Plot

Five part documentary detailing the origins and making of the TV series Upstairs, Downstairs (1971).

Each of the five parts of this 4 1/2 hour series provides a review of the tone of one season and then focuses on several selected episodes within that season, using interviews of cast and writers and clips from the series. Jean Marsh, who came up with concept for the show and acted the part of Rose, and Simon Williams, who played the part of James Bellamy, are both featured prominently in the interviews along with the shows writers. The five parts are; Part One: On Trial - Spring 1969 to Spring 1972 (56:08); Part Two: On with the Dance - Spring 1972 to January 1973 (52:07); Part Three: A Change of Scene - January 1973 to January 1974 (55:36); Part Four: The Beastly Hun - January 1974 to January 1975 (50:30); and Part Five: Whither Shall I Wander - January 1975 to Summer 2006 (55:50). The concluding part includes events after the series ended, including the discussion of movies and sequels.