AirDate: 4/30/2003 |
Overview: Homes like Manderston were built on the spoils of the British Empire and the international markets produced by aggressive colonialism. Their owners were men who became so rich and so successful that they saw the world as their oyster and the British people as superior. In 1911, George V was crowned Emperor of India at a Durbar, a gathering of princes, in Delhi. That year also marked the beginning of a period of industrial unrest in Great Britain. In 1912, the Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg, an event that some believe marked the beginning of the end of Edwardian glamour and excess. In episode five, events are being organized at Manderston to celebrate the British Empire's colonial prowess and success. But for the disgruntled tutor, Mr. Raj-Singh, Britain's Imperial past is a sore point. He is invited to organize a special evening of dinner and entertainment hosted by Sir John and attended by the real-life Prince Moshin Ali-Khan, but manages only to alienate himself further by ins |