The Forsyte Saga
The Forsyte Saga is a 1967 BBC television adaptation of John Galsworthy's series of The Forsyte Saga novels, and its sequel trilogy A Modern Comedy. The series follows the fortunes of the upper middle class Forsyte family, and stars Eric Porter as Soames, Kenneth More as Young Jolyon and Nyree Dawn Porter as Irene. It was adapted for television and produced by Donald Wilson and was originally shown in twenty-six episodes on Saturday evenings between 7 January and 1 July 1967 on BBC2, at a time when only a small proportion of the population had television sets able to receive this channel. It was therefore the repeat on Sunday evenings on BBC1 starting on 8 September 1968 that secured the programme's success with 18 million tuning in for the final episode in 1969. It was shown in the United States on public television and broadcast all over the world, and became the first BBC television series to be sold to the Soviet Union.
Cast spotlight
Jump into full cast pages for bio, socials, and recent work.
Ep 1A Family Festival
In 1879 London, the elder generation of Forsytes gather at Uncle Timothy's to exchange gossip about two younger relatives: James's daughter Winifred is engaged to the charming but financially questionable Montague Dartie, while Jolyon's married son, Jo, commits adultery with the Austrian governess, Helene. Old Jo overhears at Winifred's wedding, while Helene has bittersweet news for Young Jo: they're going to have a child.
A Family Scandal
Young Jo’s decision to divorce his wife for Helene and their child shocks the family, and causes Old Jo to adjust his will in favor of granddaughter June. Elsewhere, stuffy lawyer Soames Forsyte is enchanted with young, penniless Irene Herrin, whose ethereal beauty will be a prominent catalyst.
The Pursuit of Happiness
Winifred and her profligate husband Monty must appeal to James to ease Monty’s debts, as Winifred gives birth to her son, Val. The accidental death of Young Jo’s first wife allows Jo and Helene to legally marry. Helene gives birth to the third generation of Jolyon Forsytes, nicknamed Jolly, while Old Jo assumes authority over June. Meanwhile, Soames methodically and relentlessly pursues an unwilling Irene, who finally accepts his proposal, but with one condition: that he release her from the marriage if they are unhappy. Their wedding night sets the stage for despair ahead.
Dinner at Swithin's
In 1886, the Forsytes are abuzz over the engagement of 17-year-old June to bohemian architect Philip Bosinney. However, Old Jo has one condition: Philip must earn £400 a year before the nuptials. Meanwhile, Irene endures an icy marriage to Soames, but sparks fly when she and Phillip meet.
A Man of Property
Monty continues to rack up debts, while Soames' marital woes worsen. Attempting to improve his disastrous marriage, Soames engages Bosinney to build a mansion for Irene at Robin Hill, a country estate far removed from London. June suspects what Soames does not, that a powerful attraction exists between Irene and Bosinney. The attraction ignites a sexual liaison. Elsewhere, Old Jo surprises his son and Helene at their modest home, and attempts to mend the rift in the family. Young Jo astounds his relatives by attending the funeral of the eldest Forsyte, Aunt Ann.
Decisions
As the affair between Irene and Bosinney becomes increasingly public, Soames threatens legal action against the architect regarding cost overruns at Robin Hill. June hides her confusion with stubborn allegiance to Bosinney, while, enraged and frustrated, Soames violently asserts his marital rights.
BBC Two
GB
