Relive the original ground breaking series

The Forsyte saga was a sensation when it arrived on American television in 1968. It was a huge success for PBS and started Masterpiece Theater and a slew of miniseries. I was 15 years old at the time and a big fan. I enjoyed it so much; I read all of the books. I loved Fleur and I hated Soames. When I saw the dvd collection at the local library recently, I just had to check it out.

This upper middle class English soap opera is the story of Soames Forsyte and his love for Irene (pronounced Eye ree knee) Heron. Soames is a very proper barrister who works for the family firm. In his late thirties he becomes frantic about having an heir. Once he sees Irene, he is determined to have her as his wife. Irene is about 10 years younger and a pianist who studied in Paris. Her father dies and her stepmother pressures her to make a good marriage. Before Irene agrees to marry Soames she exacts a promise from him that if the couple are not happy they will go their separate ways. Soames gives her his word, “on his honor as a gentleman.”

Does he keep his word? I don’t want to give too much of the story away, so I won’t say.

There are over 100 characters in this story and most of them are memorable.

Young Jolyon, known simply as Jo who is the rebel and outsider for the most part of the family. He plays the narrator for most of the story.

Old Jolyon, Jo’s father and very much a Forsyte, yet as he grows older he learns to regret some of his actions and becomes Irene’s champion.

Fleur Forsyte Mont, Soames’ spoiled strong willed daughter who falls in love with the one man she cannot have.

Bossiney the architect who builds Soames and Irene a house and steals Irene’s heart.

June Forsyte, Jo’s daughter and Bossiney’s fiancée who devotes her life to finding and cultivating young artists.

Michael Mont who marries Fleur even when he knows she loves another.

Winifred Dartie, Soames sister who marries Monty Dartie a gambler and wastrel and lives to regret it.

These are just a few of the characters that you will come to love or hate as the story progresses. One thing I enjoyed about this family was some of the stodgy silliness that goes on. For example, the Forsytes for the most part live to a ripe old age. One version of the family is made up of Old Nicholas, Young Nicholas and Very Young Nicholas who is nearing 50!

Watching this show as an adult I gained new insight into the characters. I no longer hate Soames, I have more empathy for him but I still deplore some of his actions. He was a good father, an honest lawyer and a man of integrity. He also is somewhat boring in the early part of the show.

The dvd version also includes special features, which I enjoyed. There is a debate on Soames vs. Irene, which was more revealing on the 60’s morality and views then any insight into the show. A special feature on backstage interviews with the cast and some alternate scenes and bloopers from the series. (If you are looking for some hilarious Smokey and the bandit type bloopers, skip this part as it is pretty dry.)

I enjoyed watching this again and can recommend it highly. This is not only a story of an English family in turmoil but also a history of England from Queen Victoria’s day to the 1920’s General strike. It is very addicting viewing, so much so that I think I will re-read the 6 plus books by John Galsworthy to keep the memory alive awhile longer.

Thanks for reading.