Versailles Stories
 

A series just starting a repeat run tonight on BBC4 here in the UK - not sure if it will be shown in the US:

http://www.liontv.co.uk/_london/prod...ersailles.html

Better get on to Discovery Channel!

How was it?

Nope, it's not shown in the US.

Instead, we'll get to watch "Monarchy, The Royal Family at Work" on PBS tonight.

http://www.pbs.org/opb/monarchy/

It is a series, and tonight's episode will show Her Majesty's 80th birthday.

Oh that was the series that got the BBC into a bit of trouble over the trailer. HMQ gets a bit shirty with Annie Leibovitz, though mostly because there seems to have been some misunderstanding about the full ceremonial robes she's been asked to tog up in.

The Versailles series is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look. I did see one or two last time it was on: the dedication and work that goes into maintaining these great buildings is unbelievable. Discovery Europe has been running it, apparently, so it may be on Discovery in the US some day.

Is it a soap like the Tudors, which is now on CBC each Tues at 9pm - and very bloody and ribald, like the times

I think this is different. The one you're thinking of is called "A Year with the Queen".

I guess I did see those Leibovitz's portraits - they are at the National Portrait Gallery when I went earlier this month.

PQ - the PBS series sort of takes you "behind the scenes." Last week's episode showed her state visit to the US for the Jamestown anniversary, and dinner at the White House.

BTW, does the Queen ever give interviews? In last week's episode, numerous people "talk" to the camera (Bush, Laura Bush, Brits working in the British Embassy), but not the Queen.

Oh, I had seen some documentary on the Versailles (I think), regarding how difficult it is to find skilled carpenter to re-create some of the gold-leafed Rococo decors. Can't really remember what that show is called (or if it really is on Versailles).

Nope, HMQ doesn't do interviews: just the once, she did an informal reminiscence of VE Day for BBC radio, I believe.