About
A rich and comic drama about the people of Cranford, a small Cheshire town on the cusp of change in the 1840s. Adapted from the novels by Elizabeth Gaskell.
Cast
Eileen Atkins
as Miss Deborah Jenkyns
Judi Dench
as Miss Matilda Jenkyns
Lisa Dillon
as Mary Smith
Simon Woods
as Dr Harrison
Claudie Blakley
as Martha
Philip Glenister
as Mr Carter
Julia McKenzie
as Mrs Forrester
Lesley Manville
as Mrs. Rose
Imelda Staunton
as Miss Pole
Alex Jennings
as Reverend Hutton
Andrew Buchan
as Jem Hearne
Alex Etel
as Harry Gregson
Dean Lennox Kelly
as Job Gregson
Joseph McFadden
as Doctor Jack Marshland
Kimberley Nixon
as Sophy Hutton
Greg Wise
as Sir Charles Maulver
Julia Sawalha
as Jessie Brown
Finty Williams
as Clara Smith
Adrian Scarborough
as Mr. Johnson
John Bowe
as Dr. Morgan
Seasons
Season 1
In season one, talk of a new railway being built brings fears of the breakdown of law and order; and the arrival of a handsome new doctor from London causes a stir among the ladies' in the town.
Return to Cranford
Cranford, where everything changes and all remains the same, and Miss Matty's house is full of bustle when her maid Martha gives birth to a daughter. Elsewhere the shadow of the new railway still looms. Miss Matty is concerned about a young girl who lives in an isolated cottage with her mother and domineering brother. Her worries open a Pandora's box and fears that Cranford will never recover.
Episodes
Season 1
June 1842
The town of Cranford is in a flurry at the arrival of a new handsome doctor. His controversial treatment of an unfortunate carpenter is risky not only for the patient, but also his reputation. Elsewhere a family suffers a loss but forges a friendship.
August 1842, Miss Matty is Shaken
An unexpected visitor shakes miss Matty, but she keeps it to herself. The rumor that the railway will reach the town ruins the happy atmosphere. When Miss Deborah goes to talk to Captain Brown of this, he is of no help, indeed their friendship is severely strained.
November 1842, Winter Approaches Cranford
The theft of a leg of mutton starts a chain of events that can only lead to trouble for one family in Cranford. With Christmas comes an invitation for Miss Matty, that she is encouraged to accept. Dr Harrison's friend Jack persuades him to declare his affections for Sophy, but then plays a cruel trick.
April 1843, Dr Harrison Visits the Rectory
Miss Matty suffers a disappointment, and reveals to Mary the great wrong done her as a young woman. Mary writes to Major Gordon about Jessie's changed circumstances. And Dr Harrison pays a formal visit to the rectory.
May 1843, Miss Matty's Crisis
Jem and Martha formalise their relationship, and live as lodgers with Miss Matty, who has fallen on hard times. Will her friends come to her aid and will she accept help? Dr Harrison is advised to leave town due to his reputation being in tatters, but Sophy is ill and his modern medicine could help. Lady Ludlow is prepared to lose everything for her absent son, but Mr Carter tries to find another solution.
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