About book Making Masterpiece: 25 Years Behind The Scenes At Masterpiece Theatre And Mystery! On PBS (2013)
I had the pleasure of meeting Rebecca Eaton once - it wasn't a happy occasion (the memorial service for Jeremy Brett at St Martin's-in-the-Fields): we were introduced by Michael Cox, executive producer at the time for the Granada TV series of Sherlock Holmes. So I wanted to enjoy this book about MASTERPIECE, which I knew of before I moved to Canada, but and which I have come to appreciate more in recent years.Last things first, I suppose, if I say that it was something of a disappointment that the extensive acknowledgements in the book gave no mention of Michael Cox or the Granada team involved in the Sherlock Holmes series. But, possibly, because of the more recent successes MASTERPIECE has had with SHERLOCK and DOWNTON ABBEY, contributions of the past fade from memory. . . .As I said, I wanted to enjoy this book - but I found it lacking. Lacking in warmth and real sincerity, and little more than an 'I did this' and 'I mistake about not doing that'-kind of book. I'd have seen this as a real opportunity to promote WBGH's massive successes, and the wonderful contribution that PBS makes to our television viewing, a contribution which I actively support.There are some interesting speculations (by others than the author) on why awards from Britain for DOWNTON are less forthcoming than they are from the US, and there is a failed exposition (from the author) regarding the cuts made to programmes to fit PBS scheduling (no, Rebecca, the arguments really don't hold up!).More, I think, my disappointment is with the seeming naivety that Ms Eaton treated what were going to be obvious successes she passed on. As a fan of Masterpiece Theater and British Shows, I was engrossed in this book. Rebecca Eaton has lived a very fascinating life, and has met so many talented actors before they hit it big or even when they were at the top of their game. Reading the behing the scenes aspects of what time, money, and energy it takes to get a show up and running was an eye opening thing to read. I can't beleive she almost past on Downton Abbey because it was too similar to Upstairs Downstairs. I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Masterpiece.
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This is a great read. Highly recommend it to all fans of Masteroiece Threatre!
—millkaus
Really interesting and fun look at Masterpiece for those PBS junkies among us!
—lexyemery
