A period drama hailed as a ‘masterclass’ and written by the creative genius behind Downton Abbey is now available to stream free of charge on BBC iPlayer.

The 2001 satirical black comedy Gosford Park, directed by Robert Altman and written by Julian Fellowes, is a murder mystery inspired by Jean Renoir’s French masterpiece The Rules of the Game.

Produced on a budget of less than $20million, the film went on to become a global box office success, raking in over $87million.

It also received seven Academy Award nominations, including best picture and best director, with Fellowes claiming the Oscar for best original screenplay.

The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast packed with acting royalty including Helen Mirren, Stephen Fry, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Alan Bates, Richard E Grant, and Clive Owen.

They’re joined by Kelly Macdonald, Kristin Scott Thomas and Emily Watson, among others, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Set in the 1930s, the film brings together an array of wealthy, distinguished and pompous individuals alongside their servants under one roof for an eventful weekend at an English country house and shooting estate – Gosford Park.

After a murder occurs at a dinner party, the film explores the web of characters and their contrasting viewpoints as each comes under suspicion, reports the Express, reports the Mirror.

Fellowes’ hugely successful television series Downton Abbey was initially envisaged as a spin-off of Gosford Park, although it was ultimately developed as a standalone property, while remaining profoundly shaped by Altman’s film.

Commanding an impressive 87 per cent approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, the BAFTA-winning film has garnered widespread praise.

One critic said: “A beautifully acted, intricately made, and delightfully critical picture that nonetheless locates moments of humanity in a debased class system.”

A further reviewer noted: “The beauty of Robert Altman’s Gosford Park is how it delicately balances the numerous storylines to create a wonderful mosaic of characters.”

A third critic celebrated it as “a masterclass in narrative plate-spinning from Robert Altman and his feast of a cast.”

Yet another reviewer said: “Taking advantage of a splendid cast, a sharply focused script and the fresh English setting, “Gosford Park” emerges as one of the most satisfying of Robert Altman’s numerous ensemble pictures.”

Audiences proved equally captivated, with one viewer saying: “Just excellent, very funny, excellent actors, brilliant writing and of course one of the best directors ever. Just maybe the best ever… and can be re-watched numerous times just for pure pleasure.”

A fellow viewer added: “What makes this movie work so well for me is how the characters have their own personality. Their actions ring true to their motives and the drama is entirely human even with the various contrivances. The actions felt appropriate for the period and I believed this to be a story that could actually have happened. It is sincere and bittersweet.”

Gosford Park can be streamed at no cost on BBC iPlayer.

SOURCE: EXPRESS