Brideshead Revisited (TV series)
A television adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's novel.
Brideshead Revisited is a 1981 British television serial produced by Granada Television for ITV, based on Evelyn Waugh's 1945 novel. Starring Jeremy Irons and Anthony Andrews, it follows the life and romances of Charles Ryder and his friendship with the aristocratic Flyte family. Time magazine ranked it among the 100 best TV shows of all time.
Quick Facts
- Based on
- Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh
- Writer
- Derek Granger
- Director
- Charles Sturridge; Michael Lindsay-Hogg
- Starring
- Jeremy Irons; Anthony Andrews
- Theme music
- Geoffrey Burgon
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Language
- English
- Series
- 1
Facts from the source article.
Plot
The series unfolds as the memories of a disillusioned British Army officer during World War II. In 1922, university student Charles Ryder, financially struggling and unwelcome at home, accepts an invitation from his wealthy friend Lord Sebastian Flyte to stay at Brideshead. He accompanies Sebastian to Venice and London. Sebastian descends into alcoholism and accuses Charles of spying for his mother. After Sebastian is dismissed from university, Charles studies abroad; they meet again in 1925, and Charles funds Sebastian's drinking. Sebastian's mother says Charles enables his vices, and Charles feels unwelcome. Later a professional painter, Charles interacts with Sebastian's relatives while Sebastian is estranged. Charles, married, has an affair with Sebastian's sister Lady Julia. Lord Marchmain, dying in 1939, plans to leave Brideshead to Julia and Charles, but after his deathbed conversion to Catholicism, they cancel their wedding over religious views. In 1943, Charles returns to Brideshead as it serves as brigade headquarters.
Production
The adaptation was initially conceived as a six-hour serial. In summer 1978, producer Derek Granger asked Michael Lindsay-Hogg to direct. Eight months were spent on casting, costuming, and scripting, with the decision to use voiceover by Charles Ryder. Principal photography began in April 1979 on Gozo and Malta for sequences set in Morocco, Mexico, and Central America, followed by four months in England, including Oxford and Castle Howard. A technicians' strike halted ITV production in August; when it settled in October, Lindsay-Hogg was unavailable due to another commitment. Charles Sturridge, a relative novice whose previous experience included episodes of Strangers, Crown Court, and Coronation Street, replaced him. Cast contracts were renegotiated for the extended filming; Jeremy Irons, planning to audition for The French Lieutenant's Woman, agreed to stay if allowed time off if cast. The break allowed Laurence Olivier, previously unavailable, to be cast. Sturridge and Granger expanded the script from six hours to seven two-hour episodes, feeling the shorter version eliminated too much detail. Olivier's tight schedule required immediate filming of scenes not yet written; Sturridge and Granger hurried to complete them. Mona Washbourne received her script the day she arrived on set.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes of Brideshead Revisited (TV series) are there?
Brideshead Revisited has 11 episodes across 1 season.
When did Brideshead Revisited (TV series) first air?
Brideshead Revisited first aired on 12 October 1981.
When did Brideshead Revisited (TV series) end?
Brideshead Revisited last aired on 22 December 1981.
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