The First Churchills

This superb series chronicles the lives of the first Churchills as they weave through a succession of Stuart monarchs. This was a definning period in English history which saw Albion's beginnings as a world Empire. In seeing this landmark BBC series that was the first of its kind one cannot help that this was viewing intended for an intelligent audience. How little we see of such productions today! Even though the series lacks special effects and large casts to convery the full panaoply of warfare in this period, the discussion of tactics and the overlay of maps with the few extras they have manages quite well to convey the spirt of events. Also, for the military buff of late 17th and early 18th century warfare there is virtually nothing out there on screen to rival it. Where else can one see a dipiction of the events leading to the pivital battle of Blenheim in 1704, nor anything else on the long forgotten War of the Spanish Succession of 1700 - 1713. This conflict had a vital influence on the forming of modern Europe. Where would we be today had not Marlborough halted the ambitions of the insatiable Louis XIV upon the blood stained fields of Blenheim, Malplaquete, and Ramillies. We might all be speaking French today and perhaps worse! The map of Europe certainly would be different than now and likely something dreadful like the EU domination today! But I digress. The 12 episodes are neatly divided into the various reigns of the ruling Stuart monarches. We have three episodes devoted to Charles II always in hand with one of his Spaniels! Then the middle six episodes deal with the troubled reign of James II which saw his dethronment in the events of the Glorious Revolution by William of Orange and Mary. This leads among other things to the forlorn Jacobite risings to place James and his Stuart descendents back upon the English crown. It also shows how difficult it was for Dutch William to rule in England despite his invitation to do so. There is much history and many plots to digest here. The final three episodes show the reign of Queen Anne, the last Stuart monarch to rule in England and the brilliant campaigns of Marborough against the French. These are only highligted here, but again much great history to consider. The acting throughout is superb and many of these BBC actors showcased here would return in other great BBC productions. A classic which whatever it lacks in special effects and small interior sets, more than makes up for in great acting and good scripts. A great series to realy sink into and inspire one's reading on the period portrayed.

The debut of Masterpiece Theatre still stands up to time. Generally true to the facts and incredibly well acted. It's rare to be informed and entertained at the same time.

Very enjoyable early Masterpiece Theater series. I'd been hoping for *years* for Britbox, PBS, or Acorn to give it a showing but gave up and bought this DVD set. Happy with the quick delivery and quality of the playback.

Susan Hampshire always delivers. The production values are a bit crude but the teleplay and actors performances are top quality.

The first Churchill bootstrapped himself up and never lost a battle; and his colorful wife Sarah made her mark also in early Europe's formative struggles. From this BBC classic we see whence the first Churchills' half-British/half-American descendant--the series co-writer along with the first Churchills' letters--Sir Winston Churchill derived his mantle and mettle. The two lead actors' chemistry from matching birth design imbues this surprisingly still relevant political drama with intimate appeal. A decorative period of European history recreated from the viewpoints of both genders and opposing factions in the Fair Isles and other European nations intriguingly well written and cast especially the honey-voiced beautiful Susan Hampshire as alluringly stylish and scintillating in this period piece as in the also still politically relevant Anthony Trollope "Pallisers" I hadn't expected she could top, but this is on a par and more profound since this has the merit of being true and bigger than life. I only regret the series wasn't completed through the last chapter of these first Churchills' return for personal and British glory enthroning George the First over tenaciously reformed "popery."

This 12-episode series of the life and turbulent times of John Churchill and wife Sarah in the revolving-door House of Stuart England is beautifully done and totally engrossing. Churchill, the brilliant general and ancestor of the equally brilliant Sir Winston,is played by John Neville in an admirable performance and his fiery wife, Sarah, by Susan Hampshire in a bravura one.However, all the acting is of the highest order and the political and royal figures of the time are fleshed out admirably. The story, of course, needs no embellishment to be fascinating, what with the constant intrigues and political skulduggery that went on in 17th century England. This is a wonderful, painless way to add to your education about that era and the men and women who were the movers and shakers in the court and on the battlefield, and the central figures of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough constitute one of the great historical love matches. Highly recommended.

I enjoyed this series more than when I first saw it because between now and then (40+ years) I had more opportunity to read up on the history of England during that time (basically the Stuarts) and so the series was even more enjoyable. But the acting and script still held its power even after all of these years and the quality although not BluRay was still good and did not detract from the acting. It was a fascinating period of history for England and this series caught part of it and it still delivers today with great acting and dialogue.

Oh my dear. Is ANYONE in the British empire loyal or faithful to ANYBODY? This was one long soap opera, some of which could not be understood due to the accents, of arguements, plots and acts of deceit, which ended abruptly, punishing me for ever having watched it. I could have saved the cash. I should stop buying sets of this British nonsense. You invest hours in watching only to be cheated in the end! You find that your suspicions are right on--there really WAS NO PLOT. Fast shipping, some drag in the used but with polishing it straightened up.

A fabulous BBC history piece from the late 1960s. Towering performances frolm Susan Hampshire,Margaret Tyzack, John Neville, John Standing and James Villiers leave the studio sets and video qualityy of the time standing (although actually they ain't that bad), and there's also a brilliant interview with Hampshire. For those partocularly interested in the history (how can you not be?) there's a relevant royal family tree of the time simplifying the vagaries of succession, and some nice colour photos. The set arrived promptly and in perfect condition (both jacket presentation and pic quality) in robust packaging. I highly recommend both item and seller.

Region code 1, so not compatible for our region (2).

Mind you, I love Susan Hampshire so I tend to look favourably on any film in which she stars. And, she certainly shone in this film. It moved at a good pace and the plots and plots within plots held my attention. The wigs worn by the men were a bit disconcerting - it seems that back then, the men wore fancier and more elaborate wigs and clothes than did the women. And, it also seems that the men changed wigs depending on the situation which made it a bid difficult to distinguish among some of the characters at times. But, all in all, a film filled with political intrigue. And Susan Hampshire was, as always, superb.

Super and, having it Wish Listed for years but deterred by its then huge and ridiculous price, I now find it at last 'normally' available and at a very affordable lesser one! Great.

Although the series was produced some 30 years ago, it is an excellent historical piece. I enjoyed seeing the fashion of the day and the furnishings in the homes. I found the historical information very informative as I never knew Sir Winston Churchill's heritage. It is a series that I would watch again.