this episode, in June 1925, the Crawleys decide to open Downton to the public for a day to benefit the hospital trust, though Violet and Robert both find the plan "crackers," and the servants debate the value of inviting the lower classes to gawk at the family's wealth. Robert, still recovering from his ulcer, frets about "simplifying" the household staff beyond Thomas' forthcoming departure, and Anna experiences pregnancy pains and worries about the cost of seeing a doctor. Mrs. Hughes is further annoyed as Mr. Carson suggests that their cottage should be brought "up to standard," and Mary offers to take Anna to a doctor in London, privately deciding to override Mr. Bates and pay the cost herself. Dr. Clarkson receives word that the hospital will be combined with the one in York, as expected, but then reveals that Cora has been asked to replace Violet as president.
Mary decides to visit with Evelyn Napier in London, though Tom, who agrees to tag along, correctly guesses that she intends to reunite with Henry Talbot. Mary notices Thomas' downcast mood as he plays with Master George, and Mr. Carson none-too-gently urges Thomas to continue searching for another position. Mr. Molesley is pleased when Mr. Dawes, Daisy's teacher, asks him to help out by possibly taking on some classes himself; when Violet visits her son and complains about the "mad scheme" of the open house, Robert can't bring himself to tell her that she has been essentially ousted from the hospital board. In London, Anna receives a clean bill of health as Mary continues investigating the mystery of Marigold, and Cora assures Robert that despite her reservations about Violet, she is prepared for her demanding presidential duties. Mary "surprises" Henry as she and Tom join Evelyn and the others for dinner; though Tom eagerly accepts Henry's invitation to attend his upcoming race-car competition, Mary admits that she still dislikes the idea, given the circumstances of Matthew's demise. Henry invites her to "give cars a second chance," and the two share a passionate kiss, with Henry acknowledging that he is falling in love with her despite his possibly being "too modest" to be husband material. Tom supports the match, though he again dodges Mary's questions about Edith's "ward."
Daisy, busy studying for exams, grows uncomfortable with Mr. Mason's constant presence; when Bertie arrives at Downton for a visit, Edith introduces him to the children, though declines to reveal Marigold's identity. Cora and Robert wonder about Bertie's prospects as a potential husband for Edith, acknowledging that "times have changed" in many ways. Everyone prepares for the open house, though the Crawleys soon realize that they know few historical details about their own home, and Violet, having learned the unpleasant truth, bursts into the house and dramatically confronts "traitor" Cora in front of the amazed townsfolk. Robert tries to calm her, pointing out that the aristocracy has little influence over political decisions anymore, and a young "philosopher" wanders into his bedroom and wonders why the family doesn't live somewhere more "cozy." Violet then meets Amelia Cruikshank, fiancée of her "enemy," Lord Merton's son Larry, and Miss Baxter uncomfortably considers Peter Coyle's request to visit him in prison. Mr. Carson learns from Mrs. Patmore of Andy's late-night visit to Thomas' room, and Thomas, not wanting to reveal Andy's illiteracy, angrily declares that there is nothing untoward in their "private understanding"; Mr. Carson remains doubtful, reducing Thomas to tears. The open house proves a great financial success and the family wonders if they will be forced to make a tradition of it in order to keep the estate running. Mary sternly dismisses their defeatist attitude, determined that the Crawley family shall always remain at Downton.
Details
- NETWORK: PBS
- DATE: November 30, 1999 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:47:43
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: 129569
- GENRE: Drama, historical
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama, historical; England; Families
- SERIES RUN: PBS - TV series, 2011-2016
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Gareth Neame … Executive Producer
- Nigel Marchant … Executive Producer
- Liz Trubridge … Executive Producer
- Rebecca Eaton … Executive Producer
- Susanne Simpson … Executive Producer, Senior Series Producer
- Julian Fellowes … Executive Producer, Created by, Writer
- Steven Ashley … Senior Producer
- Chris Croucher … Producer
- Erin Delaney … Producer
- Denis Wray … Line Producer
- Michael Engler … Director
- John Lunn … Music by
- Man Made Music … Theme Music by
- Hugh Bonneville … Cast, Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham
- Laura Carmichael … Cast, Lady Edith Crawley
- Jim Carter … Cast, Mr. Charles Carson
- Raquel Cassidy … Cast, Phyllis Baxter
- Brendan Coyle … Cast, John Bates
- Michelle Dockery … Cast, Lady Mary Crawley
- Kevin Doyle … Cast, Joseph Molesley
- Michael Fox … Cast, Andy Parker
- Joanne Froggatt … Cast, Anna Bates
- Matthew Goode … Cast, Henry Talbot
- Robert James-Collier … Cast, Thomas Barrow
- Allen Leech … Cast, Tom Branson
- Phyllis Logan … Cast, Mrs. Elsie Hughes
- Elizabeth McGovern … Cast, Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham
- Sophie McShera … Cast, Daisy Mason
- Lesley Nicol … Cast, Mrs. Beryl Patmore
- Penelope Wilton … Cast, Isobel Crawley
- David Robb … Cast, Dr. Richard Clarkson
- Maggie Smith … Cast, Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham
- Paul Copley … Cast, Mr. Albert Mason
- Patrick Brennan … Cast, Mr. Dawes
- Brendan Patricks … Cast, Evelyn Napier
- Charlotte Hamblin … Cast, Lady Anne Acland
- Sebastian Dunn … Cast, Charlie Rogers
- Harry Hadden-Paton … Cast, Bertie Pelham
- Douglas Reith … Cast, Lord Dickie Merton
- Phoebe Sparrow … Cast, Amelia Cruikshank
- Ian Marr … Cast, Abbey Visitor
- Milly Thomas … Cast, Abbey Visitor
- Tom Morley … Cast, Abbey Visitor
- Wendy Albiston … Cast, Abbey Visitor
- David Keeling … Cast, Abbey Visitor
- Noah Jupe … Cast, Child