The First Churchills

This was an incredibly exciting series when it was first broadcast in North America - a first view of the riches of British historical costume drama. The story was a complex one, though much less complex than the actual history upon which it was based. I was swept away with admiration for John Churchill, fighting the French against great odds and with huge handicaps, and never losing a battle. The political scheming behind the scenes in England finally brought him down, and I felt as indignant as I'm sure Winston Churchill would have wanted me to at the shabby treatment given his great ancestor. The beautiful Susan Hampshire is wonderful as the love of his life, Sarah. The real Sarah was a very intelligent, indomitable woman who exercised great power before she and her husband were defeated by their enemies at court, and Hampshire plays her to perfection.