Watch First Churchills

Name: First Churchills
Genre: History
Released: 1969-09-27
Cast: Susan HampshireJohn NevilleJohn StandingRobert RobinsonJames Villiers

1969
1 Season
8.2 (263)

First Churchills is a lavish historical drama chronicling the lives and times of Britain's legendary statesman Sir Winston Churchill and his ancestors, spanning several generations. The series starts with the story of the First Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill, a man of humble origins who rose to become one of the most respected military commanders in European history. Played with aplomb by John Neville, the character is depicted as a shrewd, ambitious strategist who wins the favor of King William III (Robert Robinson) and Queen Anne (Sheila Gish) with his military successes against the French.

The series then moves on to the life of the Second Duke of Marlborough (John Standing), the grandson of the first Duke, who continues his forebear's legacy of military prowess and political ambition. As a trusted friend and advisor to Queen Anne, the Second Duke becomes embroiled in the turbulent politics of the day, juggling the pressures of his personal life with the demands of his country.

Later episodes of the series focus on the rise of Sir Winston Churchill (played as a young man by Richard Warwick and as an older man by John Neville), his relationship with his father Lord Randolph Churchill (James Villiers), his marriage to Clementine Hozier (Susan Hampshire), and his ascension to the role of Prime Minister during World War II.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to a sumptuous display of period costumes, lavish sets, and stunning cinematography that captures the grandeur of the British aristocracy in all its glory. The performances are uniformly excellent, with the likes of Margaret Tyzack, Michael Culver, and Moira Redmond delivering standout turns in supporting roles.

One of the most notable aspects of the series is its attention to historical detail, with the script drawing heavily from primary sources such as letters, diaries, and official documents to create a nuanced and complex portrait of the Churchill family and their place in British history. The series also explores the broader social and political context of the times, delving into topics such as colonialism, class conflict, and women's suffrage.

First Churchills was a groundbreaking series when it first aired in 1969, attracting widespread critical acclaim and a devoted audience. Even today, it remains a powerful testament to the enduring fascination that the Churchill family holds for audiences around the world.

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Seasons

12. Not Without Honor

December 13, 1969

Marlborough continues his success in the war against France, but his prestige at home and with Anne has been impaired by the devious backstairs intrigue of Robert Harley.

11. Breaking the Circle

December 6, 1969

Sarah's bullying tactics toward the queen are in sharp contrast to Abigail's subtle manipulations, and she falls from favor. Construction of the palace of Blenheim is stalled due to lack of funds. Harley gains power and influence, while Sidney is dismissed from the government, and John resigns in protest. Queen Anne turns to Abigail for comfort at the death of her husband, Prince George.

10. A Famous Victory

November 29, 1969

The political situation in England complicates Anne's reliance on Sarah, as Whigs and Tories jockey for position and power. The War of the Spanish Succession rages in Europe, and John's string of victories against the French proves his military expertise. In appreciation, Queen Anne awards him a dukedom.

9. Reconciliation

November 22, 1969

William frets over the European situation and restores John to favor. Princess Anne is pleased to be served by Abigail, who takes on many of Sarah's former duties. The death of Anne's only son leaves her distraught, and leaves England without a secure succession. The Churchill children begin advantageous marriages. Finally, at the death of William, Anne ascends the throne.

8. The Queen's Commands

November 16, 1969

Princess Anne's refusal to dismiss Sarah from her service infuriates the queen, and Anne withdraws from court. A plot is hatched to discredit John, who is clapped in the Tower on trumped up charges. Finally exonerated, John is frustrated that William continues to lose his war with France. The death of Queen Mary eases tensions, and Anne returns to court with the Churchills, who proudly introduce their daughter Henrietta. Foolishly, they also introduce Anne to Sarah's poor distant cousin, the duplicitous Abigail Hill.

7. Trials of Strength

November 8, 1969

Mary II and William III ascend the throne jointly, with Mary insuring that her husband will remain king even after her death. Deposed King James makes trouble in Ireland, but William dispatches Dutch officers, to John's chagrin. Parliament grants Princess Anne an income independent of her sister, which riles the queen. The Churchills' loyalty to Anne causes them to lose influence at court.

6. The Protestant Wind

November 2, 1969

The reign of James II deteriorates rapidly, as the king attempts to force the Catholic faith upon the nation. John follows his conscience and switches his loyalty to Princess Mary and her husband, William of Orange. When even Princess Anne deserts him, James flees the country, and William arrives in a bloodless coup. But William and Mary will face more trouble, as, under suspicious circumstances, James's queen has given birth to a son.

5. Rebellion

October 25, 1969

The sudden death of Charles II places his brother on the throne and galvanizes Monmouth into revolt. John proves his military prowess by defeating the rebellion. Sarah becomes Princess Anne's chief attendant and friend, and the Churchills build their first home. The new king promises religious tolerance, while his heir, Mary of Orange, endures a childless marriage.

4. The Lion and the Unicorn

October 18, 1969

King Charles resists attempts to force a change in the succession, but removes his brother York from England for a time. While accepting subsidy from Louis XIV, he dissolves Parliament. In Scotland, York tortures heretics. Later, the Princess Anne is betrothed to George of Denmark, while Sidney, John, and Sarah continue their rise at court.

3. Plot - Counter Plot

October 11, 1969

The infamous Titus Oates whips up anti-Catholic sentiment by concocting fictitious treasons. Lord Shaftesbury has bigger plans: to legitimize the Duke of Monmouth and supplant the Duke of York's succession. Sidney Godolphin mourns the death of his wife in childbirth, while John continues to rise in favor for his military advice, and Sarah adjusts to marriage to a high-ranking, but poorly paid, soldier.

2. Bridals

October 4, 1969

Questions of religion and wealth dominate the negotiations for two marriages. The king's niece, Mary, is betrothed to the Protestant Prince William of Orange, in hopes of quieting growing alarm regarding the king's brother and heir, the Catholic Duke of York. Meanwhile, John and Sarah dismay their parents, who demand advantageous marriages for them both. Though penniless, the two are married, thanks to the machinations of the Duchess of York.

1. The Chaste Nymph

September 27, 1969

The series begins with an account of the "first" Churchills, John and Sarah, and their social and political success and subsequent achievement in bringing the family name to the forefront of social history.

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