Before Richard Armitage became a Hollywood star in films like The Hobbit and Ocean’s Eight, he played the brooding Romantic Hero, John Thornton, in BBC’s period drama North and South (2004) based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s 1854-1855 classic novel.
And while the swoony leading man gives Colin Firth a run for his money in the heartthrob department, his character’s popularity has stayed in costume drama cult status rather than mainstream. The same goes for the romantic miniseries itself.
Today no reviews are on Rotten Tomatoes, and limited press coverage exists on the internet. And yet, many fans believe North and South is one of the most significant period dramas of all time.
It’s also one of the most influential. Even IMDB’s Top 250 Rated TV shows currently rank North & South at #209, among other shows like Pride and Prejudice and Game of Thrones.
So, as BBC’s North and South celebrates its 18th anniversary this year, we pay respect to this little period drama that could.
North and South BBC Exceeded Expectations
When the drama first premiered, the BBC had low expectations. So, it was a shock when, on the same day, the program’s message board shut down the website because of the number of visitors.
The four-part British drama won numerous fan awards from the BBC’s annual poll in 2004, but critics mostly ignored it. North and South did receive one BAFTA nomination for Production Design.
Word of mouth soon spread to the United States, and by the time it was released on DVD in 2005, period drama fans were ready to buy. North and South was a sleeper success the BBC didn’t see coming.
What’s even more admirable about the cult status of this series is it never aired on PBS’ MASTERPIECE like many popular period dramas, including Jane Eyre (2006) and Poldark. North and South was a surprise hit simply because it was that good.
Years later, Netflix added the miniseries to its streaming service, giving the series another massive boost. And despite losing most of its BBC content to BritBox and Prime Video, North and South remained a Netflix fixture for much longer, leading more and more viewers to watch this underrated and brilliant series every year.
It did eventually move to its current home on BritBox.
The Story of North & South
The adaptation follows Margaret Hale (Daniela Denby-Ashe), a young woman from southern England who moves to Milton (a fictional town based on Manchester) when her father leaves the clergy over a matter of conscience.
As she and her family adjust to the hardships of the north due to industrialization (and numerous cotton mills in the town), they meet John Thornton (Armitage), the cotton mill owner of Marlborough Mills, facing a workers’ strike.
Soon, Margaret befriends a few local mill workers, opening her eyes to the people’s severe poverty and class struggles. Brendan Coyle (Downton Abbey) makes his mark as union and strike leader, Nicholas Higgins, befriending Margaret and later Mr. Thornton.
RELATED: JOHN THORNTON: 15 MOMENTS GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOU SWOON
Despite Margaret’s and John’s differences and even initial dislike for each other, they’re drawn together during a time of social upheaval and family crises.
“It’s a sort of Victorian Pride and Prejudice,” screenwriter Sandy Welch told the Independent. But it’s also got some Charlotte Brontë (a friend of Gaskell’s) as well – shown in the first meeting between Margaret and John.
“It’s very much a Jane Eyre/Mr. Rochester type meeting because he’s not seen in his best light at that moment. I think Gaskell would approve of that…at least, I’m hoping so,” Welch explained (on why she added a new scene, not from the book).
Ultimately, Margaret Hale and John Thornton must overcome prejudice and social issues to be together.
A Fascinating History Fraught With Literary Gossip
Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South first appeared in Charles Dickens’s magazine, Household Words, in serialized weekly episodes from 1854 to 1855. However, the story struggled due to tensions between Gaskell and Dickens that could make a juicy miniseries of its own.
Charles Dickens first sought Elizabeth Gaskell to be a contributing writer for his magazine in 1850 because he felt she would fit his mission to raise “those who are down, and the general improvement of our social condition.”
And while they worked together fine at first, their relationship soured during Gaskell’s writing of North and South. She was the wife of a clergyman, a mother, and a world traveler and was regularly involved with social issues and entertaining guests. So, she struggled with deadlines, much to the annoyance of the professional Dickens.
RELATED: THIS IS WHY PERIOD DRAMAS DON’T NEED TO BE HISTORICALLY ACCURATE
The two also disagreed on the book’s creative direction. In various letters to others, each expressed their “mutual irritation.” Dickens called Gaskell “conceited and heavy.”
On the other hand, she felt “deeply distressed by the restrictions” on writing her novel. Elizabeth also didn’t believe it suited serialization. But she held her own against Dickens.
She later took more control of her story, added chapters, changed the ending, and had it published by Chapman & Hall in 1855.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s tale eventually fell into obscurity, only to gain more acknowledgment from socialist critics in the 1950s and 1960s. Critics now recognize it as one of the first industrial novels paving the way for vocal feminism.
The independent and compassionate young Margaret Hale (representing both female and male traits typical to the time) spoke out on pressing issues such as poverty – despite the differing political views of the era.
Plus, with book-to-screen adaptations, Gaskell as an author and North and South as a novel are getting more of the recognition they deserve.
North and South BBC Cast – An Ensemble to Remember
After a long, grueling casting process, the production team cast the relatively unknown actors Daniela Denby-Ashe and Richard Armitage as the leads in the 2004 adaptation.
In a 2004 interview, Sandy Welch revealed her happiness with Daniela’s casting. “There’s a directness about Daniela, as well as a terrific charm and great energy. It’s very important that you don’t misread Margaret as a pushy, snobbish Southerner, but someone with a lively and enquiring mind who wins your sympathy. Daniela does that, I think.”
As for the part of Thornton, it was his chemistry with Daniela that helped secure him the role.
“When Richard walked in, and we started playing together, I just knew,” actress Daniela Denby-Ashe revealed in the documentary, The Story of the Costume Drama.
“There was just an instant chemistry,” Richard Armitage admitted. “We worked on these scenes, everything disappeared, and it was the two of us in the room….” In a word, he described their experience acting together as “unforgettable.”
RELATED: REVIEW: DOWNTON ABBEY IS THE PERIOD DRAMA MOVIE OF THE YEAR
Besides the leads, the rest of the cast and main characters included a mix of character actors and newcomers. Distinguished actor Brendan Coyle played to type the tempestuous and intelligent strike leader, Higgins.
Anna Maxwell Martin (Bleak House) acted as his dying daughter, Bessy; the battleax mother of Thornton was played brilliantly by Sinéad Cusack, and Thornton’s hilarious sister, Fanny, was played by scene-stealer Jo Joyner.
Margaret’s family included Lesley Manville as Mrs. Hale, Tim Pigott-Smith as Mr. Hale, and Rupert Evans (Hellboy) as the brother, Frederick Hale. Fun Fact: Tim Pigott-Smith also played Frederick in the little-known 1975 adaptation starring Patrick Stewart (Star Trek).
The cast and crew filmed the North and South miniseries on locations, including Edinburgh, London, Hambledon, Keighley, and Selkirk, with elaborate set designs – helping the actors to get into character. Armitage was “floored” by the “amazing world” the design team created.
From start to finish, production took three and a half months to shoot. But would it all come together?
The Modern Period Drama
The BBC broadcasted the romantic drama series on November 14, 2004. Directed by Brian Percival (The Book Thief), produced by Kate Bartlett (Vera), and written by Sandy Welch (Jane Eyre), the production team brought new contemporary ideas to the period drama genre.
Welch, for example, respected the essence of the classic novel and the Victorian period while also making the themes relatable. Stylistically and thematically, North and South makes it easier for modern audiences to connect to the historical and passionate story.
“I do think that this marks a different sort of costume drama,” Richard Armitage explained in an interview on the DVD’s Special Features.
The miniseries experimented with modernism, atmospheric lighting, arty production design, photographic cinematography, costumes matching the color scheme, and contemporary camera movement with tracking shots — a style we recognize in shows like Victoria today.
But this was less common in TV period dramas of the past. Percival later went on to direct several episodes of Downton Abbey, and you can see that contemporary emotional elegance here and how it later influenced his filmmaking style.
RELATED: THIRTY-FIVE FASCINATING MOVIES ABOUT REAL-LIFE ROYALS TO WATCH
On the DVD commentary, Percival, Bartlett, and Welch discussed the artistic use of mood and color to represent Margaret’s perceptions. They “heightened” the colors of Helstone to reflect Margaret’s romanticized perspective, while the northern town of Milton was more colorless.
But as Margaret’s understanding of Milton evolved and became more positive, the mill town became “more colorful.”
Armitage also described the filmmaking techniques, saying, “the style of shooting and the style of playing is very contemporary. Even though every department was honoring the accuracy and tradition of the 1850s, it wasn’t the aim to make it a documentary or a museum-type piece.”
He added, “there’s a sort of motion with the photography, which we’re very used to when we watch a contemporary drama. Traditionally with period drama, it tends to be more static.”
North and South helped move the TV costume genre and other BBC adaptations past static storytelling into more inventive television, influencing numerous period dramas (Downton Abbey, The Crown) that followed.
Better than Mr. Darcy?
As soon as North and South aired, comparisons between Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy and Richard Armitage as Mr. Thornton started, and they haven’t stopped since. “I think being compared to Darcy is a huge compliment,” Armitage admitted.
RELATED: Jane Austen Movies and Where to Watch Them
He was intense, moody, romantic, and passionate as Thornton. And like Firth, he had given a definitive performance of a beloved literary hero.
But while Armitage hasn’t received as much mainstream attention, the role undeniably catapulted his career. Richard Armitage even described Mr. Thornton as “the role of a lifetime.”
Eventually, Peter Jackson offered Armitage the career-changing part of Thorin Oakenshield, the dwarf king in The Hobbit trilogy, turning him into a movie star.
One of the Great Love Stories
“The landscape of North & South is incredibly gray and bleak. And deliberately so. And then in the middle of it, you’ve got this really beautiful, blossoming romance.”
– Richard Armitage
One of the most defining parts of North and South is the love story between Margaret Hale and John Thornton. More than “will they or won’t they,” there’s an emotional and intellectual connection of equality growing between the two.
The love and attraction run so deep; a burst of feeling is imminent. And with the synergistic chemistry between Daniela Denby-Ashe and Richard Armitage, the fire burns through the television. The miniseries is hot stuff – period drama style, that is.
RELATED: 50 of the Best Romantic Period Drama TV Series of All Time to Watch
Instead of a love scene, there’s a touch of a hand. The romance builds with a glance here or an expression there. But this drama takes it further when the camera brings us inside the characters’ heads.
When Margaret leaves town, Mr. Thornton watches her ride away in a single carriage in the snow. “Look back at me,” he wishes aloud.
The camera slowly zooms in on his expressions. He loves her and wants her to come back to him. But he knows she won’t. The emotion etched on his face and heard in his voice is more compelling than any explicit love scene.
Ultimately, North and South is an example of how to do a love story right without sacrificing gender equality, something all filmmakers can emulate.
The Most Romantic Moment
But what’s the most romantic moment of this epic love story? In a four-part series, numerous romantic moments stand out.
But the fans got it right when they voted the final sequence for the Favorite Moment of the year on the annual BBC poll in 2004. It also is the most romantic.
After prejudice, misunderstandings, unfortunate circumstances, and more, Margaret and John finally come together and share more than a few passionate kisses at a train station.
It’s enough to make any viewer swoon.
Daniela Denby-Ashe described the scene as “incredibly romantic,” and “beautiful to film.” Adding that it was “pretty special.”
Richard Armitage, on the other hand, believes it’s the most romantic scene in the series “because of its simplicity.”
He continued, saying, “There are very very few dialogue lines. It’s all about their physical presence and him seeing her and needing to take her home.” He added, “it still makes me tingle.”
An Essential Period Drama – North and South (BBC)
BBC’s North and South finished airing 18 years ago on December 5, 2004, and over time has become just as culturally relevant as Pride and Prejudice among period drama fans. It is an important period drama because it’s genre-defining and revolutionized how to film future TV period dramas.
North and South is also still relevant thematically. The socio-political themes of poverty, classism, and feminism are especially current.
Ultimately, it captures the perfect balance between the past and contemporary society – something filmmakers of period drama often fail to accomplish. So, whether you’re a potential fan or filmmaker, turn on BritBox and try this series. You won’t be sorry.
“I think North & South is up there with the great romantic costume dramas,” Richard Armitage said in a 2008 interview.
But he would only be partially correct. Not only was this a great love story, but it’s also a vital drama about social issues, social justice, the hardships of the poor working class, and human relationships. North and South is up there with the best costume dramas of all time, period.
North and South BBC Streaming – Where to Watch
North and South is available to stream on Britbox and Britbox Amazon Channel. You can also buy it on DVD.
What are your thoughts on the period drama North and South from the BBC? Do you think it’s one of the best TV period dramas? Leave a comment below!
(Photos: BBC)
Editorial Note: This post was first published in 2019 and has been updated for 2022.
Other Sources (not linked in the article):
- Bartlett, Kate; Percival, Brian, and Welch, Sandy. Audio commentary. North and South. Director Percival, Brian. Perf. Daniela Denby-Ashe, and Richard Armitage. 2004. DVD. BBC DVD, 2005.
- Hopkins, Annette B. “Dickens and Mrs. Gaskell.” Huntington Library Quarterly 9, no. 4 (1946): 357–85. https://doi.org/10.2307/3815978.
- “Interview with Richard Armitage.” Special feature. North and South. Director Percival, Brian. Perf. Daniela Denby-Ashe, and Richard Armitage. 2004. DVD. BBC DVD, 2005.
- “North and South – the Storyline .” VCT filming: North and South. Accessed November 2019. http://www.vintagecarriagestrust.org/film04northand.htm.
- “Press Office – North and South.” BBC. BBC. Accessed November 2019. http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2004/04_april/30/north_south.shtml.
- The Story of the Costume Drama. Episode: Affairs of the Heart, 2008.
PIN THIS ARTICLE! AND MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW US ON PINTEREST.
This series not only made me a fan of Richard Armitage but reintroduced me to romantic period dramas.
Conheci essa série este ano, e simplesmente me apaixonei por ela em todos os aspectos, produção, direção, a história de amor ,elenco e é claro o casal principal que tem uma grande química e belas interpretações só com o olhar.. já assisti várias vezes,mas queria ter em DVD,mas é difícil encontrar. Pra mim é a melhor série ,pena que só teve 4 episódios..
This is an outstanding series. Literally every aspect of it was perfect. Daniela played it so well, finally a woman with determination and moxie. And Richard was assertive but restrained. You could see the characters challenge each other and develop respect which then moved onto passion. I agree, this is indeed a classic and should have wider distribution.
This is a wonderful period drama. I bought the DVD a few years ago as part of a Classic Drama series Richard Armitage was amazing in this role, and yes , gave Colin Firth a run for his money. He could have played Mr Darcy very well, or Rochester like Toby Stevens. I didn’t like him in the Hobbit as this series is not my preferred viewing, he did act very well.
Conheci essa série este ano, e simplesmente me apaixonei por ela em todos os aspectos, produção, direção, a história de amor ,elenco e é claro o casal principal que tem uma grande química e belas interpretações só com o olhar.. já assisti várias vezes,mas queria ter em DVD,mas é difícil encontrar. Pra mim é a melhor série ,pena que só teve 4 episódios..
It’s the most beautiful period drama I’ve ever seen. I loved all of it: the costumes, the characters, the photografy… ALL OF IT ♥ And Richard and Daniela were sooooo great!!! They brought me to tears ♥
This miniseries is one of the best period dramas and introduced me to Elizabeth Gaskell, who is fantastic–maybe a better writer than Dickens, her friend! Not only does it have a romantic love story, but it is so timely with its taking place during the Industrial Revolution which was leaving a lot of people behind in poverty and ruining the character of the land and culture but also providing opportunities for the middle class to become prosperous factory owners. It shows both sides and really mirrors the class struggles, division and change taking place today–all personified in the love story of people misunderstanding one another. I wish it were more readily available and on Blu-ray, it is so beautiful looking.
I have seen this mini series so many times! I absolutely love it! I discovered it on Netflix several years ago and had it saved to watch again and again. Then Netflix removed it last year so i bought the dvd set. I am not one who buys a tv series but, in this case, i absolutely had to.
I absolutely love this series and have watched it many times (and my favorite parts even more!). It led me to the book, which I have also read repeatedly and to Gaskell’s other works. One caveat: Most of the streaming versions have been cut; only the DVD and an online version are the complete deal, and the cuts do make a difference. I then read Gaskell’s Wives and Daughters and went to the series, which is wonderful as well, and unfortunately only available online. I don’t know why it isn’t streamed, it deserves. And another mention: The music in N&S is gorgeous, Martin Phipps composed it, he also wrote the music for the series version of Persuasion, also gorgeous, and for the series Sense and Sensibility. Makes a huge difference, just as Dario Marinelli’s gorgeous music gives so much to Joe Wright’s P&P and the 2011 film Jane Eyre.
North and South is still my favourite drama series or movie of all time and it is still my go to when I need a lift. As your review said ‘This drama takes it a step further when the camera brings us inside the characters’ heads.’ and it is this aspect of the book that makes me love the book so much. Many romances let us inside the woman’s head but I can’t think of a book or series that lets us inside the man’s head and heart as well as this one, and in the case of the series, sometimes without words. It is not a series to watch while you are also doing something else because so much is conveyed in such small things and with each viewing you may pick up more. It probably does not have an instant grab factor like the first line and the early scenes in Pride and Prejudice, NS is a bit of a slow burn and my recommendation would be to watch the series first if possible. I wish I had watched it the first time without knowing anything about the story or the ending, it would have pulled even more punch I think..
What a fantastic series! I am seeing it for the first time as it is finally being aired on our local PBS station in San Francisco CA..
I only wish there was more.of it.
I saw this series for the first time on DVD in about 2008, I bought it on a whim as it was reduced in a shop (the shame!), it is such a wonderful series and really has stood the test of time. I sat down to watch it this evening with my 14 yo daughter who is very scornful of “cliched” love stories, and she made us watch the whole thing in one sitting. She was bawling her eyes out at the end because she felt so keenly for Margaret being all alone in the world. And such a wonderful final scene.
That is so lovely! I’ve never recommended North and South to someone who didn’t like it. It seems to have universal appeal. 🙂
Best period drama ever. Richard and Daniela are terrific. So real and their expressions just pull you in to their character. Utter brilliant viewing. Watch it time and time again. Never fails to tug my heart strings. Richard Armitage especially is just perfection in this role. I wish there was a Part 2.
It really is! I’ve watched it quite a few times too. It never gets old. 🙂
My favourite costume drama ever . Richard Armitage and Daniela Denny Ashe are John Thornton and Margaret Hale . The love story that evolves in the restrictions of the Victorian era stunningly
romantic . The mill scene the cotton looking like snow . The end scene the train station has to be the most romantic scene ever filmed . Timeless simplicity . Every moment from the tendrils of hair blowing in Margaret’s face the moment Kohn gives her the rose from helston pure magic . Finally the kiss so evocatively romantic . The last words your coming home with me . John Thornton romantic throughout Richard Armitage superb . All the actors the scenery everything just perfect .
This is absolutely my all time favourite period drama production. It achieves what others try to do and can be forgiven for not quite pulling it off. The drama creates the tensions and social challenges of the day, the prejudices and the brutality, even the hero will take out his frustrations on a defenceless worker. It does this better than any other production. The beauty of the piece is the way in which the romance between John and Margaret is allowed to build over time. John is clearly immediately attracted to Margaret but it is only through hearing her views that this attraction grows into a passionate love. Margaret on the other hand starts shocked by John’s gruffness and based on this makes assumptions about his character. The very end at the train station is as others have said the most incredible love scene. Margaret is nervous and unsure of herself but at the same time knows that she must let John know the depth of her feelings. The simple act of kissing his hand leaves every viewer in tears. The performances are brilliant, especially Armitage who allows you into his sole through what he doesn’t say.
I can’t agree with the fatuous comments expressed here. I liked the series but felt it did not do justice to the book — the humour, the passion, the character of Margaret, who is a great character who evolves — the series does not reflect that. What I disliked most were the changes to the story — eg. adding this Ann Latimer — for goodness sakes, who is she???? And the kissing at the end, oh come on now, after describing how dignified Margaret is, to the point of her being ashamed of meeting a man alone at the railway station even if it was her brother — and here she is necking in full view of the public at the railway station – no, no, NO. But having read the book first from such a great writer as Mrs. Gaskell, of course the series disappoints, Have to take that into account.
I appreciate the book and period drama series separately and enjoy both despite their differences. And the influence of North & South on period drama filmmakers can’t be ignored. The series also brought Elizabeth Gaskell more recognition! That said, I appreciate your thoughts on why you don’t love the adaptation, and I don’t mind differing viewpoints. I do, however, take issue with the fatuous accusation, as I don’t think I wrote a stupid article. It’s a rude statement and unnecessary. We only allow respectful discussion on our site. Thanks for your future understanding.
I only discovered this mini-series last Xmas. North and South is my favourite book and I have read it many times. I think the mini-series did a wonderful job of bringing the book to modern audiences. The adaption was incredibly true to the essence of Mrs Gaskell’s themes and to her characters. Like many I think it should have been done over 6 episodes which would have allowed for more realisation of this many layered novel. I thought the locations and the photography were particularly stunning. The whole cast and crew did a fantastic job. I am now enjoying the DVD.
I completely agree! Six episodes would have made this brilliant adaptation even better. 🙂 Thanks for your thoughts!
A friend gave me the book to read a number of years ago and loved its complex look at society, including romance. Especially as someone who has found it interesting the dichotomies in my own family from the time period, including direct relations to Charles Dickens. I am not sure whether I have seen this before, or simply have such a good imagination that I can picture the scenes from reading. I must go back and read because I have images that are missing from what I just watched…and to see if I can find the previous version.
I love this series and have watched it many times. It has spurred me in to enjoy many books from this era. It was so well done and I always come back to it because of the total excellence of the program. Characters, acting, music, costumes, and the way the story is told are just so satisfying to the audience. Bravo! Something worth watching again and again. Timeless!
I completely agree! It really is timeless and worth watching over and over!
This review does make a lot of justice to this series. I also think it’s an incredible story, beautiful played and filmed I keep coming back to this show. It’s like a safe place for me. I rewatch it every now and then since I first saw it like 10 years ago. I love how strong Margaret is, how she never loses her dignity, how she knows self worth is something only you can evaluate. I love how Thornton learns to change his ways without changing his values. He always believed in fairness and workers rights and he ends up always sticking to his true self, no matter the cost. It’s a beautiful love story but also a beautiful portrait of a time when society changed so much, leading us to our present situation. I’m still expecting what will be coming next that will be loved as much.
Thank you! It’s like a safe place for me too.
And we should give credit to the music in it too.
Yes, definitely!
Love this series! Better than Pride and Prejudice anyday because it covers real life struggles of the downtrodden.
A beautiful love story made all the better because of its simplicity, respect, honor, and no sex scenes. Bravo!!! Something modern day movies are sorely lacking.
Rarely can I say I liked the series even better than the book. And the music was moving.
It really is a beautiful love story! Thanks for your comment!