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Monthly Archives: September 2013

Today is the Day!!! Season 4 Begins!!!

22 Sunday Sep 2013

Posted by Tonya in Downton Abbey

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If you haven’t been counting down or have just plain forgotten, today is the day!!!!  That is right, Season 4 of Downton Abbey starts tonight for the lucky U.K. viewers. (The rest of the world will be watching the cast of Downton Abbey at the Primetime Emmys.  Of course, we will also be outwardly jealous of our U.K. friends.)   The show can be seen at 9 p.m. on ITV.

According to the ITV website,

The fourth series sees the family reeling in the aftermath of terrible tragedy but with new life, in the form of babies George and Sybbie, comes new hope, as the much-loved characters take tentative steps into the Roaring Twenties.

If you haven’t planned your viewing party menu, might I suggest the following to set the proper tone:

Appetizers

Deviled Eggs. A staple on Edwardian appetizer platters, according to blogger Pamela Foster.

Broiled Oysters With Peach and Paprika. The bivalves were another Edwardian favorite.

Main courses

Basic Roast Chicken. Mrs. Patmore, the cook, saw hers fall on the floor.

Beef and Guinness Stew. Fitting for the downstairs staff.

Hearty Beef Pot Roast With Red Wine and Thyme. Stereotype or not, it’s still a classic.

Shepherd’s Pie. Something else that might be enjoyed in the servants’ hall.

Shiitake Beef Wellingtons. Every guest gets his or her own phyllo-enclosed packet.

Desserts

Irish Whiskey Cake. Show solidarity with Branson the chauffeur’s advocacy for Irish independence.

Victoria Sandwich Cake. A very British dessert named after the famed queen.

White House Sticky Toffee Pudding. This take on the British treat comes from White House executive pastry chef Bill Yosses.

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-12-31/lifestyle/36103334_1_bill-yosses-white-house-executive-pastry-appetizers

 

Happy Viewing!!!

Downton Abbey wins at Creative Arts Emmy Awards

16 Monday Sep 2013

Posted by Tonya in Downton Abbey

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Caroline McCall, Creative Arts Emmy Award, Donal Woods, Downton Abbey, Dulce Scott, Gina Cromwell, Jill Trevellick, John Lunn, Magi Vaughan, Mark Kebby, Primetime Emmy Award, Vanya Pell

Congratulations are in order to John Lunn for winning a Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score) for “Episode 6” of Downton Abbey.

In case you are wondering, Episode 6 of Season 3 is the episode after Sybil dies and Lord and Lady G aren’t talking and Lord G and Matthew aren’t getting along very well either.  Of hand I don’t recall the music but now that it is award winning music I will have to go back and listen closely.

The 65th Annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards were held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Sunday, Sept. 15th.  A two-hour, edited version of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards will air Saturday, Sept. 21st on FXX.

Sadly though, none of the other nominees from Downton Abbey won awards.  Either way, we congratulate them since being nominated is still an honor and achievement.  So take a bow because we applaud you:

  • Outstanding Art Direction for a Single Camera Series – Donal Woods, Mark Kebby and Gina Cromwell
  • Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series – Jill Trevellick
  • Outstanding Costumes for a Series –Caroline McCall and Dulce Scott
  • Outstanding Hairstyling for a Single Camera Series – Magi Vaughan and Vanya Pell

The 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, airing Sunday, Sept. 22th.

Just as a reminder, here are the nominees from Downton Abbey for Primetime Emmy Awards:

  • Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series  – Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley
  • Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series – Hugh Bonneville as Earl of Grantham/Robert
  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series  – Maggie Smith as Dowager Countess of Grantham/ Violet
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Jim Carter as Mr. Carson
  • Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series – Julian Fellowes, Episode 4
  • Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series – Jeremy Webb, Episode 4
  • Outstanding Drama Series – Downton Abbey • PBS

Lady Carnarvon goes Online

09 Monday Sep 2013

Posted by Tonya in Downton Abbey

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Countess of Carnarvon, Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle, Lady Carnarvon

The Countess of Carnarvon, the real resident of Highclere Castle (which is where Downton Abbey is filmed) has started a blog. http://www.ladycarnarvon.com/

Chest of arms

drawing-room

She has only just started it but has already given her readers a little insight to her light at Highclere Castle.  (Apparently, she like to ride her bike with the dogs but she seems to lose one along the way.)  I can’t wait to see what tidbits she might dish on next.

Merchandise Monday – Jewelry for the Downtonian on a Budget

09 Monday Sep 2013

Posted by Tonya in Downton Abbey

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Downton Abbey, Jewlery, Merchandise Monday

Monday means MERCHANDISE!!!!  And really, who doesn’t like pretty things???

I happened to get a Victorian Trading Co. catalog in the mail the other day.  Not sure why because I have never heard of the company.  As I was thumbing through the catalog before I put it in the recycling bin I happened to notice the words “Downton Abbey”.  Well that got my attention.  Upon further inspection I found some affordable and pretty jewelry under the trademark of Downton Abbey.  What a happy occurrence!!!

So, if you ever wanted to feel like a Crawley but your budget didn’t permit it, the following might just be your ticket.

23060Downton Abbey Brooch  $29.95

23065Lady Edith’s Bell Necklace  $29.95

23064Downton Abbey Estate Bracelet  $29.95

23059Downton Abbey Jeweled Heirloom Silver Necklace $39.95

23063Downton Abbey Hair Barrettes  $19.95

23061Lady Mary’s Crimson Earbobs  $39.95

23062Downton Abbey Crimson Bracelet  $29.95

Being the savvy shopper that I am, it is a little concerning that aren’t any descriptions of the items.  No sizes are mentioned or what exactly the jewelry is made out of.  (I am quite certain with those prices they aren’t 14k or sterling.)  So with everything – caveat emptor.

Happy Shopping!!!

Dan Stevens is Dashing in Toronto for The Fifth Estate Screening

08 Sunday Sep 2013

Posted by Tonya in Dan Stevens, Downton Abbey

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Benedict Cumberbatch, Dan Stevens, Daniel Brühl, Downton Abbey, The Fifth Estate, Toronto International Film Festival

Dan Stevens is looking very un-Matthew Crawley-like at The Fifth Estate screening at the 38th Toronto International Film Festival.  Since his Downton Abbey days are behind him, he has slimmed down and shunned his blonde locks – and I think I like it.

Read all about The Fifth Estate here.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Dan Stevens poses for a photograph on the red carpet at the gala for the new movie “The Fifth Estate” during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013. Jason Merritt/Getty Images

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But the fandoms really collided when Benedict Cumberbatch entered the picture with Dan Stevens – Sherlockians, Trekkies and Downtonians.  Oh my!!!

celebs001.JPG

Benedict Cumberbatch, Dan Stevens and Daniel Bruhl look smoking hot for debut of “The Fifth Estate” at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, 2013

celebs002.JPG

Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press

Benedict Cumberbatch arrives on the TIFF red carpet for The Fifth Estate. Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press

Will you be going to see The Fifth Estate because of Dan Stevens or Benedict Cumberbatch?  Inquiring minds want to know.

Romeo & Juliet’s Hailee Steinfeld on Cover of Teen Vogue

07 Saturday Sep 2013

Posted by Tonya in Downton Abbey, Romeo & Juliet

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Downton Abbey, Hailee Steinfeld, Julian Fellowes, Romeo & Juliet, Teen Vogue

The latest film adaptation of Romeo & Juliet is about to hit the silver screen and the film’s Juliet, Hailee Steinfeld, is gracing the cover of October’s Teen Vogue.

The screenplay for the movie, due to be released on October 11, 2013, was written by Downton Abbey‘s own Julian Fellowes.  Click here for all the details.

Check out the trailer by clicking here.

More pics of Hailee at her Teen Vogue photo shoot.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/05/hailee-steinfeld-cover-teen-vogue_n_3876159.html#slide=more315832

Dan Stevens joins cast of CW’s “The Tomorrow People”

07 Saturday Sep 2013

Posted by Tonya in Dan Stevens, Downton Abbey

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CW, Dan Stevens, Downton Abbey, Tomorrow People

First he leaves Downton Abbey.  Then he takes on Broadway and a few movies.  Now, Dan Stevens is back to television.  Apparently, he likes things to come around full circle because it was just announced that Dan Stevens will join the cast of the CW’s upcoming drama The Tomorrow People.

The Tomorrow People is based on the 1973 U.K. series of the same name and is about several young people from around the world who represent the next stage in human evolution.  They possess special powers such as teleportation and telepathy and work together to defeat the forces of evil (aka the Ultra) with the help from “TIM”, a computer mentor who helps get them through sticky situations.

Dan Stevens will be lending his voice to “TIM”.

The Tomorrow People will premiere on the CW on Wednesday, October 9th at 9:00 p.m.

Joanne Froggatt dazzles at Venice Film Festival

07 Saturday Sep 2013

Posted by Tonya in Downton Abbey

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Downton Abbey, Eddie Marsan, International Venice Film Festival, James Cannon, Joanne Froggatt, Still Life

Looks like JoFro (Joanne Froggatt for the uninitatied) has left Anna Bates and her stodgy Lady’s Maid uniform at Downton Abbey and stepped out in Venice and dazzled everyone.  Joanne was seen at the 70th International Venice Film Festival recently promoting her new film Still Life.

Joanne Froggatt attends a photo-call for new film Still Life on Tuesday Star turn: Joanne Froggatt attends a photo-call for new film Still Life on Tuesday

Who knew all of that fabulousness was hiding under that white cap she wears on Downton Abbey???

Joanna Froggatt looks good in red as she attends the Still Life photro-callJoanna Froggatt looks good in red as she attends the Still Life photo-call

Joanne Froggatt and co-star Eddie Marsan hit the red carpet at the premiere of Still Life (left) and attending a photo-call for the new film at the 70th International Venice Film Festival (right)

Joanne Froggatt and co-star Eddie Marsan hit the red carpet at the premiere of Still Life (left) and attending a photo-call for the new film at the 70th International Venice Film Festival (right)
Joanne Froggatt and co-star Eddie Marsan hit the red carpet at the premiere of Still Life (top) and attending a photo-call for the new film at the 70th International Venice Film Festival (bottom)
Joanne Froggatt arrives in Venice with husband James cannon the previous day Joanne Froggatt arrives in Venice with husband James Cannon

If you haven’t heard of Still Life, Joanne Froggatt plays Kelly Stoke along with Eddie Marsan as John May.  It is due to be released sometime in 2013

A poignant, quixotic tale of life, love and afterlife.
John May is a council worker whose job is to find the next of kin of those who have died alone. Meticulous to the point of obsession, he goes beyond the call of duty to see a job through. Only when all leads have been checked and all doors shut will he organize the funeral of his forgotten “clients”, for whom he chooses the appropriate music and writes eulogies, which no one but him will hear.

His life is neat, calm and ordered till his new case, the elderly alcoholic called Billy Stoke has been found dead. When May visits the flat to search for clues to his neighbour’s life, he sees the mirror image of his own – except that Stoke’s is full of rubbish bags and dirty dishes. As May starts to research Billy Stoke’s life his boss brings devastating news: the department is being downsized, and John May is being made redundant. What will he do without his job, without his routine?

For the moment though, John May’s most pressing concern is his last case and he begs his boss for a few extra days to finish it. Those who knew Stoke paint the picture of a larger-than-life personality who inspired love and exasperation in equal measure. Most significantly, his investigations lead him to Billy Stoke’s estranged daughter, Kelly, who Billy had abandoned when still a child; the two lonely souls are naturally drawn to each other. As he liberates himself from the routines that have ruled his life, John finally starts living life – with all of its exciting and dangerous unpredictability…

Gary Lewis is cast as Outlander’s Colum MacKenzie

04 Wednesday Sep 2013

Posted by Tonya in Outlander

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Diana Gabaldon, Gangs of New York, Gary Lewis, Graham McTavish, Outlander, STARZ

STARZ has been busy today in the Outlander casting department.  They just announced that Gary Lewis has been cast as Colum MacKenzie in the Diana Gabaldon best-selling book series TV adaptation.

Colum MacKenzie is the clan leader and maternal uncle of Jamie Fraser – also the older brother to Dougal MacKenzie (Graham McTavish)

Lewis has had extensive movie and TV roles since 1993 according to imdb.com.  (Gangs of New York is the only one I have heard of – guessing most are across the pond and not on U.S. TV.)

Outlander will hit the TV screens on STARZ in 2014.

I think Lewis and McTavish will be great as the brothers MacKenzie.  They look enough like brothers to pull it off.  Now if they would only cast Claire, I would be a happy Outlander Fan.

Graham McTavish in Outlander as Dougal MacKenzie

04 Wednesday Sep 2013

Posted by Tonya in Outlander

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Diana Gabaldon, Graham McTavish, Hobbit, NCIS, Outlander, Prison Break, Pushing Daisies, STARZ

STARZ announced today that actor Graham McTavish was cast as Dougal MacKenzie in the upcoming TV adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series.

If you aren’t familiar with the Outlander book series, Dougal MacKenzie is the War Chieftain of Clan MacKenzie, secret supporter of the rebel cause against the British, and uncle to Jamie Fraser.
New addition to the “Outlander” Clan today. We are pleased to announce that Scotsman Graham McTavish will join the cast of @[524783437580870:274:Outlander] as Dougal MacKenzie, the War Chieftain of Clan MacKenzie, secret supporter of the rebel cause against the British, and uncle to Jamie Fraser.

McTavish has had a long career and had roles in many TV shows and films – Lost, NCIS, CSI: Miami, Rambo, Pushing Daisies, Prison Break, 24, Secretariat, and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – just to name a few.  He has also done extensive voice work for many video games.

Outlander will hit the TV screens on STARZ in 2014.

Now, if they would only cast Claire, I would be a happy Outlander Fan.

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Everything & Much, Much More for the Downton Abbey Devotee

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