The show keeps pointing out how Edith is unattractive compared to Mary. I think Edith is pretty and I don't see how Mary is any better looking than her?
Is this just displaying weird English standards of beauty that time?
If I have to give my opinion, Mary is the more typically attractive of the two. Edith was more likable though.
shareI feel it probably comes from the status of the girls. Mary being the eldest and therefore most appealing to suitors. She also has a confidence, poise and fire Edith does not have. Mary being like a wild horse to chase while Edith is the quiet shy girl who is often overlooked. I think it might be a 'middle child syndrome' kind of thing. Everyone looks to either Mary or Sybil and she's in the middle overlooked. It's not really about her physical beauty but her contribution to the family, i believe.
I like her so far (just starting the show and am in Season 2) but don't know how annoying or 'worse' she gets. But I like and relate to her. I feel bad that she's trying so hard to find love and everything get's ruined. Mary tricking the one lord at the garden party was the worst.
Mary has hard, harsh-looking features. Edith is more attractive. They make her seem frumpy with hair style and clothes, but tart them up equally and Mary wouldn't hold a candle to her.
shareA member of the crew used to post on the imdb boards. Between s1 and s2, she told us that the Scandinavian crew members very enthusiastically preferred Laura Carmichael’s looks over Dockery.
shareI would pick her over all the others. Except the one that died.
shareSo many references were made to Mary being so beautiful, but I never found the actress to be especially attractive. I think Laura Carmichael is beautiful. I really liked her in The Spanish Princess. I thought she gave the character of Maggie a quiet beauty and grace.
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Because that's the way the script was written. Mary was dressed, coiffed, and made up to be the more attractive. Edith less so because those were the way the roles were written.
In real life, I'd say that 90 percent of the men on the planet who never saw Downton Abbey would choose Dockery over Carmichael if they were out at a restaurant say and similarly dressed out.