The Grand: Series One [DVD] (1997)

Russel T Davies (Dr Who) wrote this delightful series which was first shown in 1995 on ITV. Set in the luxurious Grand Hotel in Manchester just after WW1, it tells the stories of staff members and guests during the day to day running of the establishement.John Bannerman and his wife Sara are the new owners of the hotel following the death of his father Charles. But the grand opening goes wrong when John and Sara learn that their accountant has gambled and lost the money put aside for the refurbishment. With few options they turn to Marcus Bannerman, John's brother (played by Mark McCann) who agrees to come in as a partner, accepting 49% of the business, with John retaining the other 49% - and Sara holding 2%.Conflicts abound as Marcus makes his feelings for his sister in law clear and tries to drive a wedge between his brother and his wife. Meanwhile, son Stephen has returned safe from the war - but he finds it a struggle to slot back into civilian life and begins to make some bad choices....Below stairs we get to know the team of maids, bootboys, bar staff etc who are led by Jacob Collins (Tim Healy - Auf Weidersen, Pet) the unflappable, practical doorman who keeps a quiet eye on the running of the hotel, assisted by the housekeeper, Mrs Harvey (Christine Mackie). Monica Jones (Jane Danson - Coronation St) is new on the staff but she has ambitions and when she learns that resident guest Esme Harkenss (the delightful Susan Hampshire - Monarch of the Glen) is a semi-retired prostitute and former brothel Madame, she begins to consider an alternative way of 'bettering' herself. Her friend, Kate Morris (Rebecca Callard - The Borrowers) tries to be a good influence on her impulsive friend but finds herself in a dilema of her own when Stephen Bannerman begins to get overly friendly.With wonderful sets and costumes, The Grand is a beautifully made programme which ran to 2 series. I hope that series 2 is made available soon. Series 1 contains 8 complete episodes and is bound to be appreciated by fans of 'The House of Eliot' and 'Upstairs Downstairs'.One word of warning, this is a grittier programme than the two mentioned above with plots about suicide, abortion, incest and murder together with a graphic hanging scene and it may be difficult to explain to children why Susan Hampshire, in a black basque, is whipping a naked man who keeps calling her 'Mother'- so a little caution with regard to "family viewing" is advised!But check into The Grand - have a laugh with the maids as they conquer their fear of the latest technology - a hoover! - and watch Sara Bannerman struggle to maintain her composure as her brother in law Marcus makes her day to day life increasingly tense...A delight from start to finish - buy it today!

If you are a fan of period drama you will like the the grand. Stories focus around the family who own the grand hotel, it's guests and the staff who work there.It all goes on at the grand, sex. love, murder and incest. Well written stories and i liked the set's and period clothing.Also for the ladies it has two sexy male actor's Mark McGann and Stephen Moyer (who now play's vampire bill in true blood) In fact all the actor's are very good in this wonderful drama.I have just ordered the second series from the states, it play's fine on my uk dvd player.

An old TV series, written by Russell T Davies - of Torchwood, Dr Who, Casanova, Bob & Rose, The Second Coming, Queer as Folk (UK) etc fame.

Its ok but would not buy the next one

present for my mum who likes these period drama shows

very amazing film/series about a hotel in Manchester and the relationships between staff and owners. Reminds me a lot of the current new series on TV ' Mr Selfridge' or 'Downton Abbey'.... all about HUMAN BEINGS and relationships and similar TIME PERIOD... turn of century pre-post 1st and 2nd World War -

Brilliant series. I can highly recommend it!

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Watched it a good few years ago on T.V. Good to re-watch it again on D.D.D. Will probably continue to re-watch! Is there a series 2?