The Rainbow

Watch The Rainbow

  • 1988
  • 1 Season
  • 7.2  (146)

The Rainbow is a British television series that first aired on BBC in 1988. It is an adaptation of the novel with the same title by D.H. Lawrence, and it starred Imogen Stubbs, Jane Gurnett, and Colin Tarrant. Set in rural England during the early 20th century, The Rainbow tells the story of three generations of the Brangwen family. The series follows the lives and relationships of the members of the family, from the passionate and rebellious Ursula, who is determined to break free from traditional gender roles and social norms, to her grandparents, who represent the old ways and values.

The Brangwen family is at the center of the series, with each character having their own unique struggles and desires. Ursula Brangwen is a headstrong and independent woman who yearns for more out of life than what is expected of her. She longs for love, passion, and fulfillment that seem unattainable in the stifling society she lives in. She is determined to find her own path, even if it means going against the expectations of her family and society.

Meanwhile, her sister Gudrun is a talented and beautiful woman who is constantly torn between her passion for art and her desire for love and companionship. She finds herself in a complicated and tumultuous relationship with the charismatic and unstable artist Loerke, which leads to a series of challenging and life-changing events.

The male characters in the series also play important roles in the story. Rupert Birkin is a school inspector who develops a close and complex relationship with Ursula. His character represents a new vision of masculinity, one that is more sensitive and in tune with his emotions, and he struggles to reconcile this new identity with the traditional expectations of men during the time.

Finally, the grandfather of the family, Tom Brangwen, represents the old order and the social norms that Ursula and others are trying to break free from. His character provides a counterpoint to the newer, more progressive characters, and he serves as a reminder that change is not always easy and the past cannot always be left behind.

The Rainbow is a beautifully-shot series that captures the beauty and essence of rural England during the early 20th century. The costumes, scenery, and attention to detail are all top-notch, and the series is a visual feast for the eyes.

The acting is also excellent, with standout performances from Imogen Stubbs, Jane Gurnett, and Colin Tarrant. Stubbs in particular shines as Ursula, capturing the character's passion and defiance in a way that is both captivating and emotional.

Overall, The Rainbow is a compelling and moving television series that explores themes of love, passion, identity, and societal expectations. It is a timeless story that continues to resonate with audiences today, and it is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys period dramas and character-driven storytelling.

The Rainbow is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between December 3, 1988 and on BBC

The Rainbow
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Seasons
The Darkness of Paradise
3. The Darkness of Paradise
December 18, 1988
Spring to autumn, 1904. The Brangwens have moved from the country to Beldover, a mining town. Ursula is at college. The Boer War is over. Ursula gets a letter from Anton, and the final stage of her youthful journey begins.
The Darkness of Paradise
3. The Darkness of Paradise
December 18, 1988
Spring to autumn, 1904. The Brangwens have moved from the country to Beldover, a mining town. Ursula is at college. The Boer War is over. Ursula gets a letter from Anton, and the final stage of her youthful journey begins.
The Widening Circle
2. The Widening Circle
December 10, 1988
Summer 1900 to 1902: Anton Skrebensky has left for South Africa and the Boer War. Ursula, nearing the end of her schooldays, forms a close attachment with her teacher, Winifred Inger.
Ghosts
1. Ghosts
December 3, 1988
1899: Ursula Brangwen, a schoolgirl of 16, lives with her family in the village of Cossethay in the Erewash Valley. Nearby lies Marsh Farm, the Brangwens' ancestral home and source of so many family memories. Haunted by these and the ghosts of her grandparents, Ursula's adolescent awareness grows as she is strongly drawn to the son of a family friend, army cadet Anton Skrebensky.
Description
Where to Watch The Rainbow
The Rainbow is available for streaming on the BBC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Rainbow on demand at Amazon Prime and Tubi TV.
  • Premiere Date
    December 3, 1988
  • IMDB Rating
    7.2  (146)