To the Manor Born, Vol. 4

In episode 11, Audrey invites an old school chum to stay, hoping to cheer "Podge" up after her divorce. But the formerly pudgy Podge has become skinny, beautiful Diana, and when she goes hunting with Richard it's not the fox she's after. Audrey's jealousy results in some hilariously awkward early morning encounters for Richard. He and Audrey continue to disagree about the estate's management in episode 12: Richard wants to tear up the hedgerows to create larger fields, a move Audrey vehemently opposes. When she comes to his office to protest, he asks if she has an appointment, to which she snaps back, "Yes, and if this takes too long I shall be late for it!" But circumstances bring about a change of heart for both of them, leading to comical deceptions in the tape's final episode. Audrey prolongs her recuperation from a bad back when Richard starts bringing her flowers and chocolate; Richard boasts to Audrey of his skiing ability but is later caught snowplowing down a nearby hill while tied to a tractor. Once again, Bowles and Keith display the perfect combination of wit and timing that has earned this series legions of fans on both sides of the Atlantic. --Larisa Lomacky Moore

For those interested, there is a website called the "To The Manor Born International Appreciation Society" in which more information can be gathered about this WONDERFUL British Comedy.


The Greatest British Sit-Com Ever   October 25, 1999
Roger Still (roger.still@which.net) (ENGLAND)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

To The Manor Born is the finest comedy ever produced by the BBC. In this Volume Audrey is at her upper crust best. Oh how I wish that all the episodes were available on video. Grantleigh Manor with Richard DeVere and Audrey fforbes-Hamilton are the tops when it comes to comedy with that distintive British flavor. If you have not bought it yet, buy now.


The best comedy series on either side of the Atlantic Ocean   February 8, 1999
jaymck@webtv.net (New Jersey, USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Volume 4 contains some of the best of the best. "To The Manor Born" stands out as the best there is in terms of every way of evaluating. It is made up of carefully constructed scripts containing crisp dialogue delivered with perfect timing by a group of high quality actors that are perectly cast in roles that are uniquely supurb in the carefully constructed character developemnt placed into the fascinating and unfamiliar setting of the British Manor House. These are delightful folks living very special lives in very special circumstances. This series give us a wonderful opportuity to look through the windows of the Manor House and behold ordinary life in the aristocracy, estate living, and British country life across all classes in the contemporary era. The high standards in every aspect of produciton yields the hilarious comedy that keeps one laughing out loud even though one is alone and has seen it before. Once you have gotten to know these characters, you can't stay away for long. This is a series that I want to revisit over and over again. It is a pure delight for all manner of anglophiles. I am so glad that it is finally being released after all of this time. Episode 11 gives us a fascinating look at the colorful upper crust experience of the Hunt as the background for a situation involving the reunion of Audry with one of her "old girl" classmates from finishing school. "(In the The Old Girls' News) I'm under 'Changes of Circumstance.' 'Since the death of her husband, Audrey has left Grantly Manor and moved down the drive.' They'll think I live in a pothole!" Episode 12 involes the tension between concern for preserving the enviornment and the need for change set in the week after Christmas that includes elements such as the hedgerows, the Estate's New Year's Eve Party and the New Year's Honors List. "Don't keep saying 'SIR Peter' like that. You sound like an American." Episode 13 deals with the issue of the National Health system as Audry's back plunges her from the experience of private care into the world ofsocialized medicine. "I've got a bad chill, I'm afraid." "COLD, Marjorie. Only the Royal Family get chills. What you've got is the common cold." This is one of my favorites in the entire series. I am already eagerly anticipating the release of the rest of the series. Although each episode is complete in its own right, the characters and relationships develop through the course of the whole series so that there is a oneness about the complete story. The only regret is that it ends!!!


Jealousy rears its high-classed head.   September 8, 1999
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

Audrey entreats Richard's help in hosting an old school chum--until she discovers that the old chum duckling has become a swan. She then exagerates her friends faults in her maneuvers to keep Richard and Diana [formerly "Hodge"] Podge out of the same stream. This segment reveals Audrey's growing attachment to Richard, but also reveals a jealous, self-centered crack in Audrey's upper crust.


Still my favourite British Comedy of all time!   February 3, 1999
b_hartford@hotmail.com (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

While this is the most recent of released videos, There are a total of 21 episodes of To The Manor Born. This volume represents episodes # 11, 12, and 13. The episodes are: The Spare Room, New Years Honours List, and The Skiing Holiday.

Volumes 3 and 4 comprise the second season of three total. With any luck the BBC will introduce the final 7 episodes sometime soon.

Enjoy the antics of Audrey fforbes-Hamilton and Richard DeVere on the Grantleigh Manor Estate!