Seven part big budget drama Jennie, Lady Randolph Churchill told the story of Sir Winston Churchill’s mother. The series was made to mark the centenary of Churchill’s birth.
Jennie was an American from a wealthy family who met Lord Randolph Churchill whilst holidaying in Cowes in 1873 and quickly became his wife.
The series very much had the Churchill seal of approval. Winston’s widow Lady Spencer had script approval and locations included real life Churchill homes as well as Blenheim Palace.
The cast was first rate with a star turn from movie legend Lee Remick as Jennie. Warren Clarke played Winston.
This was one of a number of very high profile period pieces that ITV were investing in at this time with shows such as Edward The Seventh and Edward and Mrs Simpson really giving the BBC a run for their money.
production details
UK / ITV – Thames / 7×50 minute episodes / Broadcast 22 October – 3 December 1974
Writer: Julian Mitchell / Executive Producer: Stella Richman / Producer: Andrew Brown / Director: James Cellan Jones
cast
Lee Remick as Jennie
Jeremy Brett as Count Kinsky
Rachel Kempson as Duchess of Marlborough
Ronald Pickup as Randolph
Charles Lloyd Pack as Sir Henry Wolff
Adrian Ropes as Arthur Balfour
David Steuart as Mr Gladstone
Warren Clarke as Winston
Barbara Parkins as Leonie
Thorley Walters as Prince of Wales
THE EPISODES 22 October – 3 December 1974
1. JENNIE JONES (22 Oct 74)
2. LADY RANDOLPH (29 Oct 74)
3. RECOVERY (5 Nov 74)
4. TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY (12 Nov 74)
5. A PERFECT DARLING (19 Nov 74)
6. HIS BORROWED PLUMES (26 Nov 74)
7. A PAST AND A FUTURE (3 Dec 74)
