A brilliant adaption of a literary masterpiece - often compared to the landmark miniseries Brideshead Revisited in scope and impact - A Dance to the Music of Time chronicles a half century of British upper-class life through the eyes of protagonist Nicolas Jenkins (James Purefoy, Rome). From the 1920s through the 1960s friendship, adultery, ambition, and failure play out against the backdrop of Londons social, political, and artistic life. Based on the 12-novel cycle by Anthony Powell called the absolute quintessence of Englishness, and adapted by Emmy BAFTA-winner Hugh Whitemore (My House in Umbria, The Gathering Storm, Breaking the Code), the lavish eight-hour drama debuted in the U.K. in 1997 to critical and popular acclaim. Also starring Miranda Richardson, Edward Fox, John Gielgud, Alan Bennett, John Standing, Zoe Wanamaker, Eileen Atkins, and Simon Russell Beale.
1. Film 1 - Nicholas Jenkins regales his married lover, Jean, with tales of his school days in the early 1920s, including his enduring friendships with Jeans suave older brother Peter Templer, the sad and fragile Charles Stringham, and the oft-mocked buffoon Kenneth Widmerpool. As Nicholass affair with Jean comes to an end, he is introduced to the mysterious clairvoyant Mrs Erdleigh by his disreputable Uncle Giles. She predicts Nicholas will soon meet his true love.
2. Film 2 - As Nicholas Jenkins and his friends enter their 30s marriages begin to crumble, new love blossoms, and the youthful optimism of their younger days fade away. Nicholas, now a scriptwriter, falls for Isobel, the sister of a recent acquaintance and travels in the circles of both the snobbish upper class and the bohemian underground.
3. Film 3 - With World War II under way, Nicholas must leave a pregnant Isobel behind when he enlists. Widermerpool uses his connections to rise through the ranks, taking Nicholas along with him. Unfortunately, Widermerpools kindness does not extend to others and he has Charles transferred to a mobile laundry unit that is about to go abroad.