Do your research. The Sayers stories are set in the early 20th century. In those circumstances the following are not cliches, but are true to the reality of the time:
1. Separate collared shirts
2. Spats
3. Domestic servants who were servile (approx 30% of the British were in service of one kind or another before WW1)
4. Class distinctions. This was a time when there was a quota on Jews and Indians and the thought of a black doctor or lawyer was simply ridiculous.
5. Mannerisms - which in any event is only lazy speak for habits you don't like.

You're stretching to make a point your material doesn't justify. The some people may have this fantasy now is possible (although dubious, save as an occasional dressing-up fetish). To conclude that because people you don't like want to dress like this now, it is a fantasy that people dressed like that then is moronic.

1/10. See me.

I always like Lord Wimsey because he was a fellow Balliol man. Wasn't the dramatic date of the stories circa 1930, as I recall?

Last edited by formby (2010-01-01 16:29:17)

Last edited by formby (2010-01-02 10:29:24)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8502006.stm

Obit:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/913366.stm

Last edited by formby (2010-02-06 07:29:10)

That Peter Wimsey series is notable for its absence of a background score. That gives the episodes something of a play-like atmosphere.

I agree that the observance of class distinctions is accurate for the time. That some people deprecate it today is beside the point. Moreover, anyone acquainted with the novels will know that Bunter saved Wimsey's life in WWI and that this is reflected in their relationship. Moreover, Wimsey often allows Bunter to cross the class barrier but Bunter declines to do so. So far as women are concerned - several of the novels reflect Wimsey's pursuit of Harriet Vane; in 'Strong Poison' he saves her from the gallows for the alleged murder of her live-in lover (daring even to write about at the time); eventually she accepts his proposal at the very end of 'Gaudy Night'; their honeymoon is the central point of 'Busman's Honeymoon' and several short stories mention Wimsey as a father. Incidentally, Sayers had an illegitimate son; quite something for the daughter of a CofE priest; which, incidentally, was a vocation then largely adopted by some younger sons of noblemen, suggesting that, although not rich, Sayers was not far removed from Wimsey's class at all.

So far as Carmichael is concerned: he was a national treasure. Also watch out for 'School for Soundrels' (with Alistair Sim, Terry-Thomas and Jeanette Scott) and 'The World of Wooster' (opposite Dennis Price as Jeeves).