Cranford is a British television series directed by Simon Curtis and Steve Hudson. The teleplay by Heidi Thomas was adapted from three novellas by Elizabeth Gaskell published between 1849 and 1858: Cranford, My Lady Ludlow, and Mr Harrison's Confessions. (The Last Generation in England was also used as a source.)
The cast includes Judi Dench as Miss Matty Jenkyns, Imelda Staunton as Miss Pole and Barbara Flynn as Mrs Jamieson. Alex plays Harry Gregson, son of a notorious poacher. 10-year-old Harry is desperate for knowledge. Mr. Carter (Philip Glenister) recognizes the boy's ability and secretly tutors him to read and write..
The series was transmitted in five parts in the UK by BBC One in November and December 2007. In the United States, it was broadcast in three episodes by PBS as part of its Masterpiece Theatre series in May 2008.
Cranford will return with a two-part Christmas special in 2009.
This witty and poignant story follows the small absurdities and major tragedies in the lives of the people of Cranford during one extraordinary year. Cranford in the 1840s is a small Cheshire market town on the cusp of change. The railway is pushing its way relentlessly towards the town from Manchester, bringing fears of migrant workers and the breakdown of law and order.The arrival of handsome new doctor, Frank Harrison (Simon Woods) from London causes a stir; not only because of his revolutionary medical methods, but also because of the effect he has on many of the ladies' hearts in the town.
Series Directed by
Simon Curtis (6 episodes, 2007-2009),
Steve Hudson (5 episodes, 2007)
Series Writing credits
Sue Birtwistle (6 episodes, 2007-2009),
Susie Conklin (6 episodes, 2007-2009),
Elizabeth Gaskell (6 episodes, 2007-2009),
Heidi Thomas (6 episodes, 2007-2009)
Series Produced by
Sue Birtwistle - producer (6 episodes, 2007-2009)
Kate Harwood - executive producer (6 episodes, 2007-2009)
Rupert Ryle-Hodges - co-producer (6 episodes, 2007-2009)
Rebecca Eaton - executive producer: WGBH (5 episodes, 2007)
Series Original Music by
Carl Davis (5 episodes, 2007)
Series Cinematography by
Ben Smithard (6 episodes, 2007-2009)
Series Film Editing by
Frances Parker (3 episodes, 2007)
Dan Roberts (2 episodes, 2007)
Camera setup Panavision Genesis HD Camera
Production company(s) BBC,
WGBH Boston,
Chestermead
Distributor BBC Worldwide
