This was a well-made series on a typically small British budget.
A working-class cockney matriarch suddenly finds herself catapulted into control of the most fashionable hotel in Georgian London. An' don't she know how to keep them toffs in line? You betcha.
The first part of the series is a comedy of manners that plays-out the contrast between upper-class sensibility and arrogance against uncompromising no-nonsense working-class pragmatism for all that it is worth. Later episodes tend to centre upon relationships, as the gap between our host's and her guests disposition and manners gradually begin to narrow.
The programme was made with panache and excellent performances were given by all involved. It just tended to go on for a bit longer than the ideas entertainment value. As most dramas tend to do.
The Yanks seem to have liked it though!
A working-class cockney matriarch suddenly finds herself catapulted into control of the most fashionable hotel in Georgian London. An' don't she know how to keep them toffs in line? You betcha.
The first part of the series is a comedy of manners that plays-out the contrast between upper-class sensibility and arrogance against uncompromising no-nonsense working-class pragmatism for all that it is worth. Later episodes tend to centre upon relationships, as the gap between our host's and her guests disposition and manners gradually begin to narrow.
The programme was made with panache and excellent performances were given by all involved. It just tended to go on for a bit longer than the ideas entertainment value. As most dramas tend to do.
The Yanks seem to have liked it though!