This latest offering from Julian Fellowes presents two stories centred around the landed "Grantham" family. The first sees the dashing "Barker" (Hugh Dancy) come to Downton to make a film - that will pay for a much needed new roof - and soon makes friends with the absentee-husbanded "Lady Mary" (Michelle Dockery). Sadly, though, he soon discovers that silent movies are rapidly losing their charm - and the stars, especially an entertaining "Myrna" (Laura Haddock) are facing a challenge that ended the careers of many a silent movie star - a voice that could strip paint. Meantime the grown ups hea... read the rest.

After all this time, I didn’t expect Julian Fellowes to mess with his formula and start having radical plot twists and unexpected tragedies and mayhem. It is a comfortable family viewing franchise. If anything, except for the same-sex relationship element, it is less adventurous than it used to be. But that is all fine with me. It is like the new All Creatures Great and Small series: I know what to expect, but with an ensemble characters I know and like I don’t care.

There were a few incidents that weren’t quite believable, such as a novice writer suddenly becoming a successful playwright, b... read the rest.

The elegant, grand cinematography seduces your soul and attention throughout the film. The august natural environs and splendid humin environs complement one another. The modest yet haute fashion is desirable. The sailing, soothing, splaying theme song --- which announces, "Quelque choses de magnifique arrive" --- returns to us and I am pleased.

What a splendid cinematic jaunt to the British aristocracy of the early 19th century! The soundtrack is an accurate reflection of the uplifting and joyful tone of this film. Love has been gained; births and growths have occurred; understanding has be... read the rest.