Antique Dust - The Podcast antiquedust

Join Jonathan and Rob on Antique Dust, where they dive into the charming world of classic and cult films and TV. In this episode, they explore Guys and Balls, a heartwarming German comedy about Ecki, a gay footballer who forms his own team to challenge homophobia.

Join us on "Beautiful Thing: A Retrospective" as we delve into the heartwarming and groundbreaking 1996 film "Beautiful Thing." This podcast explores the film's themes of young love, LGBTQ+ representation, and working-class life in London.

Join hosts Jonathan and Rob as they dive into the rich world of classic films and TV shows. In each episode, they explore the historical context, production background, and thematic depth of beloved and overlooked gems from the past. This week, they unravel the emotional and societal layers of "Closing Numbers" (1993), a poignant drama about family secrets, bisexuality, and the AIDS crisis. Tune in for insightful discussions, engaging trivia, and a nostalgic journey through cinematic history.

In the final episode of the first series, Downton Abbey faces many changes as the First World War looms. Cora's pregnancy, Mary and Matthew's engagement, Thomas and O'Brien's schemes, and Sybil and Gwen's ambitions are all affected by the events of July 1914.
Main Cast and Crew:
•  Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham
•  Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham
•  Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley
•  Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith Crawley
•  Jessica Brown Findlay as Lady Sybil Crawley
•  Dan Stevens as Matthew Crawley
•  Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham
•  Penelope Wilton as Isobel Crawley
•  Jim Carter as Charles Carson
•  Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes
•  Brendan Coyle as John Bates
•  Joanne Froggatt as Anna Smith
•  Rob James-Collier as Thomas Barrow
•  Siobhan Finneran as Sarah O'Brien
•  Lesley Nicol as Mrs. Patmore
•  Sophie McShera as Daisy Robinson
•  Rose Leslie as Gwen Dawson
•  Brian Percival as Director
•  Julian Fellowes as Writer
Significant Events:
•  Mary learns that it was Edith who revealed her scandal with Kemal Pamuk to the Turkish ambassador, and retaliates by sabotaging Edith's engagement with Sir Anthony Strallan.
•  Robert is reluctant to fire Bates, even after O'Brien and Thomas produce a letter accusing him of stealing from a previous employer. Anna discovers that Bates took the blame for his ex-wife Vera, and Robert is pleased to hear the truth.
•  Thomas, frustrated by his failure to get rid of Bates, and sensing war on the way, joins the Army Medical Corps.
•  Sybil helps Gwen get a job as a secretary in London.
•  Cora announces that she is pregnant, which puts Mary and Matthew's engagement in doubt, since the baby could be a male heir. However, O'Brien causes Cora to miscarry by leaving a bar of soap on the floor, out of spite for mistakenly believing she is being dismissed.
•  William punches Thomas for making insensitive remarks about Cora's loss.
•  Matthew decides to end his engagement with Mary, feeling that it was only based on pragmatism and that she would have changed her mind if a son had been born.
•  The episode ends with the announcement that Britain has declared war on Germany.

In this week's episode of Downton Abbey, Sybil's interest in politics lands her in trouble, Bates makes a shocking revelation about the wine thief, Edith finds a new suitor, Carson worries about Mary's reputation, and Sybil is injured in a political disturbance.
Main Cast
Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham
Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley
Jessica Brown Findlay as Lady Sybil Crawley
Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith Crawley
Brendan Coyle as John Bates
Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates
Jim Carter as Mr. Carson
Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes
Rob James-Collier as Thomas Barrow
Crew
Creator: Julian Fellowes
Director: Brian Percival
Writer: Julian Fellowes
Original Air Date: October 31, 2010
Sybil's Political Activism
Sybil has been increasingly interested in politics lately, and she attends a rally with Branson. However, her father, Lord Grantham, is furious when he finds out and forbids her from attending any more political events.
The Wine Thief
The mystery of the wine thief has been plaguing Downton Abbey for weeks, and it finally comes to a head in this episode. Bates is accused of being the thief: he knows who the wine thief is, but he refuses to tell anyone else. He then hands in his notice, saying that he can no longer work at Downton Abbey with the thief still there.
Edith's New Suitor
Edith seems to have found an unexpected admirer in Sir Anthony Strallan. Sir Anthony is a wealthy landowner who is interested in courting Edith. Edith agrees to go on a date with him.
Mary's Reputation
Carson receives a letter informing him of the rumours that are circulating about Mary. The letter says that Mary is being talked about in town for her relationship with Mr Pamuk. Carson is worried that the rumours will damage Mary's reputation.
Sybil's Injury
Sybil goes to the counting of the votes for the local election. When things get rowdy, she is knocked unconscious. Branson is blamed for her injuries, but Matthew comes to his defence.
Matthew Proposes to Mary
The episode ends with Sybil recovering from her injuries and Matthew proposing to Mary. But will she accept?

In this week's episode of Downton Abbey, the Crawley family and the servants prepare for the annual flower show. But even as they enjoy the festivities, they are also dealing with some serious challenges.
Isobel is upset to learn that Countess Violet has won the Grantham Cup for Best Bloom for the past 10 years, even though Molesley's father grows the best roses. Violet denies any wrongdoing, but Isobel is not convinced. Isobel is a kind and compassionate woman, and she believes that Molesley's father deserves to win the award. She is determined to find out the truth, and she sets out to investigate.
Daisy is still shaken by the events of the previous episode, when she witnessed the death of Mr. Pamuk in Lady Mary's room. O'Brien and Thomas continue to scheme against her, and they try to get her to tell Lady Edith about Mr. Pamuk's death. Daisy is scared and confused, and she doesn't know who to trust. She is afraid that if she tells anyone what she knows, she will be blamed for Mr. Pamuk's death.
Bates is framed for stealing a snuff box by O'Brien and Thomas. Anna and Bates are able to clear Bates' name, but the incident leaves them shaken. Bates is a good man, and he is innocent of the crime. But O'Brien and Thomas are determined to ruin his life. They will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Lady Mary is still dealing with the fallout from Mr. Pamuk's death. She is worried that her reputation has been ruined, and she is reluctant to marry Matthew Crawley. Lady Mary is a strong and independent woman, but she has been through a lot in the past few weeks. She is not sure if she is ready to move on with her life.
Sir Anthony Strallan arrives at Downton Abbey as a potential suitor for Lady Mary. He is everything that Matthew is not: old, stuffy, and not very attractive. Lady Mary is not interested in him, but her mother, Lady Cora, is determined to see her married. Lady Cora is a loving and supportive mother, but she can be a bit overbearing at times. She wants what is best for her daughter, but she needs to learn to let her go.
The episode ends with the flower show. Isobel is overjoyed when Molesley's father wins the Grantham Cup. Lady Mary is also happy, as she realizes that she does not need to marry Sir Anthony Strallan to be happy. She can be happy on her own terms.