The House of Eliott
inFrequently Asked Questions and Complete Episode Guide
NOTE: The content of this iFAQ was originally posted to the House of Eliott newsgroup and is currently being used with permission.
Version 2 (19th September 1995)
This iFAQ was compiled by Andy Aldridge with an
immense amount of help from both Hazel Simpson
and William Spiers, and also thanks to Gregory B. Tiede for
actually remaining hooked into a seemingly dead newsgroup!
Any more interesting gossip or facts regarding the show should be sent to...
thoe@aald.demon.co.uk
...or better still should be posted into the newsgroup...
alt.tv.house-of-elliot
The Questions
*************
1. What was "The House of Eliott"?
"The House of Eliott" was a quality popular drama made by the British
Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). It was the story of two sisters and their ups
and downs in the fashion industry in London in the 1920s
2. How long did it run?
It ran for three seasons, a total of 34 episodes.
3. Will there ever be another series?
Probably not (but you never know), this was taken from the Radio Times
(a UK TV listings magazine published by the BBC) on the occasion of the last
ever episode (6th March 1994)...
The last bead has been stitched into place; the
hems have all been taken up; and the models are
waiting backstage. Bea and Evie are presenting their
last ever collection tonight. Despite viewing figures
of nine and a half million for each episode, there are
no plans to make another series - nor even a Christmas
special - of "The House of Eliott."
Louise Lombard has gone to America to launch her
movie career; and Stella Gonet, happily growing her
hair out of its 1920s-style bob, has started
rehearsals with the Royal Shakespeare Company in
Stratford.
4. Were there any books based on The HoE?
Jean Marsh wrote two House of Eliott novels the first, called (strangely
enough) The House of Eliott. It covered more or less the same ground as the TV
series, the second, A House At War, covered a later period in the Eliott
sisters lives.
5. What was "The House of Idiot"?
"The House of Idiot" was an incredibly funny spoof on the House of Eliott
performed by British comediennes Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders and Kathy
Burke in the BBC TV show "French and Saunders", at the end of the sketch
Stella Gonet, Louise Lombard and Cathy Murphy (Tilly) all put in an
appearance.
5. Why is the name of the newsgroup spelt wrong?
Search me!
Oh! I can't think of any more, here are some titbits of information
however...
* Jean Marsh the creator of "The House of Eliott" was also co-creator of
another high-quality British popular drama, namely "Upstairs Downstairs", in
which she also played the part of Rose.
* Elizabeth Garvie played the part of Elizabeth Montford, Evie's married
lover's wife, she also played the part of Elizabeth Bennett in the BBC's
excellent adaption of Pride and Prejudice (Rumour has it that she did once
play the part of someone who wasn't called Elizabeth!).
* Burt Kwouk of Pink Panther (and Tenko) fame appeared in a few episodes of
the first series.
* Judy Flynn (Madge) has EXACTLY the same accent in her other big role in the
BBC's sit-com "The Brittas Empire."
* Evie's art appreciation rarely went beyond "What a wonderful use of
colour".
* Phyllida Law, Emma Thompson's mum, had a part in the second series.
* Phillis Calvert 1940s British leading lady of many films you'll have never
heard of, put in an appearance in the third series.
* Since the demise of "The House of Eliott" Stella Gonet has acted with the
Royal Shakespeare Company.
* Since the demise of "The House of Eliott" Louise Lombard has acted in a
Sainsbury's commercial and was Clive James' sidekick in a New Year's show.
* Prior to "The House of Eliott" Stella Gonet was in a BBC Scotland drama
called "Down Where The Buffalo Go" in which she co-starred with Harvey
Keitel.
* Stella Gonet was also in a David Hare film called Heading Home.
* Both Stella Gonet and Louise Lombard have appeared in BBC hospital drama
"Casualty", as indeed have most British thespians.
* Stella Gonet is part Polish.
* Louise Lombard was a story teller on the BBC's long-running children's TV
programme "Jackanory"
The House of Eliott - Episode Guide.
************************************
All dates refer to the first UK broadcast.
The episodes are numbered as follows...
x.yy
| \/
| \____ The episode number.
|
|_______ The series number.
For example episode 3.8 is the eighth episode of the third series.
The Players
***********
Beatrice Eliott - Stella Gonet
Evangeline Eliott - Louise Lombard
Aden Gillett - Jack
Cathy Murphy - Tilly
Judy Flynn - Madge
The Episodes
************
1.1 31st August 1991 51m 29s
written by Jean Marsh
The first of 12 episodes of a costume drama about two
sisters, Beatrice (Bea) and Evangeline (Evie) Eliott
who set up a London fashion house for society
in the 1920s.
1.2 7th September 1991 51m 19s
written by Jill Hyem
Having recovered from their fathers death, the Eliott
sisters continue to struggle to make ends meet.
1.3 14th September 1991 51m 53s
written by Peter Buckman
Evie starts work with Mrs Partini, Bea learns from her
father's mistress that they have a half-brother.
1.4 21st September 1991 51m 27s
written by
1.5 28th September 1991 51m 33s
written by Alan Seymour
The Eliott sisters face an uncertain future after their
dismissal from Duroques
1.6 5th October 1991 51m 26s
written by Jean Marsh, Eileen Atkins, Michael Robson
Having decided to set up in business, Bea and Evie try
to get financial backing.
1.7 12th October 1991 50m 51s
written by Peter Buckman
The Eliott sisters get new premises and a new head
seamstress.
1.8 19th October 1991 51m 41s
written by Jean Marsh, Eileen Atkins, Deborah Cook
Beatrice's emotional life is in turmoil when the man that
she was once to marry unexpectedly comes back into her
life.
1.9 26th October 1991 50m 47s
written by Alan Seymour
Everyone is working long hours to complete the orders that
are flooding in. As tiredness turns to exhaustion, Tilly
finds that she is unable to cope.
1.10 2nd November 1991 51m 27s
written by Jean Marsh, Eileen Atkins
The relationship between Evie and Bea is threatened when
they are unable to agree on designs for their proposed
collection.
1.11 9th November 1991 53m 19s
written by Alan Seymour
The sisters find the theme for the new Eliott collection
and are introduced to an important fashion writer, who all
but ruins their reputation.
1.12 16th November 1991 53m 53s
written by Deborah Cook
The sisters stage a fashion show, unfortunately they are
accused of plagiarism, and this leads to dire consequences.
2.1 6th September 1992 52m 46s
written by Evgeny Gridneff
After the success of their first collection Bea and Evie
receive an unexpected offer to work in Paris.
2.2 13th September 1992 52m 05s
written by Deborah Cook
While Evie is designing in Paris, Beatrice determines to
expand The House of Eliott. An offer of help from an old
flame of Jack's has bitter-sweet consequences.
2.3 20th September 1992 52m 10s
written by Helen Slavin
Florence is making life unbearable for Tilly, forcing her
to make a decision that surprises Beatrice and Evie.
2.4 27th September 1992 50m 58s
written by
Preparations are under way for the forthcoming collection
when Beatrice sees her mother-in-law's artwork, Profoundly
influenced, she determines to change the show's theme.
2.5 4th October 1992 52m 10s
written by Deborah Cook
The Eliott sisters are commissioned to design costumes for
a contemporary ballet, the close involvement between Beatrice
and the ballet's choreographer, David, creates a problem
for Jack
2.6 11th October 1992 52m 39s
written by
When Tilly and Madge ignore Florence's instructions the
Eliotts are presented with a dramatic choice.
2.7 18th October 1992 52m 06s
written by Julia Stoneham
Gwendoline is introduced to The House of Eliott, her
confidential revelations are exploited by a betrayal from
within the workroom.
2.8 25th October 1992 52m 44s
written by Chris Curry
More is revealed about Ralph's financial dealings - could
the Eliotts go out of business? Also Elizabeth Montford
confronts Alexander over his affair with Evie.
2.9 1st November 1992 51m 47s
written by Deborah Cook
Beatrice has left Jack and has moved in with Evie. As the
sisters struggle with their next collection, the General
Strike prompts unrest in the workroom.
2.10 8th November 1992 50m 20s
written by Julia Stoneham
The opening of the London branch of Maison Gilles poses a
serious threat. Continuing financial problems force staff
to be laid off, and Gilles Caragnac offers to buy The House
of Eliott.
2.11 15th November 1992 51m 41s
written by Evgeny Gridneff
Despite Jack and Alexander's strenuous efforts, Bea and Evie
decide that they must sell The House of Eliott.
2.12 6th December 1992 52m 46s
written by Julia Stoneham
Beatrice and Evie head for America to promote their new
collection.
3.1 2nd January 1994 52m 40s
written by
Beatrice and Evie return from America to discover that many
of their London clients have deserted them for a rival
fashion designer.
3.2 9th January 1994 52m 04s
written by Deborah Cook
Bea and Evie go into ready-to-wear with Larry Cotter,
Abraham Barak turns down Jack's script, Madge's brother turns
up and Evie meets Miles Bannister.
3.3 16th January 1994 52m 20s
written by Stephen Wyatt
Bea and Evie sign a contract with Larry Cotter to expand into
ready-to-wear. Bea and Jack have a reconciliation and Beatrice
receives a proposal of marriage from Donald Bradley.
3.4 23rd January 1994 51m 33s
written by
The birth of Tilly's baby brings great excitement to the
troubled workroom, however Beatrice is worried about her own
future. Meanwhile the ready-to-wear premises are set up.
3.5 30th January 1994 50m 00s
written by Julia Stoneham
Bea gives birth, prematurely, to Lucy, while Jack is in
Glasgow. Tilly returns to work after the tragic death of her
baby.
3.6 6th February 1994 52m 24s
written by Julia Stoneham
Evie questions Beatrice's motives when she recommends Daniel
as a portrait painter to an attractive client.
3.7 13th February 1994 50m 00s
written by
The excitement surrounding The House of Eliotts venture into
ready-to-wear clothing is shattered when Joseph makes a chance
discovery.
3.8 20th February 1994 51m 04s
written by
When legal action against Larry and Grace proves pointless,
Bea and Evie are forced to take matters into their own hands.
3.9 27th February 1994 52m 50s
written by
As their wedding day draws nearer, Evie is disturbed when
Daniel proves strangely reluctant to introduce her to his
family. Jack's interest in politics continues.
3.10 6th March 1994 52m 24s
written by Julia Stoneham
Bea and Evie lose the venue for their collection, the day of
Jack's by-election arrives and a proposal from Miles' wealthy
father threatens to split The House of Eliott apart...
+----------------------+
|(c) Andy Aldridge 1995|
+----------------------+
|\ _,,,---,,_ Andy Aldridge
/,`.-'`' -. ;-;;,_ andy@aald.demon.co.uk
|,o- ) )-,_..;\ ( `'-' The Galaxie 500 Page
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