Classic TV Drama: Upstairs Downstairs – S03 E12 -Distant Thunder

Upstairs, Downstairs is a British television drama series produced by London Weekend Television (LWT) for ITV.It ran for 68 episodes divided into five series on ITV from 1971 to 1975.

A BBC Wales and Masterpiece produced continuation also called Upstairs Downstairs was broadcast by BBC One in 2010.

Set in a large townhouse in Belgravia in West London, the series depicts the servants “downstairs” and their masters—the family “upstairs”—between the years 1903 and 1930, and shows the slow decline of the British aristocracy. Great events feature prominently in the episode but minor or gradual changes are also noted. The series stands as a document of the social and technological changes that occurred between those 27 years, including the Edwardian period, the Suffragettes, First World War, the Roaring Twenties and the Wall Street Crash.

The show was a ratings success for ITV, and received outstanding acclaim worldwide winning multiple awards.

Series had an excellent cast with many well known actors appearing over the life of the series. Some are still active to this day.