The Grand

Drama set both above and below stairs in an opulent Manchester hotel after World War I. A cross between Upstairs, Downstairs (1971) and _"Duchess of Duke Street, The" (1976)_. The hotel is owned by brothers John and Marcus Bannerman, with John's wife Sarah holding a casting vote. John is dull but reliable; Marcus is devious, unscrupulous - and in love with Sarah... Mr Collins is the head porter whose son died in the war but who is too proud to let his grief show. Kate Morris and Monica Jones are chambermaids who dream of bettering themselves: things look up for Monica when one of the long-term guests, Esme Harkness (an ageing prostitute!), takes her under her wing and teaches her how to be a lady.