Civilisation 

Sir Kenneth Clarke guides us through the ages exploring the glorious rise of civilisation in western man. Beginning with the bleakness of the dark ages to the present day, we consider ... See full summary »

Stars:

Kenneth Clark, Nicholas Blake, William Devlin

3 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Kenneth Clark	...	Himself - Narrator 14 episodes, 1969-1970

Storyline

Sir Kenneth Clarke guides us through the ages exploring the glorious rise of civilisation in western man. Beginning with the bleakness of the dark ages to the present day, we consider civilisation's articulations and expressions in some of man's finest works of art.

---

Plot Keywords:

intelligence | christianity | medicis | rome italy | florence italy | 

---

Genres:

Documentary | History | Music | War

---

Certificate:

TV-G

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 February 1969 (UK)

Also Known As:

Civilisation: A Personal View by Kenneth Clark

Filming Locations:

Notre Dame, Paris 1, Paris, France

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

50 min (13 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

In the episode titled "The Pursuit of Happiness", series writer and narrator Lord Clark introduces his theme by claiming that "the founders of the American Constitution . . . thought fit to mention the pursuit of happiness as a proper aim for mankind." This is a very common error (on both sides of the Atlantic), as the phrase "pursuit of happiness" appears in America's Declaration of Independence (1776), not in her Constitution (1788-89).

---

Quotes

Narrator: [on the Abbot Suger] He said, "The dull mind rises to truth through that which is material". Well, this was really a revolutionary concept in the Middle Ages. It was the intellectual background of all the sublime works of art of the next century and in fact has remained the basis of our belief in the value of art until today.

---

Connections

Referenced in EWTN Live: Word on Fire's Catholicism Miniseries (2011)

---

Soundtracks

La Déploration De Johannes Ockeghem
(uncredited)
Composed by Josquin Desprez (as Josquin de Prés)
Written by Jean Molinet
Episode: {"Man: The Measure of All Things" (1969) (ep. #1.4)}

User Reviews

A wonderful television presentation

I was a young man in my impressionable early-20s, when Kenneth Clark's "Civilisation" made its appearance on American television. I recall, at the time, thinking what ambition to entitle a program so. Public Broadcasting had not been around for many years, and I expected a stodgy, pompous, supercilious approach to the subject of art and civilization, especially as it was coming from Britain. Surely, this was a program for the elite, the snobs of the art world, the aristocrats of Europe who had access to such treasures. Kenneth Clark truly changed those first impressions, presenting in a gentle, understandable way some of the great treasures of the human species. These pieces were no longer remote, mysterious objects stuffed away in some dusty museum or moldering palace. He clearly taught about each of his choices, seeming to enjoy the opportunity to pass on to the viewer his love and admiration for these works and their meaning, as they related to the modern world and to the world long past in which they were created. He was humorous and wise, and the photography was stunning. I immediately changed my major in college to art history and, although I never became wealthy from the education, I have always appreciated what I did learn, beginning with the inspiration provided by Kenneth Clark and "Civilisation." Mr. Clark became one of those people with whom I wish I could have spent an afternoon, just listening. I haven't seen the program in many years, though it was re-run often after its first showing. I would like to see this back on television, or on DVD. I do believe it was the inspiration for many similar, and more famous programs to follow and was part of that exceptional time in television when the UK sent us its best - "Civilisation", "The First Churchills", "The Six Wives of Henry VIII", "Elizabeth R", and "I, Claudius."

If "Civilisation" ever reappears, do yourself a favor. Sit back in an easy chair, tone down the distractions, have a good hot coffee, and enjoy the story of your past. It's shared by all of us, and Kenneth Clark will introduce you to yourself.