Cynics dismiss the genre as a threadbare parade of bonnets, frilly shirts and cliches, but costume drama is subject to trends, too. Mind you, Jane Austen has ruled the roost for a while now, costume drama is a whimsical beast. It all began with a bow, arrow and foot-tapping jingle in The Adventures of Robin Hood in 1955. Then came adultery in The Forsyte Saga, posttraumatic stress in Upstairs, Downstairs and risque Romans in I Claudius. Part one selects the best of the bunch, while the stars reminisce about their time in togas and stays.
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