I have watched over more than a few nights the British series done in 1973 of Edward VII life set from his Victorian parents, Albert and Victoria reign to his long awaited reign at the beginning of the 20th C.
Albert Edward, Princes of Wales had a difficult start in life. He was just a baby when is Father decided he must have a strict education to make him a perfect statesman. Prince Albert had known from a young age he was possible in the running for Princess Victoria's hand in marriage. He was also studious and disciplined. It came as a surprise and shock when his son could not manage to learn as easy as he himself did. He was only half Albert's son and also Victoria's heir.
Victoria is seen as temperamental and high strung and is also known to have had a strict up bringing with few friends if any of her own age. The young Bertie has his brother, Alfred. But the rigorous timetable set out for him proves almost too much and he is also kept away from children other than the family.
Bertie goes for a short period of time into the army and then to Cambridge but is attracted by the fun and pleasant times he has missed in his youth. Prince Albert goes to talk with Bertie and comes back although already ill with typhoid fever. The Prince is already old for his forty one years and clings to life for a few short weeks. Victoria is devastated which starts a life long distrust of her son whom she can't look upon.
The Queen's solution is to get a bride for Bertie and he picks, Princess Alexandra or Denmark. Although both young people are lacking the maturity to be married, they do marry and produce five children.
Alexandra gets sick and becomes hard of hearing as a result of her illness and Bertie is left to his way of life. He enjoys society which both Alexandra and he has been involved in, to provide an image of the royal family which Victoria with herself imposed state of mourning becomes a way of life.
The Queen long lived keeps Bertie out of work for most of his reign, he does get involved in foreign politics by annual visits to Europe which helps the English government. When Victoria dies in 1901, it is almost hard to believe that the now Edward VII and Alexandra are the monarchs.
There reign is perceived as happy and prosperous although the start if of the Boer War and its aftermath. Edward VII has become a career diplomat and Alexandra is a kind and loving Queen.
This series is a heart warmer of an era that has had an effect on our families but the production of the pageantry and costume design is also magnificent. It puts the modern costume drama in its place. The series is long but worth the time to enjoy the era and the personality now lost to time.
Monday, 12 March 2012
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
1812 revisited, Canadian identity real winner, Part I
An American show is being developed about the war or 1812. This is the war fought between the young American states and the British colony of Canada. It is based on a Colonel Stone who was born in Connecticut in 1749. Stone moved to Upper Canada during the American revolution. He settled at Gananoque in eastern Ontario along the St. Lawrence. He opened a sawmill and was appointed to a variety of government posts.
His quiet life ended when the United States declared war in June 1812. Suddenly Col. Hill and his small community found themselves in the midst of the fight for Canada. The St. Lawrence was the British Arm's sole supply route to Upper Canada and the Great Lakes. Col. Stone and the Gananoque militia had to keep the supply route open.
On Sept. 21, 1812, Capt. Benjamin Forsyth, and 100 rifleman from North Carolina and Virginia attacked Gananoque in a night raid. Their aim was to crate havoc, control the river and starve the British Army. Col Stone fortunately defended to commemorate his efforts Ottawa is to build the Joel Stone Heritage Park. The anniversary of the War of 1812, is a moment for the country to be reminded the defence of Canada should be seen as a foundational moment for modern Canada.
Canada is not the only former combatant getting ready for the bicentennial. The Americans are planning their own take on the war. They think they won. If Canada intends to claim victory in the War of 1812 were going to have to fight for it. All over again.
" Canadian identity was largely shaped by the War of 1812," says James Moore, the federal heritage minister, " It was a fight for Canada and the beginning of our independence."
Ascribing Canada's most basic characteristics - a constitutional monarchy, the preservation of a French speaking Quebec, an accommodating native policy, our healthy economy and political relationship with the Americans - to the successful defence of Canada's borders. Because of the War of 1812, we grew up to be uniquely Canadian, is how Moore sees it.
The main battle zone was to be Ontario and then called, Upper Canada. At the time war was declared, the majority of 75,000 inhabitants were recent American immigrants lured across the border by cheap land and low tax. President Thomas Jefferson's memorable phrase, the conquest of Canada," a mere matter of marching."
Getting int he way of this walking holiday was the charismatic and energetic Gen. Brock facing invasion by a nation of 7.5 million, Brock had just 1,200 British troops. Despite the odds, Brock pulled off three stunning victories within the first three months of the war. He ordered the capture of Fort Mackinac, a U.S. army outpost, at the junction of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, before that garrison knew war had begun.
Then he stunned the continent by bluffing a nervous U. S. Gen. William Hull into surrendering his entire army at Detroit without firing a shot. Two months later he died at the battlefield of Queenston Heights, near Niagara, in the process of repelling an American force. Brock's boldness embarrassed the Americans, encouraged Britain's native allies to join the fight and rallied the population to the Union Jack.
His quiet life ended when the United States declared war in June 1812. Suddenly Col. Hill and his small community found themselves in the midst of the fight for Canada. The St. Lawrence was the British Arm's sole supply route to Upper Canada and the Great Lakes. Col. Stone and the Gananoque militia had to keep the supply route open.
On Sept. 21, 1812, Capt. Benjamin Forsyth, and 100 rifleman from North Carolina and Virginia attacked Gananoque in a night raid. Their aim was to crate havoc, control the river and starve the British Army. Col Stone fortunately defended to commemorate his efforts Ottawa is to build the Joel Stone Heritage Park. The anniversary of the War of 1812, is a moment for the country to be reminded the defence of Canada should be seen as a foundational moment for modern Canada.
Canada is not the only former combatant getting ready for the bicentennial. The Americans are planning their own take on the war. They think they won. If Canada intends to claim victory in the War of 1812 were going to have to fight for it. All over again.
" Canadian identity was largely shaped by the War of 1812," says James Moore, the federal heritage minister, " It was a fight for Canada and the beginning of our independence."
Ascribing Canada's most basic characteristics - a constitutional monarchy, the preservation of a French speaking Quebec, an accommodating native policy, our healthy economy and political relationship with the Americans - to the successful defence of Canada's borders. Because of the War of 1812, we grew up to be uniquely Canadian, is how Moore sees it.
The main battle zone was to be Ontario and then called, Upper Canada. At the time war was declared, the majority of 75,000 inhabitants were recent American immigrants lured across the border by cheap land and low tax. President Thomas Jefferson's memorable phrase, the conquest of Canada," a mere matter of marching."
Getting int he way of this walking holiday was the charismatic and energetic Gen. Brock facing invasion by a nation of 7.5 million, Brock had just 1,200 British troops. Despite the odds, Brock pulled off three stunning victories within the first three months of the war. He ordered the capture of Fort Mackinac, a U.S. army outpost, at the junction of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, before that garrison knew war had begun.
Then he stunned the continent by bluffing a nervous U. S. Gen. William Hull into surrendering his entire army at Detroit without firing a shot. Two months later he died at the battlefield of Queenston Heights, near Niagara, in the process of repelling an American force. Brock's boldness embarrassed the Americans, encouraged Britain's native allies to join the fight and rallied the population to the Union Jack.
Monday, 7 November 2011
Conway 'The Road from the Coorain'
Earlier this year I came across the biography of Jill Ker Conway, a celebrated educator and author.
Her autobiography, 'Road from the Coorain', is about her childhood on a New South Wales, Australian station. It is an insightful look at a country life that during draught years survival takes super human effort.
The Ker family who bought a station and took their chance to live on it and try to manage a fast amount of land with delicate soil and make a living out of the land is the setting for which Jill was born into.
Her Mother a nurse by training and her Father a farmer who had managed other properties for land owners were coping in this vast and delicate area of New South Wales. Jill had no playmates and never saw another girl until she was seven years old let alone go to school was taught at home. She has the ability to learn to read at an early age and her Mother to her credit made learning a game for her.
The enormous struggle to make the land profitable only has a year or two before the WWII. Not only do they lose and help with the station but then a slow slide into a drought which is to last for five years and claim her Father's life and her mother's mental health. Jill is thrust into the the suburban setting of Sydney in 1950 and its school life.
Through the backdrop Jill embraces academia and finds a strained balance between caring for her Mother who has slipped into alcohol to deal with her problems. Jill slowly gains strength, and comes into her own emotionally and intellectually which gives wings to her new found self.
Jill Ker Conway eventual went on to enrol in the Doctorate program at Harvard of the 1960/1 year. From that point on she never looked back. She became a Professor of History at the University of Toronto and the first woman Vice President and later the President at Smith College.
I would say with the stylish English it is a masterpiece.
Her autobiography, 'Road from the Coorain', is about her childhood on a New South Wales, Australian station. It is an insightful look at a country life that during draught years survival takes super human effort.
The Ker family who bought a station and took their chance to live on it and try to manage a fast amount of land with delicate soil and make a living out of the land is the setting for which Jill was born into.
Her Mother a nurse by training and her Father a farmer who had managed other properties for land owners were coping in this vast and delicate area of New South Wales. Jill had no playmates and never saw another girl until she was seven years old let alone go to school was taught at home. She has the ability to learn to read at an early age and her Mother to her credit made learning a game for her.
The enormous struggle to make the land profitable only has a year or two before the WWII. Not only do they lose and help with the station but then a slow slide into a drought which is to last for five years and claim her Father's life and her mother's mental health. Jill is thrust into the the suburban setting of Sydney in 1950 and its school life.
Through the backdrop Jill embraces academia and finds a strained balance between caring for her Mother who has slipped into alcohol to deal with her problems. Jill slowly gains strength, and comes into her own emotionally and intellectually which gives wings to her new found self.
Jill Ker Conway eventual went on to enrol in the Doctorate program at Harvard of the 1960/1 year. From that point on she never looked back. She became a Professor of History at the University of Toronto and the first woman Vice President and later the President at Smith College.
I would say with the stylish English it is a masterpiece.
Friday, 4 November 2011
WWII and the BBC, a look on the past.
I have spent the last two days watching the beginning of the BBC series The History of World War II.
I think I have watched about eight hours. The footage is amazing the narrators and observations of the people who where directly involved make it fascinating. This is history film at its best. It also can reach a wider audience and easier access.
The BBC is I think the best television in the world. Being a frustrated history teacher this appeals to me and I can watch it right through to the end. I did have family involved in the war and affected by the war but then who didn't.
I have spent the last week watching the series. The first two DVD's were on the Nazi rise to power and the war. They were shown for the lack of organization at the top and how Hitler used his staff against one another, giving two men the same task. Hitler's magnetic personality controlled and influenced people but what real interest did he have in the future of his people when he invaded Russia. His arrogance and ignorance brought his people to ruination.
The most amazing part is the Hitler admired the British (Empire) Commonwealth. In his warped way that is what he tried to do for Germany. It seems to me after reading about Kaiser Wilhelm II that he also had this envy.
The film footage and the interviews of the people who were there are excellent. It is a tribute to the documentary maker they have made such an excellent piece of work.
I have to admit the DVD on the Submariners titled Battle of the Atlantic, has to be my favourite. The sailer's and merchant marines who faced the German subs must be some of the bravest of men.
The series is a set of DVD's that are not in order of events. The first is of the Nazi's on two DVD's to a further four DVD's , The Road to War, War of the Century, Dunkirk. This is the first set.
The second set of DVD's, The War in the East, Battlefields, D-Day, D-Day to Berlin. The final two are two DVD's on Auschwitz.
In toll there were 55 million people who died in the conflict. This Remembrances Day I will as I have always spent the minute in silence being thankful for not only my Father's contribution in the war but to the men of the forces who bravely sacrificed their lives and the ones who survived to end the evil of the war .
I think I have watched about eight hours. The footage is amazing the narrators and observations of the people who where directly involved make it fascinating. This is history film at its best. It also can reach a wider audience and easier access.
The BBC is I think the best television in the world. Being a frustrated history teacher this appeals to me and I can watch it right through to the end. I did have family involved in the war and affected by the war but then who didn't.
I have spent the last week watching the series. The first two DVD's were on the Nazi rise to power and the war. They were shown for the lack of organization at the top and how Hitler used his staff against one another, giving two men the same task. Hitler's magnetic personality controlled and influenced people but what real interest did he have in the future of his people when he invaded Russia. His arrogance and ignorance brought his people to ruination.
The most amazing part is the Hitler admired the British (Empire) Commonwealth. In his warped way that is what he tried to do for Germany. It seems to me after reading about Kaiser Wilhelm II that he also had this envy.
The film footage and the interviews of the people who were there are excellent. It is a tribute to the documentary maker they have made such an excellent piece of work.
I have to admit the DVD on the Submariners titled Battle of the Atlantic, has to be my favourite. The sailer's and merchant marines who faced the German subs must be some of the bravest of men.
The series is a set of DVD's that are not in order of events. The first is of the Nazi's on two DVD's to a further four DVD's , The Road to War, War of the Century, Dunkirk. This is the first set.
The second set of DVD's, The War in the East, Battlefields, D-Day, D-Day to Berlin. The final two are two DVD's on Auschwitz.
In toll there were 55 million people who died in the conflict. This Remembrances Day I will as I have always spent the minute in silence being thankful for not only my Father's contribution in the war but to the men of the forces who bravely sacrificed their lives and the ones who survived to end the evil of the war .
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
The King Speaks/ BBC and a Spirit Undaunted
This is a documentary about George VI, his life and his struggle to overcome a speech impediment. The Daily Mails says it sheds more light on the remarkable story the inspired the movie the KIng's Speech.
King George VI faced the prospect of public speaking engagements and radio broadcasts to millions of people at the dawn of the age of mass media. He was kept in the dark by his brother, EdwardVIII, until one week before he was to follow his brother to ascend the throne. He not only had to look regal he had to sound it to.
Laurence Fox narrates this story of the lengths the King went to overcome his disability with the help of the unorthodox Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue. Film footage of the King's speeches and interviews of some of Logue's patients show how the KIng found his voice and rallied a nation.
The film footage is amazing to see how authentic the movie was made. There is no recording of Logue own voice but it is interesting to hear the KIng's real voice and his struggle.
I am an admirer, as with reading a lot of biography's I was fortunate enough to find a biography of George VI. The book, 'A Spirit Undaunted', is based on the political role of the King.
Winston Churchill spoke about the relationship that he had with GeorgeVI during the war. Churchill had taken him into his confidence and the King showed remarkable shrewdness of judgement and character. It is one of the most interesting history books that I have read and portray's GeorgeVI as a great and underrated man and monarch.
It is interesting from the war perspective and also from the loss of this man at such a young age, 52. It is through George VI, and Sir Winston Churchill both descendants of great leaders that Britain survived WWII.
The end of this book is the tribute to the King that was memorial in the figure of Christ on the Cross that bears the inscription: To the Glory of God, and in memory of George, King, Servant of his People 1895 -1952 .
It is said that he left the throne more stable than England had known throughout almost her entire history.
It is no mystery our present Queen has set the example of service to the throne and her people.
King George VI faced the prospect of public speaking engagements and radio broadcasts to millions of people at the dawn of the age of mass media. He was kept in the dark by his brother, EdwardVIII, until one week before he was to follow his brother to ascend the throne. He not only had to look regal he had to sound it to.
Laurence Fox narrates this story of the lengths the King went to overcome his disability with the help of the unorthodox Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue. Film footage of the King's speeches and interviews of some of Logue's patients show how the KIng found his voice and rallied a nation.
The film footage is amazing to see how authentic the movie was made. There is no recording of Logue own voice but it is interesting to hear the KIng's real voice and his struggle.
I am an admirer, as with reading a lot of biography's I was fortunate enough to find a biography of George VI. The book, 'A Spirit Undaunted', is based on the political role of the King.
Winston Churchill spoke about the relationship that he had with GeorgeVI during the war. Churchill had taken him into his confidence and the King showed remarkable shrewdness of judgement and character. It is one of the most interesting history books that I have read and portray's GeorgeVI as a great and underrated man and monarch.
It is interesting from the war perspective and also from the loss of this man at such a young age, 52. It is through George VI, and Sir Winston Churchill both descendants of great leaders that Britain survived WWII.
The end of this book is the tribute to the King that was memorial in the figure of Christ on the Cross that bears the inscription: To the Glory of God, and in memory of George, King, Servant of his People 1895 -1952 .
It is said that he left the throne more stable than England had known throughout almost her entire history.
It is no mystery our present Queen has set the example of service to the throne and her people.
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
An era of elegance, order, romance and war in two award winning TVshows.
It came to my attention the other day the new television series, ' Downton Abbey', had won some big awards in the US, Emmys. I find that interesting, it has been shown on PBS, Masterpiece theatre.
In this age for a show such as Downton to have received an award, says a lot about our romance starved culture, let alone, the show and its theme of an upper class family and the servants who keep their world in order. Somewhere in our modern existence is a craving for the attributes that made that world.
If we go back almost forty one years the original show of 'Upstairs Downstairs,' created by Jean March and Eileen Atkins and brought to our televisions sets. Eileen Atkins, an actor family members had been in service and photos of that family that made her think how interesting it would be to have a show like this. The producer, John Hawksworth, who very bravely decided to go with the program to London Weekend Television gave them six months to see if the show had any interest.
The difference with, 'Upstairs Downstairs', the focus was the parallel worlds of the the servants and the high society people they worked for made for fascinating viewing. Mrs.Bridges, the cook and Mr. Hudson, the butler where the master of the downstairs family. Jean March played the part as the ladies maid and parlor maid who seemed to be an anchor for stories that she was central to the first story of 'Sarah' the young girl played by Pauline Collins of 'Shirley Valentine' fame. Sarah first act of rebellion is to take a chicken from Mrs. Bridges larder and sell it, on the street, after she sees Mrs. Bridges selling a chicken to a friend possibly a former servant. Sarah continues on her one woman path to escape the chains of being below stairs to eventually have the young master, Jame's child. Although another servant girl the scullery maid makes friend's with a footman from another house, a young Irish woman she dreams of marrying the young man. When word reaches his employer, the scullery maid is told she can't marry the young footman. The young woman goes into a depression and the future out of reach, she does the unthinkable and kills herself. Mrs. Bridges berates herself for being hard on the girl. It is another side of the live that seemed ordered and predictable. Romance was for the Upstairs, and a life of work and obedience was the Downstairs lot.
Sarah ask Mr. Hudson where he learned his strict code of behaviour and Hudson is his Scots, no nonsense fashion says, " from my Grandmother who starved to death as she was too proud to take charity from anyone". Pride was one dignity owned by the Downstairs, occupants.
As Upstairs Downstairs, Richard Bellamy and Lady Marjorie Bellamy, are like the Earl and Countess of Grantham although. Richard is a pastor's son and Lady Majorie the daughter of a peer. The Earl of Grantham and his wife who is an American heiress. A lot of the stories reflect the 19th C habit of the British upper classes marrying rich American woman. Jennie Jerome, as I mentioned in a previous blog and Consuelo Vanderbilt both brought very large dowry to pay off their husband's family accumulated debt. Indeed in the Downton, the worry is that the Countess has not had a son to inherit and her family money has gone to keep the family property. A young relations, a young doctor of the Earl is brought forward to inherit Grantham and a hope that the eldest daughter and he will possible marry.
Upstairs Downstairs has similar issues although there is no house to inherit. Elizabeth the Bellamy daughter has come back from Germany with bohemian ideas which lead her to rebel against her established lifestyle. James the son has a daughter with maid, Sarah but stays in the army to eventually be in the battles of World War I. At the end of the first series of Downton Abbey, they are also heading into war with the young heir signing up and with his profession a young doctor, it will make for a very interesting second season.
The similarities are obvious in the two shows, and they are both well acted and produced. Downton has an edge in that it has been shot in Highclere, one of the great old houses owned by Lord Carnarvon's family, one of the men who brought the King Tut treasures to the world.
In this age for a show such as Downton to have received an award, says a lot about our romance starved culture, let alone, the show and its theme of an upper class family and the servants who keep their world in order. Somewhere in our modern existence is a craving for the attributes that made that world.
If we go back almost forty one years the original show of 'Upstairs Downstairs,' created by Jean March and Eileen Atkins and brought to our televisions sets. Eileen Atkins, an actor family members had been in service and photos of that family that made her think how interesting it would be to have a show like this. The producer, John Hawksworth, who very bravely decided to go with the program to London Weekend Television gave them six months to see if the show had any interest.
The difference with, 'Upstairs Downstairs', the focus was the parallel worlds of the the servants and the high society people they worked for made for fascinating viewing. Mrs.Bridges, the cook and Mr. Hudson, the butler where the master of the downstairs family. Jean March played the part as the ladies maid and parlor maid who seemed to be an anchor for stories that she was central to the first story of 'Sarah' the young girl played by Pauline Collins of 'Shirley Valentine' fame. Sarah first act of rebellion is to take a chicken from Mrs. Bridges larder and sell it, on the street, after she sees Mrs. Bridges selling a chicken to a friend possibly a former servant. Sarah continues on her one woman path to escape the chains of being below stairs to eventually have the young master, Jame's child. Although another servant girl the scullery maid makes friend's with a footman from another house, a young Irish woman she dreams of marrying the young man. When word reaches his employer, the scullery maid is told she can't marry the young footman. The young woman goes into a depression and the future out of reach, she does the unthinkable and kills herself. Mrs. Bridges berates herself for being hard on the girl. It is another side of the live that seemed ordered and predictable. Romance was for the Upstairs, and a life of work and obedience was the Downstairs lot.
Sarah ask Mr. Hudson where he learned his strict code of behaviour and Hudson is his Scots, no nonsense fashion says, " from my Grandmother who starved to death as she was too proud to take charity from anyone". Pride was one dignity owned by the Downstairs, occupants.
As Upstairs Downstairs, Richard Bellamy and Lady Marjorie Bellamy, are like the Earl and Countess of Grantham although. Richard is a pastor's son and Lady Majorie the daughter of a peer. The Earl of Grantham and his wife who is an American heiress. A lot of the stories reflect the 19th C habit of the British upper classes marrying rich American woman. Jennie Jerome, as I mentioned in a previous blog and Consuelo Vanderbilt both brought very large dowry to pay off their husband's family accumulated debt. Indeed in the Downton, the worry is that the Countess has not had a son to inherit and her family money has gone to keep the family property. A young relations, a young doctor of the Earl is brought forward to inherit Grantham and a hope that the eldest daughter and he will possible marry.
Upstairs Downstairs has similar issues although there is no house to inherit. Elizabeth the Bellamy daughter has come back from Germany with bohemian ideas which lead her to rebel against her established lifestyle. James the son has a daughter with maid, Sarah but stays in the army to eventually be in the battles of World War I. At the end of the first series of Downton Abbey, they are also heading into war with the young heir signing up and with his profession a young doctor, it will make for a very interesting second season.
The similarities are obvious in the two shows, and they are both well acted and produced. Downton has an edge in that it has been shot in Highclere, one of the great old houses owned by Lord Carnarvon's family, one of the men who brought the King Tut treasures to the world.
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