Watch Brideshead Revisited

Brideshead Revisited is a British television miniseries that premiered in 1981. The show is based on the novel of the same name by Evelyn Waugh and follows the story of Charles Ryder, a young man who becomes captivated by the aristocratic and dysfunctional Marchmain family.

The show stars Jeremy Irons in the leading role of Charles Ryder, a young artist who becomes enraptured by the world of the Marchmain family. Anthony Andrews portrays Sebastian Flyte, the charming and troubled scion of the family. Diana Quick plays Julia Flyte, Sebastian's sister and Charles's love interest, while Laurence Olivier is cast as Lord Marchmain, patriarch of the family. The cast also includes Claire Bloom as Lady Marchmain, Simon Jones as Charles's friend Rex Mottram, and Stéphane Audran as Cara, Sebastian's mistress.

The show is set in the 1920s and 1930s, a time of great social upheaval and transformation in Britain. The Marchmain family, with their vast wealth and aristocratic background, stand in stark contrast to the rapidly changing society around them. Charles, a middle-class outsider, is drawn into their world and becomes entangled in their dramas and scandals.

Brideshead Revisited is a complex and multi-layered story, exploring themes of love, death, faith, and family. At its heart is the tumultuous relationship between Charles and Sebastian, which becomes the emotional core of the series. Sebastian is a deeply troubled character, struggling with alcoholism and the weight of his family's expectations. Charles, drawn to Sebastian's charismatic and free-spirited nature, becomes his close friend and confidant. Their relationship is complicated by their different social backgrounds, as well as the conflicting demands of family, religion, and sexuality. As the series progresses, their bond is tested to the breaking point, leading to a dramatic and tragic finale.

The show also features a strong supporting cast, including the formidable presence of Laurence Olivier as Lord Marchmain. Lady Marchmain, played by Claire Bloom, is a devout Catholic who seeks to exert her influence over her children and their lives. Her clash with the more secular and hedonistic Sebastian drives much of the drama of the series.

Brideshead Revisited is notable for its lush and sumptuous production design, recreating the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era. The locations, costumes, and sets are all meticulously crafted, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing for a lost world. The show also features a haunting and beautiful musical score, composed by Geoffrey Burgon, which further adds to its dreamlike quality.

Overall, Brideshead Revisited is a powerful and poignant exploration of love, loss, and the complex ties that bind us to our families and our pasts. Its themes and characters resonate deeply with audiences, making it a timeless classic of British television.

Brideshead Revisited is a series that ran for 1 seasons (11 episodes) between October 12, 1981 and on Acorn Media