Churchill's People (1974– )

Stars:

Alfred Lynch, Bernard Hepton, Geoffrey Matthews

Cast

Series cast summary:
Alfred Lynch	...	King James I (2 episodes, 1975)
Bernard Hepton	...	Oliver Cromwell (2 episodes, 1975)
Geoffrey Matthews	...	Ealdred, Archbishop of York (2 episodes, 1975)
Daniel Brian	...	King Charles I (2 episodes, 1975)
Geoffrey Beevers	...	Philip (2 episodes, 1975)

Storyline

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 December 1974 (UK)

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

50 min 50 min (26 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in TV Hell (1992)

User Reviews

A Curious Historical Series that Flopped.

The concept of producing a series of short dramas linked to the framework of Winston Churchill's 'History of the Engish Speaking Peoples' probably seemed a good idea at the time. Each episode commenced with a short introduction to the historical topic, as if it was a reading from the book, fixing the context of the drama that was to follow. Unfortunately, each episode was scripted by a different author, and budget constraints meant that the production values usually left a great deal to be desired. The result was a very mixed bag - you never knew what you were getting.

Some episodes were unbelievably bad or unintentionally funny. Others did make an attempt, and a few stood out. A short play about the levellers in the English Civil War (the Burford mutiny)comes to mind, together with another taking an unusual look at the American revolution from the 'Tory' or loyalist side. Many of the prominent British TV actors of the time were cast in some odd historical roles - the sight of Arthur Lowe in a toga discussing the activities of the Picts can only be described as such.