The serial is in nine hour-long parts, covering most of the major events of Lloyd George's life, from his birth in Manchester in January 1863 until his death in 1945 in Llanystumdwy. It covers his personal life, specifically the running of two families. The duration of Lloyd George's political career, of over 54 years, combined with the length of the series, means that certain periods of history have been skirted over. This is particularly the case with the various Liberal Party splits from 1918 onwards. The historical consultant for the series was the historian A. J. P. Taylor.
The serial featured music by Ennio Morricone, including the theme music ("Chi Mai"), which was a surprise hit on the UK Singles Chart, reaching number 2. The opening titles showed an elderly Lloyd George walking through the Welsh countryside near Criccieth remembering his Uncle Lloyd baptising the young David George (later Lloyd George) in a mountain stream.
The series was first broadcast on BBC Two in 1981 and was repeated on BBC One in 1983.[2][3][4] Episodes 1 to 8 are approximately 60 minutes long, and episode 9 is approximately 70 minutes long.
Episode
Title
First Broadcast
Synopsis
1
Don't Try, Do It...
Wednesday 4 March 1981, 9.25pm
David Lloyd George's career as a lawyer takes a fateful turn when he marries.
2
A Wicked War
Wednesday 11 March 1981, 9.25pm
Lloyd George makes a barnstorming start as an MP, but his private life becomes complicated.
3
He Is Wise And Merciful
Wednesday 18 March 1981, 9.25pm
A family tragedy leaves Lloyd George, now a cabinet minister, distraught.
4
All Flesh And Grass
Wednesday 25 March 1981, 9.25pm
Lloyd George gets close to his daughter's new governess.
5
Well, We're In
Wednesday 1 April 1981, 9.25pm
With Europe descending quickly into war, Lloyd George battles to provide enough arms.
6
Number Ten
Wednesday 8 April 1981, 9.25pm
Lloyd George becomes Prime Minister, determined to banish defeatism and shake up decision-making.
7
An Honourable Peace
Wednesday 15 April 1981, 9.25pm
Amid the victory celebrations, Frances learns a harsh truth.
8
Win Or Lose
Wednesday 22 April 1981, 9.25pm
At Versailles, Lloyd George argues against punitive treatment for Germany.
9
Footnotes of History
Wednesday 29 April 1981, 9.25pm
Lloyd George finds he can no longer split his time between the two women in his life.
References
^"BBC Genome". Archived from the original on 29 October 2014. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
^"BBC Genome". Archived from the original on 10 February 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
^"BBC Genome". Archived from the original on 29 October 2014. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
