The House of Eliott

The last classic produced for the BBC Television Centre, still using the old-fashioned method with several cameras at once and on film material... We didn't see the first reruns until 2021. Otherwise, this is perfection itself. It is an exquisite depiction of the 1920s, emancipation, the rise of the Eliot sisters' fashionable salon, and their journey through modern London society. They design dresses for high society, ballet companies, and film productions. They love, are loved, and always have inspiration on hand for a new collection. Some people say that it’s a poor relative to shows such as Downton Abbey, but these are just opinions. I, on the other hand, still consider The House of Eliott to be better than anything the BBC has offered since. This includes the acting, set design, costumes, quality period research, and of course the plot. The book "The House of Eliott" (by Jean Marsh), describes the opening of the series, with which it is identical, but the second book, "House at War: The Continuing Story of the House of Eliott" (by Elisabeth O'Leary), tells the story of the sisters years later, i.e., what the series did not cover, because the series actually ends in the 1920s with its third season. #bbc (25.01.2009)

At the beginning of the 90s, this was a very popular series by Jean Marsh and Eileen Atkins. In a way, the story of the two Eliott sisters follows Upstairs, Downstairs (a generational saga from 1903-1930). We follow Evangeline (Louise Lombard) and Beatrice (Stella Gonet) in three stages (1920, 1924 and 1927) as the not-so-happy daughters of their father who kept them at home all the time, then as modern women waking up to an independent life (after their father dies), and finally as very successful businesswomen with their own dress salon. Naturally, several men, potential partners and wives, sometimes girlfriends, sometimes rivals, pass through their lives... (31.03.2019)

The content is on the edge of acceptability. For example, the sisters are getting ready for their first proper party and the maid is assessing their counterparts: "He looks like Douglas Fairbanks!" And Bea counters: "And the other one? Rudolph Valentino?" - "No, more like Fatty Arbuckle." Anyway, it was A musical play (and a sporting revue) in 11 scenes (later thirteen) from 1919. I'm happy that the series is back on the air. (14.04.2021)

There's a very cute scene in this episode in which Evie begs to stay and be friends for one more screening of The Eyes of Youth (1919) with Valentino. One could also discuss the choice of costumes for the New Year's Eve party, where only the last victim of Jack the Ripper fits. The popularity of characters like Robin Hood and Dracula came a little later. (14.04.2021)

Beautiful, it's now spring 1923. Into Maddox's studio and into the Eliott Salon comes a great customer, Francine Baily, a film actress, the protagonist of the fictional film Stranger Leaves Town. The first major contract for everyone. It’s exciting, it’s great. The behind-the-scenes gem is that Baily was played by Sara Stewart, the then-wife of Aden Gillett (Jack Maddox). (17.04.2021)

Nowadays you can watch the entire series (34 episodes) on DVD in the original, read the books, etc., but the best part of the whole thing has always been the award-winning costumes and the impeccable sets and great music. Because the kind of 1920s that the BBC managed to create is something perfect. There's nothing lacking at all. It’s got fun and parties, but also crisis, middle-class honor, and clashes between the classes. On top of that, we get modern art, aviation, and silent film. London and Paris... What more could you ask for? I just wish Jack Maddox (Aden Gillett) was real :) Season 2 is just wonderful. It starts in London and ends on the road to America. Bea succumbs to Jack and Evie has a forbidden romance. The fashion collection is thriving and despite the unfavorable financial situation, newer and newer designs are being created, some for the theater, others for films. (31.03.2019)

The absolutely superb start to the series is set in Paris. The production decided to spend some money, so we ended up getting some exteriors. A fascinating line that was headed into the French fashion industry helped both sisters grow up. Bea got married and Evie found herself. (07.05.2021)

The Eliott sisters become London's Chanels, designing costumes for a new modern ballet. Inspired, of course, by the ubiquitous Ballets Russes. This time, Jim Parker was particularly distinguished. His great music for this film can also be found on the standalone series soundtrack. (07.05.2021)

Jack's film career took a leap forward, and he managed to incorporate the May 1926 miners' strike into his filming. Which of course was no coincidence, as the same strike was the subject of the fifth series of Upstairs, Downstairs in the 1970s. (09.05.2021)

A very exciting finale. Evie's great love affair with the married Lord was experienced to the fullest, and before Salon the opportunity arose to visit America on business. Meanwhile, Jack becomes disillusioned with a friend from his youth and abandons the opportunity to have his own studio in London. He wasn't even interested in the Hollywood offer. He is attracted by social film and the background of German studios in Berlin. Will the separation help Jack and Beatrice's marriage? So many questions. Onward to season three :) (26.05.2021)

The gripping start of the new series begins in a tumultuous America, in New York in January 1927. Hairlines and hair are shortened a little more and everything is full of shine. All the more grim is the return to a London full of seedy morals. Not only do the Eliott sisters suffer, but so does Madge, who has a crazy mother-in-law and husband. New characters replace the hypocritical Alice, who has gone to Maison Gille. Next up is the young and feisty designer Grace Keeble, who will give the sisters plenty of tough moments... The films cited are The Temptress (1926) with Greta Garbo and The Sheik (1921) with Rudolph Valentino. (26.05.2021)

Jack's spectacular return is worth it. He is still immersed in his experience as a filmmaker in Berlin. The Elliott girls are wondering whether to go in the direction of haute couture or clothing, or to do both... The seamstresses from the workshop are dating in the cinema at Chaplin :) And Beatrice is wearing a beautiful knitted sweater by Elsa Schiaparelli. (26.05.2021)

It builds up beautifully, the seamstresses deal with The Son of the Sheik (1926) with Valentin, and Madge even studies the novel of the same name. Evie has lots of new friends her own age, including sexy Daniel. And Bea? She can't choose between her American beau and her current relationship with Jack... (26.05.2021)

A good show all round - the complications of the clothing industry, the emigration problems of the Soviet refugees, the gallery exhibition (a plot like Marriage on Credit), the politics, the drama with Tilly's child... (26.05.2021)

A pretty nice lower-class romance is exposed at the end, with workshop manager Madge having a crush on Charles, a tailor from their shared workshop. Her husband is a chauffeur, while the tailor also likes movies. Their first visit to the movie theater could not be devoted to any other film than My Best Girl (1927) with Mary Pickford. (07.06.2021)