TV
Christabel (BBC Drama, Elizabeth Hurley, Stephen Dillon)
Period drama Christabel was a remarkably restrained Dennis Potter adaptation although in fact when writing on other author’s work Potter always showed proper respect for the material. This four parter tells the true life story of English girl Christabel Burton (Elizabeth Hurley) who in 1934 marries German Peter Bielenberg (Stephen Dillon) and moves to Germany with him only to find her life in danger when world war two breaks out.
The cast also includes Geoffrey Palmer and Ann Bell as Christabel’s parents.
Something of a breakthrough role for Elizabeth Hurley who here, before the fame and endless publicity is not only beautiful but also highly capable.
Cast: Elizabeth Hurley as Christabel; Stephen Dillon as Peter Bielenberg; Geoffrey Palmer as Mr Burton; Ann Bell as Mrs Burton; Nigel Le Vaillant as Adam; Renny Lister as Aunt Ulla; John Burgess as Neisse; Sam Preston as Nicky; Ryan Le Neveu as John; Sam Kelly as Langbehn; Ralph Brown as Lange
Writer and Executive Producer: Dennis Potter / Book: Christabel Bielenberg / Music: Stanley Myers / Producer: Kenith Trodd / Director: Adrian Shergold
UK / BBC Two / 4 episodes either 55 or 65 minutes duration / Broadcast 16 November – 7 December 1988