Some people like to imagine life in the future – how we’ll work, what we’ll eat, the clothes we’ll wear. Not me, mainly because no one really has a clue. I grew up watching The Jetsons, fully expecting that by the Year 2000 we’d be flying little personal jets through cities and wearing dresses with collars that looked like Saturn’s rings. It never happened. Ripped. Off.
History, on the other hand, is more reliable, and as far as I’m concerned, infinitely more seductive. We know the clothes, the cars, the language – we can make up stories leaving out the dull bits and embellishing the juicy parts.
And history is long and varied. The time that most appeals to me mightn’t do much for you. Don’t hate me but Ancient Rome leaves me cold.
My thing is about the nineteen twenties. After I grew out of those phony Jetsons, I was seduced by The Great Gatsby. What wasn’t to love about Robert Redford in pastels? Then I was captivated by the TV adaptation of Brideshead Revisited (whatever happened to Anthony Andrews, the foppish blond boy with the bear?)
The twenties was a photogenic decade, and a daring one, so it was a natural breeding ground for great stories. There was money, crime, sex, fashion and music. Also, nice lamps. Roll them together and it’s not surprising today’s writers and filmmakers are still drawn to it.
Top Comments
Loved the first episode - can't wait to watch more. It's kind of quirky, beautifully filmed.
For as long as I can remember I wished I was a teenager or in my early 20's in the 1960's. I really feel I missed an era that would have suited me (instead of the 80's/ 90's!) My hair, figure, love of 60's music and passion for standing up for whats right would have fitted in so well to this time!!