A sleepy 1840s English village comes to life with gossip, parties, romances, sudden death, bankruptcy and the drama of an encroaching railway in the three-part “Cranford,” based on the beloved Victorian-era writings of Elizabeth Gaskell, who combines the romantic flair of Jane Austen with the class-consciousness of Charles Dickens. The all-star cast includes Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, Michael Gambon, Francesca Annis, Imelda Staunton and enough other top actors to populate a picturesque hamlet.
In episode two, as winter approaches, Cranford is beset by sorrows and struggles to re-gain its confidence. When Dr. Harrison's housekeeper discovers a leg of mutton has been stolen on the very same night that store owner Mr. Johnson is mugged, the ladies decide that a crime wave has hit Cranford.
Watch a series preview plus behind-the-scenes video.
The full program "Cranford" will be available for online viewing December 21, 2009 - January 10, 2010.
Get information about episode three.
