The First Churchills
Product Details | Similar Products | Customer Reviews | Starring: ~ Susan Hampshire, John Neville John Standing Robert Robinson Margaret Tyzack List Price: $79.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours  |
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| | Customer Reviews: Homage to Corporal John and Wife Sarah. (08 June 2010)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. Masterpiece Theatre production (06 January 2010)FIrst Masterpiece production shown in USA loved it from day I forst saw it Having it and being able to watch anytime is wonderful. Historic piece The First Churchills (09 July 2009)I purchased this DVD set because I love Susan Hampshire and I love history. Having visited Blenheim in England, home of the Duke of Marlborough (John Churchill), it was very fulfilling to see the story of this man unfold. The Churchill's relationship with Queen Anne and William and Mary was very enlightening as I previously knew only bits and pieces. I highly recommend this series for history lovers. 17th century Churchill's rise to power (07 April 2008)Ambitious series about early generations of Churchills. Drama spans from the time of King Charles II reign thru King James (his brother), King William of Orange (King James' eldest daughter's husband) to Queen Anne, Princess of Denmark (King James' younger daughter). We meet Sara and John who are the first Chruchill couple that marries out of love during brief courtship on the court of King Charles II. Both love each other deeply but are are driven by desire for success, wealth and political ambition. They are devoted to monarchy and while John rises thru the ranks in the British Army and later government, Sara is devoting her life to serving Princess Anne as her favorite Lady in Waiting. It is interesting to see that living in the court is term of employment and it is amazing that these two have been able to survive thru four very different rulers of England. Over the course of 30 years of living at the court they manage to rise thru the ranks and finally establish themselves as Duke and Duchess of Marlborough. But their hard work and devotion do not come without price. They loose one of their sons early, Sarah ends up being estranged from her daughter. Both Sarah and John get to realize that their marriage is unique and is built on same values and principles. Even their daughter's marriage cannot sustain itself in that fashion. It is interesting to learn about European countries strife for balance of power, royal arranged marriages as means of creating alliances and internal fight between members of the Parlament. It is also interesting to learn how often Kings and Queens are used by their advisors who often have their own interest in mind rather than interest of the nation. Excellent drama about politics at its best. Acting is uneven - especially Susan Hamilton's. Too ofter actors are too old in portraying their characters at certain age. Last disc with the last three episodes seems rushed and superficial. Valuable lessons in friendhip and common ground amongst people of culture that one does not see very much in today's world. Simply Excellant (22 January 2008)TV like this you will rarely see nowadays. No great sets or special effects, just great acting with a ripping good story. What more can I say. |
