The story opens with the marriage of Tom Branson (Allen Leech) to Lucy Smith (Tuppence Middleton) with all the Downton regulars in attendance. After the happy event where most of the characters are reintroduced, the story resumes at Downton. A director is interested in filming at Downton and Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) is tempted; the money could be used to repair the roof. Lord Grantham is not keen on the idea and thinks his mother (Maggie Smith) would be horrified by the prospect. However, Violet Grantham has something else of interest; an old flame from the south of France has left a villa to her. She plans to bequeath it to Sybbie, her great granddaughter by Sybil and Tom. Of course, the old flame's widow is not so keen on relinquishing the villa. With the filming at Downton, Lord Grantham thinks it a grand idea to investigate the villa and meet the residents.
Of particular note, the movie is a silent film that must suddenly be changed to a talkie. Unsurprisingly, the lead actress has a horrendous accent and needs dubbing. This facet of the movie bears an uncanny resemblance to Singin' in the Rain. All the characters get their moment to shine. Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle) wins acclaim again, the often awkward part-time footman and later school teacher proves to have a talent for dramatic writing. Of course, it wouldn't be Downton Abbey if characters didn't start proposing to one another or having children. Yes, romances are requited and new children are added to the Grantham family.
Good popcorn fun.
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