Silver Spring, MD; July 1, 2008 — Acorn Media announces the August 26, 2008 DVD release of The Duchess of Duke Street: The Complete Collection, including all 31 episodes of an acclaimed BBC series. From the creator of Upstairs, Downstairs and fondly remembered from its PBS Masterpiece Theatre run (1979-80), The Duchess of Duke Street remains a standard of BBC excellence to this day.

Born into the servant class, Louisa Leyton rises from the scullery to become the best chef in Edwardian London and manager of the most elegant—and discreet—hotel in town. She learns the rules of high society from powerful men captivated by her beauty, but she never sheds her Cockney accent or attitude. Even in the throes of World War I, Louisa proves she can take whatever life dishes out and remain in a class all her own.

Based on the true story of Rosa Lewis, a culinary genius and owner of London’s venerable Cavendish Hotel, this acclaimed BBC series dramatizes the life of an indomitable woman in stories full of humor and heart.

Created by John Hawkesworth (Upstairs, Downstairs), the series stars Gemma Jones (Bridget Jones’s Diary, Sense and Sensibility) as Louisa and Christopher Cazenove (A Knight’s Tale, TV’s Dynasty) as Charlie, the dashing love of her life.

The Duchess of Duke Street was nominated for an Emmy® and multiple BAFTAs, including Best Drama Series and Best Actress.

Special Features: A biography of Rosa Lewis, Edwardian period background, photo gallery, and cast filmographies.

Headquartered in suburban Washington, D.C., Acorn Media distributes distinctive home video releases to the North American market with a special focus on the best of British television. Acorn’s DVD sets are available from select retailers, catalog companies, and direct from Acorn Media at (888) 870-8047 or www.acornonline.com.