Brideshead Revisited

Brideshead Revisited is a hauntingly beautiful and deeply captivating TV series, produced by Granada Television for ITV in the UK, available as part of Acorn Media’s collection. This groundbreaking drama captured the attention of viewers in Britain and around the world when it first aired in 1981, and continues to win over audiences now, over three decades later. It is based on the renowned novel of the same name written by Evelyn Waugh and adapted for television by John Mortimer.

The series boasts an ensemble of Britain's distinguished actors including the sought-after Jeremy Irons, who plays the central character, Charles Ryder. Anthony Andrews stars as the charismatic Sebastian Flyte, Diana Quick delivers a stellar performance as Lady Julia Flyte, while the masterful Laurence Olivier and Claire Bloom play the aristocratic Lord and Lady Marchmain. Simon Jones and Nickolas Grace also provide strong supporting roles.

Brideshead Revisited is an epic narrative that journeys through two decades of British social and political change, from the optimistic 1920s to the austerity of the 1940s. The story is told through the eyes of Charles Ryder, a middle-class man who befriends the eccentric and charming Sebastian Flyte while at Oxford University. Their friendship introduces Charles to the Flyte family and the stately Brideshead Castle – an opulent estate that stands as a symbol of a decadent and dying era of British aristocracy.

But Brideshead is not just a story of friendship and social class; it explores themes of love, faith, and family, with deep moral and religious undertones. The Marchmain family, including the troubled Sebastian and the introspective Julia, all struggle with their Catholic faith, just as Waugh himself did. As Charles becomes entangled in the family's personal drama and struggles, he becomes an outsider caught up in a world of wealth, privilege and spiritual unrest, quickly learning that the glamour and opulence comes with a heavy price.

The performances in Brideshead Revisited are truly remarkable. Jeremy Irons provides a sensitive yet complex portrayal of Charles Ryder, masterfully narrating the tale whilst giving a quietly intense performance. Anthony Andrews as Sebastian is memorable, embodying the charm and tragedy of his character with such depth that viewers are captured from his first appearance. Diana Quick, Laurence Olivier and Claire Bloom bring the troubled Marchmain family to life with compelling performances. The guest performances also add a richness and depth to the series - with John Gielgud being particularly notable for his award-winning role as Charles Ryder's emotionally distant father.

The cinematography adds a layer of visual storytelling that is unmatched. Shots of the English countryside, luxury Oxford colleges and the grandeur of Brideshead Estate all combine to provide a stunning backdrop to the unfolding drama.

As much as Brideshead Revisited is a retelling of a classic novel, it also stands as a unique television series marked by its high production values, iconic performances, and the sheer magnitude of its narrative scope. It is a period drama, but one that deals with timeless themes and human universality, making it forever relevant irrespective of when it was made.

There's a certain languid elegance to the pacing of the series, which allows the narrative, characters and themes to breathe and slowly unfurl over its 11 episodes. This grants audiences the chance to immerse themselves fully in the world of Brideshead and the characters' experiences, making the themes of lost innocence, love, faith, and the passage of time, resonate all the more deeply.

The series also features a hauntingly beautiful original theme composed by Geoffrey Burgon that became a hit in its own right, further enhancing the ethereal ambiance of the series.

Much lauded at its time of release (and indeed ever since), Brideshead Revisited won a slew of awards internationally, including several BAFTAs and an Emmy for Outstanding Limited Series, and the series remains a benchmark of excellence in television.

So, whether you're a history enthusiast, a fan of classic literature or a lover of dramatic period television, Brideshead Revisited offers a deeply engaging viewing experience that effortlessly transcends the boundaries of time.