The Crawleys Take Manhattan With the New York Film Premiere of ‘Downton Abbey’

Manhattan played host to the esteemed Crawleys last night for the anticipated New York premiere of Downton Abbey, the film version of the award-winning, British historical drama series of the same name. Guests were decreed to dress “smart,” and lucky for us, they obeyed. From Hugh Bonneville (Robert) to Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith), Jim Carter (Mr. Carson), Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary), and Elizabeth McGovern (Cora), the gang was all there and dressed to the nines.

New and diehard fans alike took their velveteen seats at the Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center to travel back in time to an era when decorum, not downloading emails, was the practice of the day. The cherished story is resurrected with a very special visit to the Downton estate by Their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary. What was old is new again. (And don’t fret, there are plenty of Dame Maggie Smith quips to go around.)

The Plaza turned into a playground for the after-party. Having been present for the same years as the historical series (1912-1926), the storied hotel was the perfect spot for some post-screening elbow-rubbing. Coupes of Champagne flowed just as they did during the Roaring Twenties. White-gloved waiters and an orchestra ensemble only added to the nostalgic feels. We had just trespassed into a bygone era. It was, as they say, the bee’s knees.

Downton Abbey curtsies on screen this Friday, September 20th.