To the Manor Born Series Two DVD – Peter Bowles, Daphne Heard

Hot on the heels of her acclaimed success in The Good Life, Penelope Keith undertook a role that would further confirm her place as one of Britain’s leading comic actors: the role of Audrey fforbes-Hamilton in To The Manor Born. Series Two, first broadcast in 1980, finds the war of words, wits and witticisms escalating as successful businessman Richard De Vere continues to attempt to bring his expertise to the running of Grantleigh Manor, often in direct opposition to the wishes of its previous owner. ‘Rationalising’ the estate, and ploughing new fields are just two of Richard’s plans, when he’s not sniffing out poachers and disappearing vases as well as playing host to a friend of Marjory’s who once went by the name of ‘Podge’. But the cold frost between them may yet be melting as familiarity begins to breed the opposite of contempt.