Synopsis

From award-winning creator Julian Fellowes comes the motion picture event DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA. The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa.

It’s 1928 and the family and household servants of Downton Abbey are all in attendance at the wedding of Tom Branson to Miss Lucy Smith, daughter of Maud, Lady Bagshaw. Since the decline in her health, the Dowager has moved back to Downton to be closer to the family. Lord Grantham shares the news that the family’s lawyer will be visiting Downton at the Dowager’s request and that the whole family should be present. Violet has inherited a villa in the South of France and in turn she wants to leave it to Lady Sybil and Branson’s daughter, Sybbie, in her will. A decision that doesn’t sit comfortably with Tom Branson. With the question of why the late Marquis de Montmirail left such a generous gift to the Dowager hanging in the air, Lord Grantham receives an interesting phone call. Mr Barber, a film director from the British Lion film company, wants to set his latest silent film, The Gambler at Downton Abbey. Robert thinks it’s a grotesque idea, but with an exuberant offer on the table and a quick tour of the attics and roof with Lady Mary, he reluctantly concedes that Mary is in charge and should do what she thinks best.