A Family at War

Watch A Family at War

  • 1970
  • 3 Seasons
  • 7.7  (412)

A Family at War is a British television drama series that originally aired from 1970 to 1972. Set during World War II, the show follows the lives of the Ashton family, a working-class family from Liverpool. The series is produced by Yorkshire Television and is now available for streaming on FilmRise.

The show features a stellar cast, including Colin Douglas and Barbara Flynn, who give powerful performances as the patriarch and matriarch of the Ashton family. The rest of the family is equally well portrayed by actors such as Coral Atkins, Colin Campbell, and Edward Wilson. Each member of the family brings a unique point of view to the show, allowing viewers to see the war and its effect on families from different perspectives.

A Family at War is a historically accurate portrayal of life in Britain during World War II, depicting the hardships and challenges that families faced on a daily basis. The show explores themes such as sacrifice, duty, and morality, all while showing the resiliency and strength of the human spirit. From rationing and air raids to love and loss, the series covers it all.

The show is divided into six seasons, each with thirteen episodes. Each season takes place during a different year of the war, allowing viewers to see how the conflict affects the Ashton family over time. The series begins in 1938, before the war starts, and concludes in 1945 with the end of the conflict.

Throughout the series, viewers are given a glimpse into the world of World War II from the perspective of both civilians and soldiers. The show does an excellent job of depicting the sacrifices made by soldiers abroad and their families back home who worry and wait for their loved ones to return. At the same time, the series shows how civilians in Liverpool deal with rationing, air raids, and other challenges.

One of the things that makes A Family at War such a compelling series is the way in which it focuses on the relationships between family members. The show doesn't shy away from portraying the conflicts and struggles that families faced during the war. The series also shows how the war brought families closer together and how they leaned on each other for emotional support during difficult times.

The show's attention to historical detail is also excellent. The producers went to great lengths to ensure accuracy in everything from the costumes to the hairstyles to the language used by the characters. This attention to detail adds a level of authenticity to the show that is rare in period dramas.

Overall, A Family at War is a powerful and moving series that provides a glimpse into the lives of families during World War II. The show's strong performances, historically accurate setting, and focus on family relationships all contribute to its enduring popularity. Whether you're a history buff or simply enjoy well-made dramas, this series is definitely worth watching.

A Family at War is a series that ran for 3 seasons (52 episodes) between April 14, 1970 and on FilmRise

A Family at War
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Seasons
...Yielding Place to New
20. ...Yielding Place to New
February 16, 1972
The family's preparations for their first Christmas in peacetime cause Edwin to reflect on past events and how best he can assist them all for the future.
The Old Order Changeth...
19. The Old Order Changeth...
February 9, 1972
Looking to the future, the family contemplates moving homes with some members needing more space and others less. Meanwhile, Sefton's schemes finally catch up with him.
Two Fathers
18. Two Fathers
February 2, 1972
Edwin makes a difficult journey to Germany to uncover the details surrounding Philip's last days before his death in an explosion.
A Faint Refrain
17. A Faint Refrain
January 26, 1972
The unexpected return of conscientious objector Michael Armstrong reawakens suppressed feelings and animosities.
Coming Home
16. Coming Home
January 19, 1972
Sheila and David can finally bring their children home from evacuation in Wales and Freda attempts to help an old friend.
Under New Management
15. Under New Management
January 12, 1972
David and Sheila move into a new home, but Sheila is still not sure of the future and doesn't want the children back until David can prove that he has changed.
The Sensible Thing
14. The Sensible Thing
January 5, 1972
As anticipation of victory in Europe grows, Sefton divides the family by urging them to accept his proposal to sell Briggs and Son Printing Company.
The Lost Ones
13. The Lost Ones
December 29, 1971
David's motorbike accident prevents him from flying again.
Breaking Point
12. Breaking Point
December 22, 1971
David's divorce has now come through and he is waiting to get the last trip of his tour of duty.
Thicker Than Water
11. Thicker Than Water
December 15, 1971
Margaret's friend Marjorie is trying to get John involved with the Labour Party.
The Fundamental Things Apply
10. The Fundamental Things Apply
December 8, 1971
Freda marries Ian and Tony realizes something that he should have known a long time ago.
This Year, Next Year...
9. This Year, Next Year...
December 1, 1971
Margaret tells John that she is not pregnant after all. Since Harry is depressed and out of work, John tries to persuade Sefton to offer him a job.
Take It on Trust
8. Take It on Trust
November 24, 1971
The family assesses the future possibilities of the welfare state, but there are problems from the past that Ian and Harry need to address.
Spread a Little Happiness
7. Spread a Little Happiness
November 17, 1971
Freda meets Mrs. Mackenzie on the eve of a church garden party and agrees to help out with the festivities. Sefton returns from holiday with a friend, Mrs. Down.
Flesh and Blood
6. Flesh and Blood
November 10, 1971
Tony wants to marry Barbara, even when he finds out she has a child. Sefton persuades Edwin to visit Tony to get his vote on selling the shares.
You Can Choose Your Friends
5. You Can Choose Your Friends
November 3, 1971
Sefton wants to sell his Briggs and Son Printing Company shares but has to get consent from the rest of the shareholders.
The Things You Never Told Me
4. The Things You Never Told Me
October 27, 1971
Margaret and her father-in-law have a heart-to-heart talk. Meanwhile, her husband John has an awkward meeting with his mother at a station cafe and her spite exposes a secret.
Happy Returns
3. Happy Returns
October 20, 1971
Sheila and David reunite at the Welsh farm where their children have been evacuated, attempting to evaluate what remains of their relationship.
For the Duration
2. For the Duration
October 13, 1971
John Porter takes up his old job in the Borough Treasurer's office. He begins to remember what happened to him while he was missing in Belgium.
The Lucky Ones
1. The Lucky Ones
October 6, 1971
David tries to track down Grace but has to beat a hasty retreat when her husband returns.
Description
Where to Watch A Family at War
A Family at War is available for streaming on the FilmRise website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch A Family at War on demand at Amazon Prime and Tubi TV.
  • Premiere Date
    April 14, 1970
  • IMDB Rating
    7.7  (412)
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