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When I was first in NYC in the early 1970s, I heard about this wonderful production which was produced in the 60s and broadast on public television. I also knew that at some point a marathon of all the episodes of this show had been broadcast, through the night! It was an occasion for parties, and I always regretted that I had missed out. Now I am catching up, watching and enjoying the show very much. It is not as "tight" as the 2002-2003 (gorgeous) production with Damian Lewis, Gina McKee, Rupert Graves, Amanda Root, Corin Redgrave -- just a great cast, with more superb actors than I can list here -- which I also highly recommend. But more members of the Forsyte family tree are written into the earlier, black and white 1960s production, and the scenes are much longer (attention spans were longer in the 60s maybe?). Anyway, if you really care about the Forsyte Sage and the Forsyte Chronicles, you will want to purchase and watch this set of DVDs.Read full review
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The Forsyte Saga is about a Wealthy British Family (Not Royals) from the Victorian ERA to the Edwardian Age. It does not get to WWI but one does have a sense of the 20' and 30's, with the Style of Susan Hampshire. This Saga was made in the 1960's, accurately (1967), with the political torment of the over indulged Free Sex Loving Hippies and Libertine Values set against a Recollection Time of the Victorian & Edwardian Ages. Basically the Family divides into a Liberal Side with Free Thinking and Ignorant(Not Stupid) Point of View with another side staying Traditional with Time Honored Values, Old Ideals, and Misunderstood Reasons. Needless to say I sympathized with Soames, not with what he did to his wife, Irene, but with his general character. I pity him and his Loneliness. Irene, Soames' first wife and Irene's second husband were nothing more than Martyrs. It felt like through most of the series, that I am suppose to pity them, instead of Soames. Irene and Jolyon were Adulterers who each had marriage complications and never worked on their marriages. They each cheated on their spouses and I was suppose to feel sorry for them because they were trapped in "Loveless" marriages. That's a JOKE. They had choices. They chose sex, not love, sex, and with whomever came along. I found Irene to be a Loathsome Lilly, delicate, exotic, and with no true fragrance, no importance, dull, and no real work ethic. I would have had more respect for Irene had she become a Prostitute. Jolyon was about the same, like toilet paper and poop, him and Irene deserved each other. Jolyon was a middle aged man who never had a real job and wants to be a world famous artist. Needles to say LAZY...Like most starving artists, supported by his family, later supported by his family, and even before death, supported by his family. Jolyon was definitely not a rock, more like Baby. Not a Good Father either. You have to watch the other connecting stories to understand the series. Definitely worth seeing. Especially...I liked the way Fleur decorated the apartment in the Chinoserie/Chinese Chippendale Style...very rare to see this House Decor in any Series....But Very Beautiful along with the painting of "The White Monkey." Thank JJRead full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great 1967 black and white production of the upper middle class Forsyte family from 1897 to 1928. If you can get past the 1967 production values lower than modern series like Downton Abbey, you should enjoy these 26 episodes as either a thoughtful period drama or a costume soap opera. When broadcast initially it was so popular it launched PBS Masterpiece Theater in the US. This 2002 reissue should not be confused with the new color production in 2002.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
A great PBS production. One of the best. Its outstanding cast and script stay true to the terrific Galsworthy novel that tells the fascinating story of an upper class large British family that spans three generations. I especially love the older generation of eccentric aunts and uncles that include James, Swithin, Jolyon and their sisters. Wonderful, Very British dialogue beautifully spoken the way English is meant to be. One can watch the series over and over. I really like Soames whose love for Irene and then for daughter Fleur is extremely moving.
The 1967 version keeps you riveted all through the entire 26 episodes. Eric Porter, Nyree Dawn Porter and Kenneth More- plus the huge supporting cast- give excellent performances that make you believe they are actually living their lives as the Forsytes. For those that think a 60- year-old production can not measure up to today's standards, you will be addicted right from the first hour. This is what superb drama is all about!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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