Keeping Up Appearances (TV Series) Stately Home (1990) User Reviews

Comedy of the grandest order.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 3 December 2021]

Hyacinth and Richard are set to visit a stately home, but she has to see Daddy first, she soon learns that Captain Midnight, has been a busy boy at The Post Office.

Hyacinth spends more time with the more Earthly wing of the family, it's disapproving glances galore, chipped mugs, dirty worktops, and empty cans down the back of the sofa. Her looks of utter disgust that are so rewarding.

It's such a satisfying watch, these early years of the show were just magical, so witty, so funny.

Is the class system still as visible now as it was back in 1990, I don't think so. My Gran had a friend like Hyacinth, I'm sure that was the appeal, everyone could relate, her social climbing was hilarious.

8/10.

Off to Carldon Hall

[Rabical-91 · 10/10 · 14 July 2023]

Hyacinth is looking forward to a visit to Carldon Hall, a stately home in the countryside however en route she feels obliged to pay a visit to her father. However, when they arrive, they find he is not there. He has sneaked out under the guise of Captain Midnight to 'rescue' the woman from the post office from as he says ''a fate worse than death!''. More drama unfolds when a disgruntled woman appears at the house and starts a fight with Rose for having an affair with her husband!

Meanwhile, Onslow feels sorry for Richard having to be at Hyacinth's beck and call all the time and plans to take him out for a drink. He, Daisy and Rose later follow him and Hyacinth to Carldon Hall, setting Hyacinth's nerves on edge, who hopes to make a good impression of the lord and lady of the manor...

Wonderful stuff yet again. Geoffrey Hughes is particularly good in this episode. Onslow's strong rapport with Richard was one of the best things about the show. Onslow admiring Richard for the way he manages to tolerate Hyacinth and Richard admiring Onslow for his relaxed approach to life. Elizabeth reveals here that she is married, although her husband is never seen as he works abroad in the oil fields.

The angry wife is played by the late Liz Gebhardt, who played the over emotional Maureen Bullock in John Esmonde and Bob Larbey's 'Please Sir!' and its follow up 'The Fenn Street Gang'.

Funniest bit - Hyacinth, startled by Onslow's dog barking at her, stumbling into the hedge ( which later became a recurring gag ), leading Hyacinth to loudly voice her displeasure. Appearing at the window, Onslow calls out : ''keep the noise down, you daft b***h! And that goes for you too, dog!''.

First Masterpiece

[carmichaelalexander-73628 · 10/10 · 9 July 2023]

I discovered this gem only a few years ago, how I regret no doing so sooner.

Stately Home is one of 2 standout episodes of season 1. The others are great too of course. But this is comedy gold.

The setup is great, a true showcase for both Actress and Character. Patricia is on top form, showcasing Hyacinths Vanity and Delusional pride. The chase through the manner is hilarious! Hyacinth trying desperately to avoid her family, and making a fool of herself as usual.

Roy Clark is one of the few writers to have a trilogy of hits. Most have at least one, but a few have luck on their side.

10/10.

"Carldon Hall" a.k.a. Broughton Castle

[nlk87 · 6/10 · 18 February 2023]

If your somehow new to the "Bucket" pronounced "Bouquet" world, your in for a treat! Everyone enjoys watching Mrs. Hyacinth Bucket! Even my sports action movie genre type husband enjoys watching it! Love this show! Been watching Keeping Up Appearances since it 1st aired, I would've been 3 years old!

Hyacinth has always reminded me of my grandmother. Mainly looks & voice! And in this particular episode, (that I've never realized before) they film inside Broughton Castle, the Oak room, which is the same filming spot of the 2011 Jane Eyre movie. As Thornfield Hall. It's odd that it doesn't matter how many times you watch a show, when you eventually re-watch it you see things that you never noticed before!

Not bad

[MarkLynnIreland1294 · 6/10 · 3 July 2023]

I barely seen much of this episode of Keeping Up Appearances as it was of the first series, so can't give it much a high rating.

This is the first episode which features Onslow's dog even the iconic scene it likes the old car like a kennel, and barks at Hyacinth walking pass making her fall on to the hedge.

After visiting to see her Daddy, Hyacinth and Richard visits Carlton Hall (don't know how it pronounced) as this episode title where Hyacinth is keen of meeting nobility. Only then to her horror, her sisters and brother-in-law Onslow turn up as Richard let slip where they were going, in order make a quick exit.

Somehow this episode reminds me of Country House Sale and Rolls Royce in last series.