S1 Ep.1: “Never the New” with Lord Julian Fellowes and Christine Baranski
Jan 25, 2022
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Lord Julian Fellowes and Christine Baranski join the podcast to discuss creating the vision for the show and bringing Aunt Agnes to life. They explore the wealth disparities and social hierarchy of Gilded Age New York, the challenges of filming a period drama, and the significant role of women in shaping society during that time.
The podcast explores the social hierarchy and tensions between old money and new money in New York City during the Gilded Age.
It highlights the role of women in society during this era, showcasing their limited options and challenges for independence.
The episode delves into the power and influence of Mrs. Astor and other influential figures in shaping high society and determining social acceptance in New York City during the Gilded Age.
Deep dives
The Gilded Age: Introduction to the Historical Background
The first episode of The Gilded Age podcast introduces the historical background of the Gilded Age in New York City. The Gilded Age was a period of immense wealth and inequality that began after the Civil War and lasted until the early 20th century. The term 'Gilded Age' was coined by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner in their novel 'The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today,' which satirized the greed and corruption of the time. The episode explores the social hierarchy of New York in the 1880s, with established old money families like the Van Rein's being challenged by the rise of new money families like the Russells. It delves into the concept of 'old New York' versus 'new New York' and highlights the tensions and clashes between the two. The episode also touches on the role of women in society during this era, highlighting the limited options and challenges they faced for independence.
The Characters and Setting of The Gilded Age
The first episode of The Gilded Age introduces the main characters and settings of the series. Marion Brook, a young woman who is left with little money after her father's death, is the heart of the show and serves as the audience's guide into the world of the Gilded Age. She moves to New York City to live with her aunts, Agnes Van Rein and Ada Brook, who represent old New York society. The episode contrasts their luxurious brownstone on East 61st Street with the opulent mansion of the newly wealthy Russell family across the street. The social hierarchy and tensions between old money and new money are explored through the interactions and attitudes of the characters. The episode also touches on the dynamic between wealthy white families and marginalized groups such as African Americans and Irish immigrants, highlighting the racial and class divisions of the time.
The Social Scene and Mrs. Astor's Influence
The first episode of The Gilded Age delves into the social scene of New York during the Gilded Age, particularly focusing on the power and influence of Mrs. Astor, who controlled the city's social scene. Mrs. Astor, along with other influential figures like Mamie Fish, set the rules and standards of high society, determining who was accepted into their elite circles. The episode explores the tension between the established old New York families, who prided themselves on their heritage and social standing, and the newly wealthy families, who sought acceptance and legitimacy. It also touches on the role of charity in Gilded Age society, where wealthy women engaged in philanthropic activities as a means to gain social status. The episode ends with the failed attempt of Bertha Russell to host a grand social event at her newly built mansion, exposing the challenges faced by the new money families in gaining acceptance from the established upper class.
The Gilded Age as a period of change and American coming of age
The Gilded Age, set in 1882, is a period in which America starts to come of age, transitioning from imitating Europe to developing a unique American way of wealth and lifestyle. This transformation is driven by the generation of enormous fortunes through industries like shipping, railways, coal, and copper. The wealthy elite of this era in New York City embody a new type of American aristocracy, blending the old upper classes with the new wealthy elites. The Gilded Age explores this dynamic through the lives and interactions of fictional characters, as well as glimpses of real historical figures and events.
Strong women and their role in shaping Gilded Age society
One of the notable aspects of the Gilded Age is the significant influence and contribution of women in shaping society. The women of this era, often overlooked in history, were the ones who orchestrated parties, made aesthetic choices, and displayed their husbands' wealth. They played a pivotal role in creating and maintaining the social order. Characters like Agnes and Bertha exemplify the power and agency of these women. Agnes, betrayed by her brother Henry, marries against her will to secure the family's position, while Bertha orchestrates the finest details of her luxurious parties. The Gilded Age presents strong female characters who navigate the limitations and possibilities of their time and embody the strength and pragmatism of women in this transformative era.
Hosts Alicia Malone (TCM) and Tom Meyers (The Bowery Boys) examine New York City hierarchy in the Gilded Age and the social constructs that go along with it. They react to the introduction of the Russell and the Van Rhijn families and how the series reflects 1800s New York. In part two, creator, writer and producer Lord Julian Fellowes joins the podcast along with Christine Baranski (Agnes Van Rhijn) to talk about creating the vision for the show and bringing Aunt Agnes to life. Watch The Gilded Age on HBO Max, and subscribe to The Official Gilded Age Podcast so you don’t miss an episode.
