1 9 6 9 (UK)
12 x 60 minute episodes
A passable BBC costume drama charting the rise to glory of Sir Winston Churchill’s soldierly 17th-century ancestor, John, who wrestled for power in the court of King Charles II.
Putting his military skills to good use in assorted European battles, Churchill won from the sovereign the title of the first Duke of Marlborough.
The demure Susan Hampshire (who rather put it about in 1960s/1970s period pieces The Forsyte Saga and The Pallisers) played Churchill’s demure wife, Sarah, a lady-in-waiting to the future Queen Anne.
John Churchill
John Neville
Sarah Churchill
Susan Hampshire
Sidney Godolphin
John Standing
Charles II
James Villiers
Princess Anne
Margaret Tyzack