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MASTERPIECE CLASSIC: Return To Cranford

(l-r): Celia Imrie as Lady Glenmire, Barbara Flynn as Mrs. Jamieson, Alex Jennings as Rev. Hutton, Imelda Staunton as Miss Octavia Pole, Judi Dench as Matty Jenkyns and Julia McKenzie as Mrs. Forrester. The sequel to "Cranford," based on the novels of Elizabeth Gaskell, tells the story of everyday life in a small Cheshire market town.
Courtesy of ©2009 Laurence Cendrowicz/BBC for MASTERPIECE
(l-r): Celia Imrie as Lady Glenmire, Barbara Flynn as Mrs. Jamieson, Alex Jennings as Rev. Hutton, Imelda Staunton as Miss Octavia Pole, Judi Dench as Matty Jenkyns and Julia McKenzie as Mrs. Forrester. The sequel to "Cranford," based on the novels of Elizabeth Gaskell, tells the story of everyday life in a small Cheshire market town.

Airs Thursday, November 22, 2012 at 9 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. on KPBS TV

Change is racing towards the small, close-knit village of Cranford like a steam train - quite literally. As the railroad continues to encroach at the edge of town, Cranford strives to open to new realities, from surprising romances to unexpected losses and even waltzing!

Dame Judi Dench returns as Miss Matty in the sequel to the Emmy-nominated "Cranford" miniseries, based on the novels of Elizabeth Gaskell.
Courtesy of ©2009 Laurence Cendrowicz/BBC for MASTERPIECE
Dame Judi Dench returns as Miss Matty in the sequel to the Emmy-nominated "Cranford" miniseries, based on the novels of Elizabeth Gaskell.
Imelda Staunton returns as Miss Pole in the sequel to the Emmy-nominated "Cranford" miniseries, based on the novels of Elizabeth Gaskell.
Courtesy of ©2009 Laurence Cendrowicz/BBC for MASTERPIECE
Imelda Staunton returns as Miss Pole in the sequel to the Emmy-nominated "Cranford" miniseries, based on the novels of Elizabeth Gaskell.
(l-r): Celia Imrie as Lady Glenmire, Barbara Flynn as Mrs. Jamieson, Alex Jennings as Rev. Hutton, Imelda Staunton as Miss Octavia Pole, Judi Dench as Matty Jenkyns and Julia McKenzie as Mrs. Forrester. The sequel to "Cranford," based on the novels of Elizabeth Gaskell, tells the story of everyday life in a small Cheshire market town.
Courtesy of ©2009 Laurence Cendrowicz/BBC for MASTERPIECE
(l-r): Celia Imrie as Lady Glenmire, Barbara Flynn as Mrs. Jamieson, Alex Jennings as Rev. Hutton, Imelda Staunton as Miss Octavia Pole, Judi Dench as Matty Jenkyns and Julia McKenzie as Mrs. Forrester. The sequel to "Cranford," based on the novels of Elizabeth Gaskell, tells the story of everyday life in a small Cheshire market town.

Behind-the-Scenes Video

The cast and crew reflect on the hard work and movie magic that went into creating "Cranford." Watch now

Matty Jenkyns (Judi Dench), Miss Pole (Imelda Staunton), Mrs. Forrester (Julia McKenzie) and Mrs. Jamieson (Barbara Flynn) are back with other distinguished residents of Cranford, along with one well-outfitted and mischievous cow.

When a shocking event seemingly derails Cranford from its innocence, can a bit of magic and faith in enduring friendships save the day? Based on the stories of Victorian-era writer Elizabeth Gaskell, "Return To Cranford" also features Tom Hiddleston ("Wallander") and Tim Curry.

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Episode One airs on Thursday, Nov. 22 at 9 p.m. - New life is charmingly apparent in Cranford as Matty Jenkyns enjoys sharing her home with Tilly, the daughter of her maid Martha and carpenter Jem Hearne. Some new faces have arrived as well.

The railway has crept closer to Cranford, but has been halted several miles outside the village. Captain Brown is determined to make progress for the railway, but meets resistance from the village residents. An unexpected and alarming shift signals yet more change in store. Can Matty and the women of Cranford muster support for what inevitably awaits?

Episode Two airs on Thursday, Nov. 22 at 10:30 p.m. - In the final episode, the women of Cranford eagerly anticipate some interactions with Mrs. Jamieson’s sister-in-law, Lady Glenmire, who, with the encouragement of Captain Brown, plans a party.

In the meantime, Miss Galindo is concerned about Harry Gregson, who has disappeared from school. The friendships in Cranford are strained when a surprise wedding shocks everyone.

But no one can know the tragedy and challenge that await and will threaten the ties of the close-knit Cranford community, putting the women to their ultimate test.

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This program originally aired in 2010.

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Video Excerpt: Masterpiece Classic: Return To Cranford