Retro : Return to Eaton Place : ‘UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS’ EPISODES RELEASED ON A COLLECTOR’S VIDEO SET

“Upstairs Downstairs” was one of the most popular and acclaimed series ever to air on PBS’ long-running “Masterpiece Theatre.”

But it has been impossible to find copies of favorite episodes at local video stores. Until now. After a long absence from video store shelves, fans of the series can now enjoy the handsome new Collector’s Edition, released last month on A&E; Home Video. The set, which runs for $150, features 14 complete episodes on 7 videos. Each volume is also available as a single for $25.

Created by actress Eileen Atkins and Jean Marsh, “Upstairs Downstairs,” spanned the years 1903-1930, chronicling the life and times of the Bellamy household who at 165 Eaton Place in London.

The series, which aired on PBS from 1974-77, paralleled the lives of the aristocratic Bellamys who lived upstairs and their faithful servants who lived downstairs. Besides cocreating the series, Marsh also starred in the series along with the equally splendid Pauline Collins, Angela Baddeley, Rachel Gurney, Gordon Jackson, David Langton, Simon Williams and Lesley Ann Down.

“Upstairs Downstairs” won a total of nine Emmys during its run in the United States.

The episodes featured in the set:

VOLUME ONE

“On Trial”: When the new underhouse parlormaid Sarah violates the downstairs’ written code, the staff puts her on “trial” and learns her strange secret.

“For Love of Love”: Elizabeth wants to live in sin with her new boyfriend and James picks up with the most unlikely consort.

VOLUME TWO

“I Dies for Love”: Lady Marjorie and friends plan a big picnic for their household staffs. But the preparation leads to a tragic romantic involvement with the Irish kitchen maid, Emmily.

“Why Is Her Door Locked?”: Mrs. Bridges commits an unthinkable crime that could send her to jail.

VOLUME THREE

“Guest of Honor”: Edward the VII is the dinner guest at Eaton Place. During the event a pregnant Sarah arrives.

“A Special Mischief”: Elizabeth goes to a suffragette protest when the family is away. Rose tries to stop her and they all are arrested.

VOLUME FOUR

“A Change of Scene”: Hudson attends to James for a hunting weekend at the country home of Lord Newbury.

“Desirous of Change”: A widowed French countess with a dark past sets her sights on a newly widowed Richard.

VOLUME FIVE

“The Bolter”: James and his sensitive wife Hazel have no idea what’s in store for them when they’re invited to the Newburys.

“A Perfect Stranger”: Rose falls in love and plans to marry an Australian despite the protests of the staff.

VOLUME SIX

“The Glorious Dead”: World War II brings many changes to Eaton Place.

“Facing Fearful Odds”: Lord Bellamy is asked to defend a young officer facing a court martial for cowardice; Edward goes AWOL.

VOLUME SEVEN

“Wanted a Good Home”: When the autocratic governess Miss Treadwell is put in charge of Eaton Place, the staff goes berserk.

“An Old Flame”: James meets an old girlfriend at a notorious London club. The two cause a scandal when they go off for a weekend together.