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Bath Spa Station 2000 - note the old metal footbridge to the hotel now goneFabled City

Films and dramas

I said that books are probably the most painless way to learn about the past. I may concede that a properly executed period drama is even better, especially for costume and building freaks. Here are some period pieces I enjoyed and thought were well done.

  • Persuasion, BBC (authentic-looking version of Jane Austen's novel, nobody wearing obvious make-up or saying they'd gotten really mad about stuff. Filmed partly in Bath - an eye opener to the original look of the interiors)
  • Emma, BBC (see above. Not filmed in Bath but beautifully done)
  • Emma, American version. (Not bad. OK, not actually offensive. Filmed partly on the Dorset farm where my best friend's parents live.)
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  • Pride and Prejudice, BBC (Appalling. No, actually, it was pretty good, especially in capturing the outrageous behaviour of the Bennett girls. You just DON'T yell about the forthcoming marraiage of your daughter to a really rich bloke when firstly, it's not a definite thing, and secondly, he's sitting six feet away. Ye Gods. Great fun, when will they release it on DVD?)
  • Bath Spa StationThe London Cuckolds Can't remember the author, but it was a rowdy 1700s farce about marriage for love, money or status - and the adultery which resulted. Saw it at the Theatre Royal with Caroline Quentin in the lead.
Last updated 22 February, 2001

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