In 1964, four newly elected MPs take their seats at Westminster: grammar school boy Raymond Gould (Tom Wilkinson), born above a Leeds butcher’s shop; Andrew Fraser (David Robb), the son of a Conservative Lord Provost who joins the Labour Party; Simon Kerslake (James Faulkner), a career Conservative; and Charles Seymour (Jeremy Child), a ruthless Tory landowner. Each man has his sights on Number Ten – but who will succeed?

Following the political and personal fortunes of the four fiercely ambitious MPs over twentyfive years, this BAFTA-nominated adaptation of Jeffrey Archer’s best-selling novel, originally transmitted in 1986, encompasses the familiar themes of power, public life and private scandal, and decisions that can make or break a political career. Featuring an impressive cast and drawing upon real situations encountered by Jeffrey Archer early in his career, the portrayal of key contemporary figures lends the series an authenticity that is further enhanced by the famous replica of the House of Commons that was specially constructed for the series.

SPECIAL FEATURE:

[] Alternate ending to episode ten, unscreened in the UK (Disc Three)