A Family Gathering: Upstairs, Downstairs (TV Episode)

• Genre: Drama
• Movie Type: Period Film, Prime-Time Drama
• Themes: Class Differences, Servants and Employers
• Director: Raymond Menmuir
• Release Year: 1973
• Country: UK

Plot

A birthday celebration at Eaton Place is complicated by the romantic tribulations of Bellamy children Elizabeth (Nicola Pagett in her final series appearance) and James (Simon Williams). Elizabeth has broken off yet another of her desultory relationships, while James has returned from India with an imperious "Army brat" fiancée named Phyllis Kingman (Delia Lindsay). Add to this the impending death of King Edward VII and the sudden arrival of Thomas (John Alderton) and Sarah (Pauline Collins), and one has the ingredients of an eventful, if not entirely joyous birthday for Lady Marjorie Bellamy (Rachel Gurney). Written by Alfred Shaughnessy, "A Family Gathering" originally aired in England on January 19, 1973, as the final episode of Upstairs, Downstairs' second season. In America, it was seen on March 31, 1974, bringing the first season of Upstairs, Downstairs broadcasts on Masterpiece Theatre to a close. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide