Gina McKee

"The US President and UK Prime Minister fancy a war. But not everyone agrees that war is a good thing. The US General Miller doesn't think so and neither does the British Secretary of State for International Development, Simon Foster. But, after Simon accidentally backs military action on TV, he suddenly has a lot of friends in Washington, DC. If Simon can get in with the right DC people, if his entourage of one can sleep with the right intern, and...

In 1935, 13-year-old fledgling writer Briony Tallis and her family live a life of wealth and privilege in their enormous mansion. On the warmest day of the year, the country estate takes on an unsettling hothouse atmosphere, stoking Briony's vivid imagination. Robbie Turner, the educated son of the family's housekeeper, carries a torch for Briony's headstrong older sister Cecilia. He hopes that Cecilia has comparable feelings. All it will take is...

Fleur arrives at Jon's cottage where he is working for a local farmer. Irene and Jolyon get a letter from Jon explaining that he wants to have some time on his own.

Soames arranges a weekend party for Fleur and they go to London for new clothes.

Soames travels to Paris but is decidedly rebuffed by Irene, who has fallen for Jolyon; they are named in the divorce petition, and are soon parents to a son, Jon.

Irene and Bosinney plan to run away together and Soames is furious that the project is overspending again and decides to sue Bosinney.

Soames goes to Paris for one last chance with Irene. She tells him she hates him.

The Forsyte family gather to celebrate the engagement of Winifred Forsyte to Montague Dartie, but Winifred's parents, Emily and James, disapprove.

Jack Manfred is an aspiring writer going nowhere fast. To make ends meet, and against his better judgement, he takes a job as a croupier. He finds himself drawn into the casino world and the job gradually takes over his life; his relationship with girlfriend Marion begins to deteriorate. One gambler in particular catches his attention: Jani, whom he starts to see outside of working hours — a serious violation of casino rules. Jani is down on her...

As if by accident the Royal families of Europe find their countries plunged into conflict and the young children of the monarch, George V, watch with bemusement as their elders become weighed down by the effects of the conflagration that has enveloped the continent. Through this tragedy, the bright spirit of Johnnie remains undimmed.