Summary
The Allure of Period Dramas
The appeal of lavish period dramas that depict life in a bygone era is undeniable. However, characters, opulent costumes, and plot twists aside, this particular genre is a crowd pleaser because it offers the perfect type of escapism, inspiring wanderlust. This is exactly the case with the new PBS series Hotel Portofino, which premiered on June 19.
Setting and Plot
As its name suggests, the six-episode period piece takes place in a fictional hotel in the coastal town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera. The plotline follows the lives of the Ainsworth family that has relocated from Britain to open an upscale hotel on the Italian coastline during the 1920s in search of a new beginning. Consequently, romance, glamour, and mystery ensue. Moreover, while the series discusses serious topics such as the rise of Nazism in Italy and the consequences of World War I, Hotel Portofino is also a celebration of all things Italian and the liberating influence of the country’s fascinating culture on the series’ characters. Filmed in Portofino as well as Opatija, on the north Adriatic coast of Croatia, the drama serves as a visual feast filled with breathtaking shots from both destinations.
Filming Locations
Viewers will see iconic locations such as:
- The whitewashed building of the Portofino lighthouse perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean.
- The Chiesa del Divo Martino, the 12th-century church located at the heart of Portofino.
- Piazza Martiri Dell’Olivetta, the town’s famous main square backed by vibrant-hued houses and the scenic harbor.
Production Challenges
However, securing filming permits from the local government was not an easy task. Portofino, dating back to the 13th century as a quaint fishing village, became a playground for Europe’s A-list crowd in the early 20th century and remains a retreat for celebrities and political figures, many of whom own vacation homes there.
Therefore, when the Hotel Portofino filming crew showed up in September 2021 with cameras and drones, not everyone welcomed them with open arms. A relatable incident involved a gardener from Giorgio Armani’s villa who assumed the crew was paparazzi. Ultimately, however, the people of Portofino embraced the production, appreciating the story at its heart.
Moreover, they loved the idea that the series celebrates the beauty and history of Portofino, exploring a time when the town was less famous than it is today.
Character Development and Themes
Surprisingly enough, the set for the fictional hotel that Bella Ainsworth (played by Natascha McElhone) and her family manage was actually located about 400 miles east in Croatia. The Croatian coastline was chosen for its resemblance to the Portofino backdrop, both in its architectural style and coastal scenery.
Writer and creator Matt Baker mentioned that travel is a central theme in the family period drama, highlighting how its characters adapt to their new life in Italy. He explained, “This is a family that gets away looking for a fresh start in a new place.” Consequently, the characters can be divided into those who embrace new experiences and those who reinforce their pre-existing prejudices.
Baker, having written the script during the second COVID-19 lockdown in the U.K., described the series as “a piece of enjoyable escapism.” Furthermore, he emphasized that period dramas remind viewers that despite different costumes and traditions, people have always held similar emotions, experiences, and struggles across time.
Premiere Information
Hotel Portofino premiered Sunday, June 19, from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on PBS, and is now available for streaming on all PBS platforms, including PBS.org, the PBS Video app, PBS Passport, and the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel.
