By the Sword Divided

Another great period drama from the BBC; two series were made between 1983 and 1985. It follows the fortunes of a Royalist family, the Laceys, during the English Civil War. As the title might suggest, they are torn apart by their opposing politics, with ultimately deadly results. This for me is one of the occasions when the combination of a great script and convincing performances elevate the result to something far greater than the sum of the parts.

I've read some commentary that says that it is heavily biased towards the Royalist perspective, although I disagree, and think they give both sides a fair and sympathetic representation. The characters are wholly relatable in a modern sense, which is not always the case even in the best period dramas, and the human cost of the conflict is a key part of the story. There are some stand out scenes, including a witch trial and the political machinations surrounding the trial and execution of the King.

I first saw this on Masterpiece Theater back in 1986. I think it was a repeat. It'd about two families. The Laceys, who are Royalists, (people loyal to King Charles I,) and the Fletchers, who are Roundheads, (people loyal to Oliver Cromwell, and by extension, Parliament.) Very good. The Laceys are Royalists, (Cavaliers,) who support the English monarchy, and King Charles I.

Charles I, who as everyone knows, or should know, was England's first absolute monarch since King John, prior to the signing of the Magna Carta, at Runnymede in 1215. The Fletchers, Roundheads, (Parliamentarians,) are upset with King Charles because he repeatedly dismissed Parliament. The Parliament that rebelled against Charles I was known as the Rump Parliament, part of the Long Parliament, which refused to be dismissed, until Oliver Cromwell became the Lord Protector of the English Commonwealth, which lasted until his death in 1659. and the Restoration of King Charles II.

I only began watching the DVD set of this series because I had a friend visiting who needed to use my DVD player. Because I am not a historical fiction buff and didn't even know there was an English Civil War, I wasn't expecting to find it in the slightest bit interesting. I was very wrong. The writing and the acting really made the characters come to life for me. I cared deeply what happened to them, and the entire series captivated me. I also think the movie is a wonderful period piece, depicting life during that era. It laid out the history of the war without spending undue time on actual battle scenes.

If I had to pick out just one actor to praise, it would be Tim Bentinck as Tom Lacey. His performance captured my heart, not to mention the fact that at that time he resembled a young Alan Rickman!

This is a terrific series for anyone who is into history or English wars. Words cannot describe how good this is. My VHS tapes of this are old and ready to fall apart, (and they aren't even complete) but I still watch it every year or so.

Also a great series for a history teacher.

Unfortunately, it has not been available, but I believe that Acorn is releasing it near the end of the year.

Watch for it, folks.....for anyone who loves history, it will be worth the wait.

If you loved Poldark, etc, this will be a great addition to your collection.

I have looked for this series since first seeing it when it was new. It is very well done and reveals the divisions that split families, much as was done in the Wars of The Roses in the 15th C { York / Lancaster } and in the United States { Union and Confederacy } in the 1860's.

I am a staunch monarchist and have a photograph of the martyred King Charles 1 in my home. On 30 January { 1649 } I fly the English Medieval Flag at Half Mast.

There is an expression regarding people you despise being on fire and reluctance to extinguish the flames. Thus my opinion of Oliver Cromwell.

By the way, England has never been a republic. From the death of Charles 1 in 1649 his son, also Charles, became Charles 11.