Downton Abbey: The Movie

Downton Abbey: The Movie
Release Date	September 13, 2019 (UK), September 20, 2019 (US)
Director	Michael Engler
Writer	Julian Fellowes

Downton Abbey, the movie, is a film written by Julian Fellowes and directed by Michael Engler. The film was produced by Carnival Film & Television and Focus Features.

The movie will be released on September 13, 2019 in the UK and on September 20, 2019 in North America.

Synopsis

The film is the continued story of the Crawley family, wealthy owners of a large estate in the English countryside in the early 20th century. The film is set in 1927, when King George V and Queen Mary visit Downton Abbey, causing quite a stir of uneasiness and tension among the Crawleys and Servants alike.

Plot

Spoiler warning! This section contains plot details about the film.

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In July 1927, King George V and Queen Mary themselves announce a visit to Downton Abbey on their way to Harewood House where their daughter, Princess Mary, is having trouble in her marriage to Viscount Lascelles. As a normal part of a Royal Visit, the Royal Household Staff come in to take over the duties normally carried out by the Downton Staff, putting the Downton Staff's noses very much out of joint. Part of the issue is that the Royal Hosuehold Staff do not make clear what they want from the Downton staff, leaving Thomas Barrow and Mrs Hughes unsure about what needs to be done (for instance, which silver is to be polished). Mary Talbot calls Charles Carson out of retirement to help prepare for the royal visit, once again passing over Thomas Barrow as butler, who does not take his de-promotion well at all.

Edith and Bertie arrive with Marigold. Henry Talbot is in the US for a racing meet, and Mary telegraphs him to ask him to come back as quickly as possible. Violet talks of Lady Maud Bagshaw, the Queen's lady-in-waiting and Crawley family cousin. Violet feels that since Lady Bagshaw has no heirs, her property should pass to her closest paternal relative--Robert--when she dies, but suspects Maud intends to name someone else instead. Then Violet takes an unexpected trip to London.

The Downton boiler breaks down, leaving the entire house with no hot water. When the plumber arrives, Andy is jealous of the tradesman's easy rapport with Daisy. Mrs Patmore asks Daisy when the plans for her wedding with Andy will begin, and Daisy is not eager to discuss this.

The Downton women go to lunch at Harewood House, where they are welcomed and made to feel at home by Princess Mary. Her children come to play quietly in the room with their nanny, until Viscount Lascelles comes home and orders the children taken back to the nursery. The Princess is visibly upset.

Daisy and Mrs Patmore are stunned when the villagers are incredibly excited by the royal visit. Mr Moseley offers his services for the visit, and Mr Bakewell at the local shop tells of his pride that the King and Queen will be eating food from his establishment. Daisy stops Mrs Patmore telling Mr Bakewell that the Royal party have brought all their own food.

Tom Branson is approached by Major Chetwode, who seems to be investigating Tom's anarchist Irish Republican sympathies. The night before the King and Queen arrive, Tom arranges to meet with the Captain in the village pub. While this is happening, a massive downpour occurs just as the folding chairs arrive for the village green, where the parade by the King and the Hussars will take place the next day. The Earl, Bertie, Mary, Anna and Edith take the chairs to the green and set them up in the rain, as the Earl spots Tom leaving the pub.

Andy, in a fit of envy, sabotages the now-mended boiler. This only frustrates him more, as it means the good-looking plumber must return and mend it again.

The King and Queen arrive, along with their staff, as well as Lady Bagshaw and her maid, Lucy Smith. The Royal Staff completely take over all the Downton Staff's duties for the luncheon for the Royal party. Meanwhile, both Mary and Anna have noticed that a number of small items such as statuettes and silver letter openers have gone missing. Tom Branson has several conversations with Lucy, and finds her fascinating. However, Violet is not happy with the familiarity between Lady Bagshaw and her maid, which is apparent in Maud calling Lucy by her first name instead of her surname.

The King offers Bertie a position as escort to the Prince of Wales on the upcoming African trip. After lunch, Edith tells Bertie that she thinks she might be pregnant, and that if Bertie goes to Africa it will be just after the birth of the child. Bertie promises to try and get out of the trip.

Tom is agitated during lunch, and rushes off as soon as it is over. Mary follows him, fearing that he has sided again with the Irish Republicans, both of them pushing their way through the villagers lining the main street as the Hussars parade down the road. Tom spots Major Chetwode, who ducks into a side alley and towards the courtyard where the King and his attendants are seated on horseback, awaiting the arrival of the Hussars on the village green. As Major Chetwode draws a pistol and is about to shoot the King, Tom knocks him to the ground. Mary, arriving at that moment, kicks the Captain's gun away, and the King and his attendants ride off to the parade without noticing the commotion. A group of police arrive, arresting the Captain, and Tom and Mary head to the Police Station to make a statement. The parade takes place without any interruptions. Tom explains he thought Chetwode was a royal investigator whom he intended to try and put at ease on his own, but realized he was trying to use him to get to the king.

During the afternoon, Tom speaks with a young lady in the grounds, unaware that she is Princess Mary. She knows who he is, and comments on how unusual his situation is. He replies that it is a matter of working out what is the best for the family, such as keeping Sybbie at Downton because that is her family. The Princess thanks him for his advice.

Edith has ordered a special ball gown for the event at Harewood House the day after the Downton visit, but is horrified when it turns out her dress has been sent to the US, and she has been sent the voluminous gown intended for someone else.

The Downton staff rebel, and meet in the wine cellar to discuss getting the honour of the house back by conducting what is in effect a mutiny. Thomas has befriended Mr Ellis, one of the Royal Household, who rings from the Village and pretends to be the London Comptroller of the Household Staff and demands that the four footmen brought to Downton be returned to London immediately to assist at a function there. The French cook brought in by the King's Butler is given a double dose of sleeping tablets in his tea by Anna, and locked in his room while he sleeps. The Butler is berating the staff when Mrs Patmore "accidentally" spills red sauce on him, and while he is upstairs changing, he is also locked into his room. The Royal Housekeeper is advised to keep away from everything as well.

Thomas decides to take the evening off, and arranges to meet Ellis in York. The rest of the Downton staff manage magnificently. Molesley is overwhelmed by the entire situation, and when the King comments that the food, while delicious, is not what he expected, Moseley blurts out that the Downton staff cooked and served everything. There is an awkward silence until the Queen graciously thanks Moseley and asks that her compliments be given to the cook. Moseley barely manages not to faint as he retreats from the dining room backwards.

Bertie attempts to turn down the position of escort to the Prince of Wales, and tells the King why, but the King says that it will be a good example to young Edward who needs to see how important having a family is.

Anna confronts the Queen's personal seamstress, Miss Lawton, whom she realises has been stealing the items around Downton. The seamstress is then pressured into adjusting Edith's dress, and returning all the stolen goods, before the royal party leaves the next morning.

Thomas is at a pub waiting for Ellis to join him, when another man suggests Thomas might like to come to a private club. Thomas goes with the man to a warehouse that is being used as a gay men's nightclub, with a band and dancing. It is almost too much for Thomas, who could not believe that there were so many men like him. He dances and is enjoying the company when the police raid the establishment and arrest everyone there. However, Ellis uses his credentials from the Royal Household persuades the police to release him, and drives him back to Downton. The pair talk for hours, and Thomas knows he has found a new friend.

Violet is horrified to discover that Lady Bagshaw not only refuses to allow her house and fortune to go to Robert, but has instead named Lucy Smith as her heir. Isobel however, later enters Lady Bagshaw's rooms and asks her if Lucy knows she is her daughter. Lady Bagshaw reveals she had an affair after her husband died, and hid Lucy's birth by going to the US. She regrets not marrying Lucy's father for lack of courage and fear of her father, but in naming her heir feels she "will have taken the first step". Isobel advises Maud to tell Violet the truth.

The Royal Butler, Cook and Housekeeper take breakfast with the Downton staff the next morning, and are warned that if they tell what happened, then it is the Royal Staff who will appear as fools. Andy tells Daisy what he did to the boiler, and Daisy realises that Andy is as passionate and headstrong as herself. She tells Mrs Patmore that she will start arranging the wedding soon. As the Royal staff leave, Ellis asks Thomas to write, and then the two kiss for a moment before they are interrupted (but not seen) by Andy.

Henry Talbot arrives back shortly after the Royal Party leaves, and is greeted passionately by Mary. During the ball at Harewood House, Lady Bagshaw tells Violet the truth at Isobel's instigation. Violet is understanding, and is made aware that Tom and Lucy have agreed to write. Princess Mary tells her husband they will both have to work on the marriage. The King tells Bertie that he has been persuaded by his wife that Bertie should not go on the African tour due to their future child's birth. Mary takes Violet into a side room to ask her why she went to London. Violet confesses she has seen a doctor and that she may not have long to live, but she is certain that Mary will preserve the estate for the family's future generations.

Back at Downton, Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes leave by the front door as a small rebellion.

Development

After over a year of speculation, an untitled Downton Abbey-based movie was confirmed on July 13, 2018 by Focus Features. There was first mention of the movie by president of NBC Universal International Studios, Michael Edelstein, on June 21, 2017 at a red carpet event in Singapore called Downton Abbey: The Exhibition. Julian Fellowes confirmed earlier in mid June 2017 he has been working on a script.

On October 2, 2017, the Downton Abbey Facebook account posted a teaser that could be related to a movie announcement, but it turned out to be an announcement for Downton Abbey: The Exhibition in New York City starting November 18, 2017.

At a press event in London on October 3, 2017, Julian Fellowes did not inspire confidence when he said he was "completely out of the loop" on the progress of a film.

At the end of 2017, an interview with Phyllis Logan (Mrs. Hughes), suggested the wheels were turning for a movie, since cast members were asked to clear their calendars for some part of 2018 and an updated script was to be distributed. Also, Highclere Castle is scheduled to be closed from May 30 to July 7, 2018 which some are speculating means it has been reserved for filming.

Dame Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, and Hugh Bonneville have all been confirmed to appear in the film. The whole main cast (of characters that are still alive) have now been confirmed to be returning, except for Lily James as Rose Aldridge, as her character has moved to New York. Sue Johnston has also been confirmed to not be returning as Gladys Denker.

Filming finished on November 30, 2018 after fifty days of filming.

Cast & Crew

• Oliver & Zac Barker as George Crawley
• Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley
• Laura Carmichael as Edith Pelham
• Jim Carter as Charles Carson
• Raquel Cassidy as Phyllis Baxter
• Brendan Coyle as John Bates
• Michelle Dockery as Mary Talbot
• Kevin Doyle as Joseph Molesley
• Michael Fox as Andrew Parker
• Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates
• Matthew Goode as Henry Talbot
• Harry Hadden-Paton as Herbert Pelham
• Fifi Hart as Sybbie Branson
• Rob James-Collier as Thomas Barrow
• Allen Leech as Tom Branson
• Phyllis Logan as Elsie Carson
• Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Crawley
• Sophie McShera as Daisy Mason
• Lesley Nicol as Beryl Patmore
• Douglas Reith as Richard Grey
• Eva & Karina Samms as Marigold
• Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley
• Penelope Wilton as Isobel Grey

New Cast Members

• Mark Addy as Mr Bakewell
• Max Brown as Richard Ellis
• Richenda Carey as Mrs Webb
• David Haig as Mr Wilson
• Andrew Havill as Henry Lascelles
• Geraldine James as Queen Mary
• Simon Jones as King George V
• Tuppence Middleton as Lucy Smith
• Stephen Campbell Moore as Major Chetwode
• Kate Phillips as Princess Mary
• Philippe Spall as Monsieur Courbet
• Imelda Staunton as Maud Bagshaw
• Susan Lynch as Miss Lawton
• TBA as Albert
• TBA as Johnny Bates
• TBA as Caroline Talbot

Printed Media

Images

Misc scenes

Not in any particular order...

Bates and Anna

Carson comes back

Dowager Countess makes an entrance

Mary and Henry

Mary and Henry dance

Character posters

Andy

Thomas

Edith

Mary

Videos

DOWNTON ABBEY - Official Trailer HD - In Theaters September 20

By Focus Features May 21, 2019

Teaser

DOWNTON ABBEY - Official Teaser Trailer HD - Only In Theaters 2019

By Focus Features Dec 14, 2018

References

• https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/07/downton-abbey-movie-plot-julian-fellowes-michelle-dockery
• https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/entertainment/a28421343/downton-abbey-movie-tuppence-middleton/
• https://www.list.co.uk/article/109882-sue-johnston-was-cut-from-downton-abbey-movie/
• https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/heritage/could-downton-abbey-and-princess-mary-spark-a-visitor-boom-at-harewood-house-1-9943579
• https://www.mirror.co.uk/film/downton-abbey-movie-uk-release-18968298

External links

• Downton Abbey (2019) at the Internet Movie Database
•  Downton Abbey (film)

News

Vanity Fair Downton Abbey: See the Cast’s Glam Movie Makeovers by Julie Miller March 27, 2019 1:36 pm

Entertainment Weekly Downton Abbey teaser posters bring back the elegant stars By Nick Romano March 27, 2019 11:54 AM EDT

'Mirror Downton Abbey movie: Jim Carter on what we can expect from the long-awaited film By Emma Jones 07:00, 3 FEB 2019; Updated 12:52, 3 FEB 2019

BritishPeriodDramas ‘Downton Abbey’ producer explains why they waited so long to make the movie 31st January 2019

Irish Independent Joanne Froggatt shares behind-the-scenes look at Downton Abbey film set By Alex Green, November 6 2018 8:07 PM

Town & Country Go Behind the Scenes of the Downton Abbey Film By Caroline Hallemann Oct 1, 2018

Gazette & Herald Lacock transformed for Downton movie filming By Joanne Moore 1 Oct 2018

Daily Mail UK Downton movie will have a royal plot featuring Queen Mary to tempt back viewers after success of The Crown By Bryony Jewell; Published: 05:05 EDT, 29 September 2018; Updated: 05:37 EDT, 1 October 2018

Town & Country New Set Photos Prove the Dowager Countess Is Alive and Well in the Downton Abbey Film By Caroline Hallemann Sep 28, 2018

Elle Everything We Know About the Downton Abbey Movie By Holly Rhue Sep 27, 2018

Deadline Hollywood ‘Downton Abbey’ Movie Sets Fall 2019 Opening by Anthony D'Alessandro September 19, 2018 10:06am

PEOPLE Michelle Dockery Shares Photo from the Set of the Downton Abbey Movie: 'And...We're Off' Emily Zauzmer September 11, 2018 09:48 AM

Irish Independent Elizabeth McGovern: Fans will love Downton Abbey film script By Laura Harding, August 21 2018 9:00 AM

Huffington Post ‘Downton Abbey’ Officially Revived For Movie With Original Cast By Cole Delbyck 07/13/2018 12:46 pm ET

Focus Features Focus Features Announces Production on the Downton Abbey Movie by FOCUS FEATURES 07.13.2018

Secondary news

Irish Exampiner Downton Abbey movie has almost finished filming – Phyllis Logan Thursday, November 08, 2018 - 01:54 PM

Vanity Fair Michelle Dockery on Her Godless Emmy Nomination and the Downton Abbey Movie by Julie Miller August 17, 2018 11:53 am

Vanity Fair ‘It’s Happening: Downton Abbey’s Original Cast Is Reuniting for a Movie Yohana-Desta July 13, 2018 08:57AM PT

Old news

Daily Mail UK Clear your diaries for Downton the movie, stars are told: Mrs Hughes actress Phyllis Logan gives the biggest hint yet of the Abbey news every fan is longing to hear By Patricia Kane Published: 18:49 EST, 30 December 2017; Updated: 19:50 EST, 30 December 2017

Radio Times “Big news is on its way!” Is the Downton Abbey movie about to be announced? By Eleanor Bley Griffiths Monday, 2nd October 2017 at 3:18 pm

Digital Spy There's a special Downton Abbey announcement coming – but is it the film? By Sam Warner 2 October 2017

(Not really)  Vanity Fair Is This the First Major Clue About the Downton Abbey Movie? by Julie Miller June 29, 2017 10:00 pm

CNN.com 'Downton Abbey' the movie is coming By Lisa Respers France 11:19 AM ET, Thu June 22, 2017

Vanity Fair The Downton Abbey Movie Is Definitely Happening, Unless It Isn’t by Yohana Desta June 22, 2017 9:08 am

Deadline Hollywod ‘Downton Abbey’ Movie To Start Production In 2018 by Diana Lodderhose June 22, 2017 2:56am

Variety.com ‘Downton Abbey’ Movie Aims for Production in 2018 Stewart Clarke June 22, 2017 02:21AM PT

APNews.com NBC says ‘Downton Abbey’ movie production to start in 2018 By ANNABELLE LIANG Jun. 21, 2017

TheGuardian.com Julian Fellowes webchat – your questions answered on The Wind in the Willows, Downton Abbey, winning an Oscar – and Nando's Tuesday 13 June 2017 09.17 EDT