Gayle On Film: 'Downton Abbey'
Downton Abbey
The people who will enjoy this film the most are the people who already watched and savored the highs and lows of the Crowley family and their servants over six seasons of "Downton Abbey." We are entertained by everyone preparing for the arrival of the King and Queen (of England, of course) at the grand country estate. The principal cast appears, including Dame Maggie Smith as "Granny." She presides perfectly over the event with her devastating, sarcastic verbal assaults that we have grown to savor from someone of her elevated station. However, some members of the staff drop the stiff upper lip and operate with awestruck wonder. There are intrigues and backstairs dramas as one would expect, but unlike the show, these play out more quaintly and with less tension than the series. Even the uninitiated can enjoy the beautiful sets, costumes, and strong, likable characters.