Gilded Age girls weaponize their wealth against British snobs who need cash but hate Americans. Chaos ensues.
10.055 minSeason 1 • Episode 5
LatestJulius has insisted that Nan continues their facade of a marriage, but she was unable to deny her love for Guy.
Because of their "new money" background, four American girls have difficulty breaking into the upper-crust society of New York. Laura Testvalley, the governess of one of the girls, suggests a London season and thus the young women set sail for England and the unsuspecting English aristocracy. In England, all the girls soon find eligible husbands and the youngest girl, Nan, seems to land the best husband of them all: the handsome and very wealthy Julius, Duke of Trevennick. The girls soon discover that English upper-class men are not at all what they expected and hoped for.
Costume
Gowns so extravagant they deserve their own subplot.
Acting
Cherie Lunghi's governess steals every scene with quiet steel.
Writing
Wharton's unfinished novel adapted with sharp social observation.
Carla Gugino
Nan St. George
Mira Sorvino
Conchita Closson
Alison Elliott
Virginia St. George
Rya Kihlstedt
Lizzy Elmsworth
Dinsdale Landen
Lord Brittlesea
Cherie Lunghi
Laura Testvalley
Greg Wise
Guy Twaite
James Frain
Julius Folyat
Rosemary Leach
Lady Brittlesea
Sophie Dix
Lady Honoria Marabel
Ronan Vibert
Lord Richard Marabel
Mark Tandy
Lord Seadown
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on Edith Wharton's unfinished final novel, completed posthumously from her notes—giving it an accidental meta-quality about stories left untold.
This 1995 BBC adaptation predates Downton Abbey by 16 years and essentially invented the 'Americans invade British estates' prestige drama template.
GB
