Wisely the filmmakers have stitched together multiple plot lines this time (as opposed to a royal visit being the main feature in the first film). This leads to a richer tapestry to work with and this creates improvements on the first movie in almost every way.

One plot line is the mystery inheritance of a villa in France by Violet Crawley, played by the series MVP Maggie Smith. This necessitates a trip across the pond and provides the opportunity of showcasing some amazing scenery and contributes to even more visual candy.

Another is allowing an American film crew to use the house as a film set and this insures an interesting expansion of the cast. Nowhere does this feel like anything the common man would ever experience in normal life and that is surely the point. Pure escapism sometimes needs the grand life and this is grand indeed.
Rob Hudson
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The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa.

Downton Abbey: A New Era will be released in Australian cinemas April 28!
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Having lost touch wit the TV series a few seasons back, it was reassuring that all the main characters have returned. The screenplay by Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park and Vanity Fair) still capitalises on the show’s MVP and writes some great lines for Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith) and she comically spars with everyone she converses with.

The story based on the impending visit of the King and Queen is used as the basis of an us against them tale. The staff of Downton Abbey have their work cut out for them as they battle the royals’ staff to exert dominance over the running of their home.

The film is an unchallenging affair that offers a comforting flow of humour and trace amounts of subtext. It also enables a subdued sense of outrage at the huge amount of effort it took to please the royals and to deal with the pompousness of their handlers.

Rob Hudson
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Over its 6 seasons, the series garnered 3 Golden Globe Awards, 15 Primetime Emmy Awards, 69 Emmy nominations in total, making Downton Abbey the most nominated non-US television show in the history of the Emmys – even earning a Special BAFTA award and a Guinness World Record for the highest critically rated TV show along the way.

The Downton Abbey movie will star the original principal cast, including Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Joanne Froggatt, Matthew Goode, Harry Hadden-Paton, Robert James-Collier, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, Penelope Wilton, and Academy-Award® winner Maggie Smith, as well as new cast members Academy-Award® nominee Imelda Staunton, Geraldine James, Simon Jones, David Haig, Tuppence Middleton, Kate Phillips and Stephen Campbell Moore.

Academy-Award® winner Julian Fellowes who created Downton Abbey and wrote the film’s screenplay will produce alongside Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge. Michael Engler returns to direct. Brian Percival, who directed the series’ pilot, will executive produce the movie alongside Nigel Marchant.

Downton Abbey will be released in Australian cinemas September 12!
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The Chaperone takes place amid the backdrop of the tumultuous times of the early 1920’s. The life of a Kansas woman (Elizabeth McGovern, Downton Abbey) is forever changed when she chaperones a beautiful and talented 15-year-old dancer named Louise Brooks to New York for the summer. One of them is eager to fulfil her destiny of dance and movie stardom;  the other hopes to unearth the mysteries of her past.

The Film reunites the writer, director and star of Downton Abbey TV Series. The Chaperone, based on Laura Moriarty’s best-selling book, is scripted by Julian Fellowes, directed by Michael Engler, and stars Elizabeth McGovern, who played Lady Grantham in the hit series.

The Chaperone is in Australian cinemas April 25.
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To enter this great competition simply fallout the form below. Please note – these tickets are for a specific event only and can not be exchanged or refunded. The winners will need to be available on Tuesday April 23 at 6:30pm in Brisbane to be able to attend this event at Palace Barracks.

The Chaperone Competition

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Competition will be drawn 19 April 2019, winners will be notified by email.