Making Masterpiece

by Mary Jo

Rebecca Eaton has the all-time great English major job: as executive producer of Masterpiece Theater, now known simply as Masterpiece.

I'd never heard of her, and her name has nothing to do with the fact that the heroine of my book River of Fire is named Rebecca Seaton.  But when I heard that her memoir about her work, Making Masterpiece, , was coming out last fall, I immediately ordered it.  Partly that was because I'm always interested in how stories are filmed (I wrote a novel around that subject), but more because Masterpiece Theater had such an impact on me and many of the people I know.

Even the theme music, Mouret's Rondeau, became iconic.  (Because we both thought the exuberant music was appropriate, the Mayhem Consultant and I had the flute and strings trio at our wedding play the music for the bridal party processional.  Forget Mozart!)

Rebecca Eaton's father was an English professor, her mother was an actress, and she herself has a BA in English Literature from Vasser.  My kind of woman!  She's been the Masterpiece executive producer for over twenty-five years, and not surprisingly, she has lots of stories to tell about it.  Often her job was about choosing British productions to broadcast here, but there are times when Masterpiece becomes a co-producer.  (I.e., contributing input and money.)  

Rebecca doesn't mind telling stories on herself--she starts the book by saying she got a phone call from Laura Mackie, who produced drama for ITV,  Britain's independent TV channel, and Laura thought Rebecca might be interested in participating in the production of a new mini-series written by Julian Fellowes.  Edwardian, fabulous estate and clothes, the fortune of an American heiress has kept it afloat, relationships both above and below stairs, etc.  

Rebecca considered, decided that it sounded like a cross between Edith Wharton's The Buccaneers and Upstairs, Downstairs, both of which Masterpiece had already done, so she turned down Downton Abbey.  <G>

Toward the end she explains how that decision was reversed, and DA has become Masterpiece's most successful series ever. As she says, "I've been very, very lucky in my career, in spite of myself."

But while DA was and is a huge success, it's only the most recent of many iconic productions that have shaped water cooler conversations in offices and Sunday night TV watching parties with friends since the series began in 1971.  It's the longest running drama anthology in America.  For many years the corporate sponsor was Mobil Oil, and political columnist George Will once said that when he died, he wanted the hearse that carried him to the cemetery to be fueled by Mobil gas as a thank you for sponsoring the show.

The show launched with The First Churchills, based on Winston Churchill's book about his famous ancestors, the first Duke and Duchess of Marlborough.  Those early productions didn't usually have huge budgets.  They were shot on sound stages with no battle scenes or special effects, but they generally had great writing and great acting--and stories that riveted people around the world.  

There have been so many terrific series.  Upstairs, Downstairs was a huge hit as it portrayed both masters and servants in a London townhouse.  To watch was to learn history as the lady of the house went down on the Titanic and Britain went to war two years later.  Not to mention the major character lost to the worldwide flu pandemic in 1919!

Who could forget The Six Wives of Henry VIII?  ("Divorced, beheaded, died. Divorced, beheaded, survived." <G>)  The Jewel in the Crown, an elegiac chronicle of the last years of the British Raj in India.  I, Claudius, historically based Roman imperial blood baths. 
And that's not counting comedies like Jeeves and Wooster and bawdy Moll Flanders. 

There was also the sister series, MYSTERY!, that specialized in the deliciously British genre of murder. Miss Marple, Rumpole of the Bailey, Sherlock Holmes, Inspector Morse, and a particular favorite of mine, Cadfael,  which was based on Ellis Peters' medieval warrior-detective-monk mysteries.

The show has gone through changes and restructuring as the dramas were combined with Mystery! and the word "Theater" was dropped.  Mobil became MobilExxon and withdrew from sponsorship, which was a huge hit to the show. 

Several years later, Viking River Cruises politely inquired if they were interested in a sponsor after Viking surveyed what TV shows their passengers watched most.  It was a marketing match made in heaven, Rebecca said. (And yes, I've been on a Viking riverboat cruise. <G>) 

A year later, someone gave Downtown Abbey DVDs to Ralph Lauren, who watched them on holiday in Jamaica.  He decided his company should be a sponsor, and another perfect demographic fit was born.  .

So Masterpiece continues because the appetite for quality drama is still there.  The chances are that if you regularly visit the Word Wenches, you've seen your share of Masterpiece productions.  What ones have you loved?  Are there classic stories you'd like to see?  

If you like a lively memoir by a woman who is good company, I recommend Rebecca Eaton's Making Masterpiece.  Now tell me your Masterpiece loves and hates, and one commenter between now and Saturday midnight will receive an Advance Reading Copy of my September book, Not Quite a Wife.  Which is also historical drama!

Mary Jo

 

Comments

[Sharon]

I'm a long time fan of Masterpiece (Theatre, Mystery, Classic, Contemporary), although some of the shows I'm remembering now may not have been part of the series.

Was the first version of The Forsyte Saga (late 60s) on Masterpiece Theatre, or just on PBS/NET? I remember watching that on a small b/w TV in the bedroom because my husband was watching sports on the big TV. At least now (45 years later) he watches Downton Abbey with me and even hangs around to watch "A Manor of Speaking" afterward.

The Brother Cadfael series was one of my favorite Masterpiece Mystery series, too. I think they captured the spirit of Ellis Peters' books.

I loved "Wives and Daughters," too. It introduced me to Elizabeth Gaskell which was a gift. And "Prime Suspect" ... maybe I should try to think of the ones I didn't like.

It's difficult to pick a book or series I'd like to see made into a "Masterpiece," the first thing that came to mind was Ellis Peter's book(s) about the building of a cathedral over several generations ... my 3-in-1 volume was called "The Tree of Life." I'd like to see it, but I'd probably be the only person watching - not much action building a cathedral.

Maybe something more reasonable will come to mind later.

[LILinda]

Was Poldark Masterpiece? Loved that one, and the Sharpe series. The DH watched both with me. Looking forward to the new Poldark, and like the look of the new Ross.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Sharon--

Like you, I admit that I can't always separate the Masterpiece productions from other great British shows that were broadcast here on puiblic television. Now, of course, we can buy DVD sets of our favorites.

Masterpiece has had so MANY great shows. Even the less than great ones have been pretty darned good.

[Mary Jo Putney]

LiLinda--

Yes, Poldark was Masterpiece, and I agree that it will be fun to see the new *G*. And SHARPE! A feast for Regency writers. I have all those on DVD.

[LILinda]

Mmmm Sean Bean was delicious.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Oh, YEAHHHHH!

[Keira Soleore]

Mary Jo, I'm a huge fan of Masterpiece and over the years have enjoyed its great programming. So thank you for bringing Rebecca Eaton's book to my notice. I have added it to my list of books to read. From your description here, it should be a fascinating read.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Keira, the book is a lot of fun for any fan of the show. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Rebecca Eaton is good company. *G*

[Sharon]

I finally gave up on finding the Ellis Peters book I was thinking of in my bookcases and just Googled.

It was actually called The Heaven Tree Trilogy. Reading the review here: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/edith-pargeter/the-heaven-tree-trilogy/ I have to wonder if I'd like it as much today as I did 20 years ago. I seldom pick up a book 900 pages long these days.

[Christine Bush]

I absolutely loved Upstairs, Downstairs.. reading this brought the memories back. This sounds like a fascinating book.

[Kate S]

Gah.... has there been something that I didn't like... Ok, here's the thing, you in the UK get Downton Abbey before the USA does... that I don't like, I have to avoid spoilers...
I've watch Masterpiece via USA Public Broadcasting for 50 years...
Keep up the great work and I wish I could cancel some of our awful reality shows..

[Jo Beverley]

Great subject, Mary Jo. When I lived in Canada, Masterpiece and Mystery were a lifeline, along with some British shows we got through Canadian channels. There were other good programmes, but I needed the British-set historical dramas.

I remember The First Churchills very fondly, and Sharpe, of course. Upstairs, Downstairs sort of wore out on me and I don't think I watched the later seasons. I thought the new episodes they did set in the thirties were rather grim. I don't like grim.

I wonder if Masterpiece will pick up Jamaica Inn. That was pretty grim as well as there being problems with understanding the Cornish accents.

When I look at the list here, there are quite a few I never saw!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Masterpiece_Theatre_episodes

[Jackie]

I, Claudius and Cadfael are two of my favorites of Masterpiece. I am a Derek Jacobi fan too. For some reason I wasn’t a fan of Inspector Morse but I do enjoy Endeavour.

[Vicki]

I did love Upstairs/Downstairs. So wonderful. I liked the Mystery series as well. I actually made a point of watching those for awhile. I've always been a hit or miss TV watcher so I've missed much more than I've watched.

I remember my mom making a point of turning on Masterpiece Theatre every Sunday night. That is if there wasn't a Miami Dolphins Football game going....

Sadly, I've totally gotten away from watching any TV in the last 4 years. And I don't watch it on the computer either.

[Glenda]

As a lifelong history geek, I have always loved Masterpiece Theater. The only problem I've ever had with it isn't really with the programs as much as my problem of never having enough time to watch them!

[Pattie]

Wonderful post! My favorites are Poldark, Brideshead Revisited, Upstairs Downstairs and Downton Abbey. But is there even such a thing as a BAD Masterpiece series? I think not!

[Wendy]

Wow what is my fav it has to be Cadfael, I love Derek Jacobi as Cadfael. He just seems to be the perfect match. I bought the series on DVD and it was a great purchase my husband an I watch the series every couple months. We also love Foyle's War and Midsomer Murders we rotate those DVD's into our watching schedule. The only thing we seen to watch on regular TV is sports. By the way I have got my husband hooked on the regency period and I can't keep up with his reading now. Thanks to all the Wenches for such great writing and recomendations he loves them.

[Mary Jo Putney]

That's right, Edith Pargeter was her "serious" fiction name. I've never read any of those books because back when I read the Cadfaels, I couldn't get the Pargeters. But she's a fine writer, so I'm should look these up. I like cathedrals. *G*

[Mary Jo Putney]

Christine, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It brought back memories of so many stories I'd loved, and it was fun to learn more about how the show came to be what it was. And endured, no small feat.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Kate--

Sadly, we can't ignore all the silly reality shows, but we can ignore them!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Jo--like you, I avoid grim. It's lovely that now most of these series can be seen on DVD. Does the UK have a form of Netflix? If so, you can get caught up!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Jackie--

I'm a Derek Jacobi fan, also. I've never watched Morse--something about the description was off-putting to me--but I love the spin off series, LEWIS, and I've enjoyed the one Endeavour I've see. I suppose I really should watch a Morse or two at some point. *G*

[Mary Jo Putney]

Vicki--

I don't watch television, either, for a wide variety of reasons. But I do love watching good filmed stories, and they don't have commercials.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Glenda--I was once all set to catch up on some of the series I'd saved after I had surgery--and then I wasn't sick enough to do so! I think I'll have to retire to get caught up, and even then, it might not happen. *G*

[Mary Jo Putney]

Pattie--

Some series may be less than great, but I'm sure none of them have ever been -bad.- For that, we should thank Rebecca Eaton and her colleagues, I assume.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Wendy--

I'm with you on Foyle's War! I've seen a number of the Midsomer Murders, and tend to like best the earlier ones, before the writer/creator or some such guy left. I wish there were more Cadfaels!

[LILinda]

I was at the unveiling of Downton Abbey fabrics at Quilt Market and Andover brought over the set designer and costume designer from the show. Each did a wonderful behind the scenes talk. Obviously the Dowager is in half mourning, but every important event in Lady Mary's life has her wearing red. Lady Edith started out in pale peach and seafoam, and as she has gotten stronger her colors have strengthened to tangerine and teal.
It made it so much fun to watch this last season with this in mind.

[Mary Jo Putney]

How fascinating! It makes sense, though. We change our colors as we move through life, so the fictional characters should, too.

[Maureen]

What have I liked? I remember very well watching "The First Churchills." I was in High School. We were spellbound by the costuming, the acting, the bedding/love scene (quite titillating for the time), the locations. Well, now after all these years I finally visited Blenheim Palace this April...a thrill. And of course Susan Hampshire (Sarah Chruchill) was Fleur in "The Forsyte Saga." "Foyle's War" and of course "Downton Abbey" are must see TV. But my all time favorite is "Prime Suspect." Helen Mirren was awesome! I think that the UK does crime drama so well...the shows are gritty and have compelling plots/characters, great acting, real-people characterizations. The shows are not shoot 'em ups, although there is plenty of killing and dead bodies. Besides "Prime Suspect" the more memorable ones for me are: "Cracker" with Robbie Coltrane, "Second Sight" with Clive Owen, "Lord Peter Wimsey," "Touching Evil," "Inspector Alleyn Mysteries," "Dalgliesh," and now "Endeavor."
What have I not enjoyed so much? I was never a big fan of "Upstairs, Downstairs." Anathema I know but there it is.

[Judith Laik]

I think a couple of my favorites weren't actually Masterpiece Theatre productions: Flambards and A Horseman Riding By (the latter of which I've never been able to obtain an American video of.) I loved A Town Like Alice, the first Pride & Prejudice (still my favorite casting of all the filmed and serialized versions), and Poldark. I watched the program faithfully for several years, but then tailed off as my TV viewing diminished, until today I watch only rarely.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Ah, Lord Peter Wimsey! I especially like the ones with Harriet Vane. No one does mysteries better than the Brits. But they do so many terrific dramas as well. Have you seen LEWIS? WOnderful.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Judith--

I'll admit that I might confuse some of the Masterpiece productions with others of similar ilk. I also like A Town Like Alice. I loved the book, loved the series. It's such a story of hope.

[Constance]

I'm coming in a week late, but couldn't believe no one mentioned "Duchess of Duke Street", which I loved even more than Upstairs, Downstairs. Everything about it was so well done, from the character development to the sets to the fabulous costumes--to the heart wrenching love story. Sigh.... Also a huge fan of "Danger UXB" which I believe Anthony Andrews did before he starred in Brideshead. Must admit that I favor the period pieces, but am very much enjoying Endeavour, which just ended a season here, and left us hanging in suspense!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Constance--

I never saw The Duchess of Duke Street, though I always heard it was great. My favorite Anthony Andrews role was in The Scarlet Pimpernel, which wasn't a Masterpiece production, but it was WONDEFUL. Sigh....