Fortunes of War. Episode 2: June 1940

Synopsis: Television serial, in seven parts, based on the Balkan and Levant trilogies, Olivia Manning’s autobiographical accounts of her travels with her husband Reggie Smith between 1939 and 1943. Together for the first time as Harriet and Guy Pringle, Guy decides to put on a university production of Troilus and Cressida. Directing the local British colony in Bucharest at the beginning of the Second World War gives expression to his feelings of despair, but also gives hope. Paris falls on the opening night and the black-and-white documentary scenes of the Nazis’ triumphant entry are intercut with brief excerpts of the band of British soon-to-be-refugees performing the play.
Series: Fortunes of War
Language: English
Country: Great Britain; United States
Medium: Television
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Transmission details: 18 Oct 1987 at 21:05 (Channel: BBC1)
Duration: 55 mins

Director

James Cellan Jones

Producer

Cinematographer

Writer

Screenplay

Production Design

Tim Harvey

Cast

Notes: The DVD is available Region 1 only (2006).
The 2.53 min Shakespeare scene can be viewed at http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tv/id/1071284/index.htm
History: Shown in the USA 18/10/1987 on WNET/Thirteen in the Masterpiece Theatre slot.

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British Universities Film & Video Council