LES MISERABLES - Modern Relevancy?

"The modern relevance of the ‘Les Miserables’ hero story" PBS NewsHour 4/26/2019

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SUMMARY:  PBS "Masterpiece" has a new spin on an old story, with a six-hour serial version of “Les Miserables.”  Unlike recent Broadway and film presentations, this one is not a musical, and its length offers the audience more time to connect to characters.  Jeffrey Brown talks to stars Dominic West, David Oyelowo, and Lily Collins; and Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton, about the hero story's current relevance.

MEMORIAM - Russell Baker 1925-2019

"Remembering Russell Baker, Pulitzer-winning writer and humorist" PBS NewsHour 1/23/2019

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SUMMARY:  Author, columnist and humorist Russell Baker has died at age 93.  We remember the media icon, who won two Pulitzer Prizes for his writing and hosted "Masterpiece Theater" for more than a decade.

ARTS - Downton Abby

Note that I am a fan.

"One last visit to Downton Abbey before fans say goodbye" PBS NewsHour 12/18/2015

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SUMMARY:  For the past five years, the Crawley family and their household of servants have entertained audiences with comedic one-liners from the Dowager Countess and dramatic calamity befalling nearly every character.  Now the top-rated PBS drama of all time is drawing to a close.  Judy Woodruff talks with creator Julian Fellowes, actress Elizabeth McGovern and others about the show.

JUDY WOODRUFF (NewsHour):  The blockbuster successful British TV series, “Downton Abbey” begins its sixth and final season here on PBS (Masterpiece) next month.  We got an inside look at the show, its creator and explore why so many Americans love it.

The music is instantly recognizable, as is the tail — that’s Isis, the dog — both part of the opening credits to the blockbuster British television drama, “Downton Abbey.”  For the past five years, the Crawley family and their servants have entertained us, and in January, the drama begins its sixth and final season on PBS.

The last chance for a few more one-liners from the dowager countess of Grantham, played exquisitely by Dame Maggie Smith.

And surely, one final calamity to beset lady’s maid Anna and her butler husband Bates.

The mastermind of this runaway success is Sir Julian Fellowes; also an actor, film director, and, in his spare time, a conservative member of Britain’s House of Lords.

So, “Downton Abbey” coming to an end, is this — are you saying goodbye to a dear friend?  Or is it just — have you already moved on?

JULIAN FELLOWES, Creator:  No, I wouldn’t say I have moved on.  I mean, “Downton” has been an extraordinary milestone.  You’ve spent a lot of time in this industry, working very hard on things that don’t do terribly well, the public doesn’t get them or whatever, and then you suddenly ring the bell.  It’s been fantastic.

JUDY WOODRUFF:  Fantastic beyond belief, becoming the top-rated PBS drama of all time.

Globally, “Downton” airs in over 220 countries with a worldwide audience of 120 million people.

JULIAN FELLOWES:  I never think it’s a good idea to outstay your welcome.  And it seems right to leave, so, I don’t think we’re doing the wrong thing, but it’s been a happy time.

JUDY WOODRUFF:  A happy time with roots in a book by American historian Carol Wallace, author of “To Marry an English Lord,” Sir Julian’s inspiration for the series.