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The First Churchills

The First Churchills

★ 6.8/10•1969•50m•Drama
Similars

The First Churchills is a 1969 twelve-part BBC television serial starring John Neville as John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, and Susan Hampshire as his wife, Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough. Written and produced by Donald Wilson, and directed by David Giles, the series is notable as being the first programme shown on PBS's long-running Masterpiece series in the United States.

StatusEnded
Runtime50m
LanguageEN
First Air DateSep 27, 1969

Episodes

E150m

The Chaste Nymph

At the court of Charles II, young John Churchill advances his career by serving the king’s bastard son, Monmouth, in the field of battle, and by bedding the king’s mistress, the Duchess of Cleveland. Young Sarah Jennings is also advancing at court, by befriending the king’s sister-in-law, the Duchess of York, and teaching the York princesses, Mary and Anne, the art of gambling. At a court masque, the two meet, and sparks fly.

Sep 27, 1969

E250m

Bridals

In 1675 a masque was performed at the Court of Charles II at Whitehall. There the young soldier John Churchill, Groom of the Bedchamber to the King's brother, fell in love with a pretty lady-in-waiting, Sarah Jennings.

Oct 4, 1969

E350m

Plot Counter-Plot

John and Sarah have married. Lord Shaftesbury has threatened Charles with rebellion. To appease his Protestant Parliament, Charles has arranged a marriage between Mary and the Prince of Orange.

Oct 11, 1969

E450m

The Lion and the Unicorn

The rage against Popery in England continues. James, Duke of Monmouth, has become the protégé of Shaftesbury who plans to make him King. But Churchill has refused to support Monmouth. Charles has resisted all pressure to disinherit his brother James.

Oct 18, 1969

E550m

Rebellion

Charles has been forced to send James into exile and to dissolve his factious parliament at Oxford. The Princess Anne has married George, Prince of Denmark, and has chosen Sarah to be one of her Ladies of the Bedchamber.

Oct 25, 1969

E650m

The Protestant Wind

Monmouth, the hope of the Protestant rebels, was defeated by John Churchill at Sedgemoor.

Nov 1, 1969

E750m

Trial of Strength

John Churchill owed much to James II. But the King was clearly determined to destroy the Protestant religion and the laws of England, so John decided to support William of Orange and the Revolution of 1688.

Nov 8, 1969

E850m

The Queens Command

William III, with Churchill's help, has defeated James' attempted invasion of Ireland. John has been suspected of treason and dismissed from Court. Princess Anne has refused to obey her sister Mary and part with Sarah.

Nov 15, 1969

E950m

Reconciliation

In an atmosphere of national panic John, falsely accused of Jacobite treachery, has been imprisoned for a time in the Tower. After Mary's death, William receives Anne at Court.

Nov 22, 1969

E1050m

A Famous Victory

Before he died William III recognised Marlborough as his successor in the task of defeating France. With the accession of Anne, John and Sarah have risen to a position of pre-eminence.

Nov 29, 1969

E1150m

Breaking the Circle

To save the Holy Roman Empire from French invasion Marlborough led his allied troops into Germany and defeated the French at the Battle of Blenheim.

Dec 6, 1969

E1250m

Not Without Honour

Marlborough continues his success in the war against France, but his prestige at home and with Anne has been impaired by the devious backstairs intrigue of Robert Harley.

Dec 13, 1969

Actors

John Neville

John Neville

John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough

Susan Hampshire

Susan Hampshire

Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough

John Standing

John Standing

Sidney Godolphin

Sheila Gish

Sheila Gish

Queen Mary

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