This summer's binge t.v. recommendation is Mr. Selfridge on Masterpiece. Very similar in form to Downton Abbey, the series follows the life of American retail tycoon Harry Selfridge. While the man and store are real, I'm not sure how much licence is taken regarding the soap opera story lines of his staff and acquaintances.
I am catching up on past episodes through the wonder that is Netflix and making good progress while hubby is away on business. There is just enough intrigue between repetitive scenes of scarf arranging, shocked faces of staff upon hearing of Mr. Selfridges' newest advertising idea, and the shot of the clock hands at 8:59 a.m. before the store opens, to keep one engaged and loading up the next episode.
The Oxford Street department store is still open today and is the second largest in the U.K. I love that it has survived since 1909 and there is the real-life basis to the show. The series is adapted from the biography Shopping, Seduction, & Mr. Selfridge and I believe, being a lover of non-fiction (and biographies in particular), this might just have to be my vacation read this summer!
Check out Seasons 1 & 2 of Mr. Selfridge if you enjoy period piece drama!
Netflix also has a PBS show called "Secrets of Selfridges" he was a very interesting man for that time. I think you'll enjoy the 1 hour program.
Posted by: Heidi | July 24, 2014 at 09:17 AM