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"Cranford" is a 2007 British television drama serial, adapted by the BBC from Elizabeth Gaskell's novel 'Cranford', and from her novellas 'My Lady Ludlow' and 'Mr. Harrison's Confessions', and also from an article of hers titled 'The Last Generation in England'. The BBC series originally aired as five episodes, but these have been edited into three parts for airing on "Masterpiece Theatre".

Starring Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, and Imelda Staunton, "Cranford" is set in 1842-1843 in a small rural town dominated by group of single and widowed middle class women who place great store on propriety, and on maintaining an appearance of gentility, even those whose means are barely adequate for the task. However, the railway is about to arrive and offers to introduce modern ways and ideas to the town, to the alarm of some of its inhabitants. Also arriving to town is
a young man, Doctor Harrison (Simon Woods, who brings his own modern ideas to Cranford in the form of new treatments he has learned about at medical school in London. Three women vie for his affections: Mrs. Rose (Lesley Manville), Sophy Hutton (Kimberley Dixon), and Caroline Tomkinson (Selina Griffiths). Other characters in the town include the aristocratic and reactionary Lady Ludlow (Francesca Annis), her progressive-minded steward Mr. Carter (Philip Glenister), and the young poacher's son Harry Gregson (Alex Etel) whom Mr Carter teaches to read.

This is the first part of three parts. Add a recap »