QUICK TAKES - Oct. 22, 2009

“Upstairs, Downstairs,” the 1970s British TV series about the residents and servants in a London home during the early part of the 20th century, is being revived by the BBC with Jean Marsh returning in her Emmy-winning role as Rose, a housekeeper.

Eileen Atkins, who co-created the series with Marsh, will appear in a new role.

The new show will take place in the years leading to World War II, set in the same house but with a different family living there, the BBC said. Heidi Thomas, who wrote the “Cranford” miniseries that ran on PBS, is writing two 90-minute installments that will begin production next spring.

The original series was shown in the United States on PBS’ “Masterpiece Theatre.”