The Forsytes

JUNE: You and I, we are not typical Forsytes.

Am I permitted a mind of my own?

(sighs): Oh, I really hope she won't make life difficult for him.

What's happening?

JAMES: Explosion at the mine-- 200 dead.

JOLYON: A crisis of our own making.

Oh, how could we have known?

Eviction?

LOUISA: How could this happen?

Your mother wouldn't do that.

You are not blameless.

Remove her from our lives.

(Holly laughing) JOS: Holly, higher!

Higher!

(Louisa chuckles) ANN: Is the heart capable of boundless love?

Or as it gives to one, does it take from another?

Must there always be winners and losers?

(sighs) (grunting) ANN: Can you still lose... (grunting) ANN: ...even when you think you've won?

(panting) ANN: And is the game of love ever really over?

(birds chirping) (breathes deeply) Here.

Let me.

(exhales) Leave it on.

It suits you.

(door opens and closes) FRANCES: Oh, for God's sake, stop fiddling!

Here.

Get out.

(sighs) Stupid girl-- she's hopeless.

Here, let me.

Any word from Papa?

I haven't given him much thought.

(exhales) WINIFRED: Do we think Jo will come skulking back in time?

(Cyril barks) EMILY: I can't fathom what possessed him to leave home at all.

MONTY: He's still waltzing around the office bold as brass.

(others laugh) WINIFRED: Mm, poor Frances.

She's done her best, but she's never managed to tame him.

Of course, you scarcely know them, but trust me, Frances will be smarting.

(clears throat softly) Please continue.

(Cyril panting) Of what were we speaking?

Uh... (gasps) (Monty stammers, clears throat) Of how no one knows what goes on inside a marriage.

Except the two people in it.

EMILY: I beg to differ.

(Monty clears throat) EMILY: What you and Soames have is plain for all to see.

(chuckles) We're off to the park.

Would you care to join us?

IRENE: That's kind, but I'm meeting June.

What fun.

EMILY: So lovely that June has a companion her own age.

Shall we go?

Your wife has a mind of her own.

But isn't that why you married her?

Of course.

(door opens and closes) I, um, I may have got carried away.

Glad I was spared.

(chuckles) Well, I should leave you in peace.

Move into my club.

No, you don't need to do that, but maybe you should ask Frances to reconsider her terms?

(Lady Carteret chuckling) Mm.

Dear Frances, where have you been?

No one's seen you or dear Jolyon in weeks.

We've been enjoying the peace and quiet of home.

Oh, then perhaps you've not heard?

Our own dear Horatio engaged to young Countess Avery.

Oh.

A fellow moth enthusiast?

LADY CARTERET: Sweet girl-- who matches him in temperament and rank.

OLIVIA: And how is June?

And Soames?

You Forsytes make such bold matrimonial choices.

Uh, shall we see you at the Parker Barringtons'?

If you prefer to keep a low profile, I do understand.

(chuckles) Pure speculation.

But if people are starting to question... (exhales) (fiddle playing, horse neighing) (dog barking, people calling in background) Where are we going?

You must promise not to tell, because Soames would be furious.

Soames?

(piano playing) (piano continues) (Irene exhales) Isn't she enchanting?

(exhaling, piano continues) Extraordinary.

(piece ending) (final chord plays) (talking softly) MAN: Good morning, sir.

Jolyon.

Will you be making an appearance at the gala?

JOLYON: He will indeed, cousin.

In fact, he will be giving the opening address.

It is, after all, the 50th anniversary, and so highly appropriate for the heir apparent, at this great juncture in our company's history, to lay out his vision for the future.

(men murmuring) As for your marital situation, it is not ideal.

So mend it.

Then return home to your excellent wife, who has done absolutely nothing to merit your desertion, and thus allay any doubts about your fitness to lead.

Is this actually something you want?

As in?

Did you ever really intend to retire?

Why would you doubt it?

Because you're still young.

And the fact that you keep pushing me... Tells you that I was nowhere near ready to take a back seat?

Well, perhaps you're right.

But having seen you make the right call when I so spectacularly failed to do so, I am content with my decision.

(people talking in background) (clears throat) It's been a struggle.

But trust me, I have a plan.

JOLYON: Ah, my dear, you and I understand each other.

Always have.

Knew from the moment we met that you would be the jewel in our crown.

(chuckles) Our task now is to bring the boy home in time for the gala.

Leave that to me.

IRENE: I'm going to have to show you Paris one day, where I grew up.

The city of romance, ballet, and, and scandal.

JUNE: You must.

(both chuckle) I'd like to thank you for allowing us to watch you dance.

(exhales) My pleasure.

JUNE: No, ours.

Would you excuse me, Pa?

JAMES: Mm-hmm.

IRENE (giggles): You wouldn't!

Oh, I would.

My dear?

Shall we go?

Must we?

Mm.

You used to say you never wanted children.

I also said I wanted to live in a hut in Tahiti and paint sunsets.

What happened to that plan, eh?

(piano playing, people talking in background) At least you'll get to watch your child grow up.

And have some influence in their life.

Try not to set a bad example.

And to your own children?

I think we both know you still have much to give.

(crickets chirping) You seem a little out of sorts.

Perhaps I'm still mourning.

Your father?

My life.

Or rather the one I was promised.

My dear, need we revisit this?

Paris was a beautiful dream.

Which you led me to believe you shared.

But for reasons beyond our control... We are here.

And there is much to be grateful for.

There is.

But I cannot pretend it's what I would have chosen.

(people calling in background) (door creaks) (birds chirping) (clears throat) I take it you don't expect visitors.

Uh... No, not as a rule.

(bottle clattering) I have a question.

Yes?

Why would a gentleman trust the architect of such squalor with the design and build of a country house?

Well, if you're at all familiar with the creative process... I'm familiar with the works of great artists.

Then you'll appreciate that chaos can be the mother of inspiration.

(chuckles) And in your inspired opinion, were a gentleman to contemplate the commissioning of a country house, where would he begin?

ISAAC: You have a visitor.

Waiting in the boardroom.

(door closes) Harry Falconer.

Yes?

Your father and uncle refuse to offer compensation.

So you will cover his losses from funds that I'll provide.

Why would you provide?

Call it a moral obligation?

Your late grandfather and I, we... We knew his mother.

Who was she?

After she fell on hard times, your grandfather provided a home, a family, a trust for the child.

Which has recently matured and was squandered, on your uncle's advice, in the gold mine debacle.

And the child's father?

I couldn't tell you.

Couldn't or won't?

Kindly make the necessary arrangements.

And while you're at it... Yes.

Your own affairs?

Get a grip on them, dear.

It'll be the making of you.

(people talking in background) (conversations continue in distance) (breathes deeply) (exhales) LADY CARTERET: What a flattering gown.

Miss Louisa?

Alas, no.

I was obliged to discontinue our arrangement.

The service was disappointing.

Oh, you surprise me-- I find her excellent.

Mm.

Ah.

OLIVIA: Although, tediously, she's now moved to the back of beyond.

Can't imagine why.

LADY CARTERET: Perhaps she feared condemnation after her brave confession.

OLIVIA: Mm, so courageous.

Indeed.

The cause of fallen women-- such a complex one.

Is it not?

Mm.

SOAMES: What is this place?

PHILIP: I believe it's called Robin Hill.

Your experience is limited.

I graduated top of my year.

Youthful enthusiasm is no substitute for skill.

One certainly wouldn't wish to pay a premium for it.

Indeed, one would expect that any fee, however small, would be gratefully seized upon.

Then one would be mistaken.

I do not underestimate my worth, however others may choose to.

(chuckles) (sighs) ELLEN: So an uncritical presumption of need, a commitment to provide unconditional support, so that these women can begin to help themselves.

As dear Louisa has demonstrated.

(women murmur in agreement) And yet, might some of these women benefit more from an atonement-based model?

LADY CARTERET: Atonement?

Interesting word.

ELLEN: As you know, our aim is never to judge, but to support.

Whether or not they deserve it?

Well, I know I speak for many when I say that to ignore some of the damage done by these women to decent, upstanding families is an obstacle to many who might wish to contribute.

(Lady Carteret chuckles) Perhaps you should form your own charity, one that prizes correction and penance above indiscriminate handouts.

(woman chuckles in background) I wish you luck.

(women murmuring) WOMAN: Really, this is very uncouth.

(women murmuring) I sense you have your reasons.

You must do what you think best.

When could you commence?

I'm sorry?

You wish to... ...commission some preliminary drawings so that I may assess your suitability.

At once, if you wish.

You will, however, refrain from discussing our arrangement with anyone.

Particularly my wife.

You understand that this is to be a surprise.

Of course.

(horse snorting) (exhales) What is it?

Tell me.

I was ordered not to say.

By whom?

Soames Forsyte.

What on earth could he have to say?

(knocks) (giggles) May I speak with your mama?

Mama went out.

Oh.

Will you come in?

I'll ask Hannah to make some tea.

Yes.

But only for a moment.

(giggles) (door closes) You like painting?

I do, but Mama says I must practice more.

Well, these are excellent.

You've really captured the bird's feathers.

HOLLY: Mama said you're good at drawing.

Will you draw us?

(gasps) I could.

(chuckles) No, no, no, no-- you, you go on painting.

May I?

Yeah.

Yes.

HOLLY: You're much better than Jos.

May we keep it?

Mama will love it.

I know something she'd like.

(footsteps approaching, door opens) (chuckles) Are you not bursting with joy?

Oh, I know it's meant to be a secret, but of course you know.

Phil's commission.

To build a house for you and Soames.

Well, they agreed yesterday.

Sorry, what?

Did Soames not mention that... Oh, my God.

I'm so sorry.

Phil said it was a secret, but I never thought from you.

You'll have to pretend.

When Soames tells you, look surprised or he'll be furious with me.

But isn't it just the best of news?

I can get married, you get a beautiful new house, and Phil's such a talent.

(audio distorting) I know he'll design you an absolute palace.

(breath heaving) (people talking in background) (knock at door) Mrs.

Forsyte.

Is your husband... No.

Will you come in?

Is this about the commission?

No.

Uh, yes-- I hardly know.

Do you have questions?

Many.

About the design?

About the site.

And the purpose.

The site I can answer for.

30 miles from London, spectacular views, no other dwelling for miles around.

(sighs) Um, as for the purpose... Is that not obvious?

(chuckling) I shouldn't have come, I should be congratulating you, and June.

Your wedding can be sooner.

Yes.

I'm glad.

It means the world to her.

I'm sorry to have disturbed you.

(door closes) (sighs) Mrs.

Forsyte!

Mrs.

Forsyte!

Forgive me!

I could pretend to misunderstand your distress, but who would that serve?

It was wrong of me to involve you.

But how can I proceed, knowing that what I've been commissioned to build will effectively be your prison?

(bicycle bell rings) That's not the word I used.

It was implied.

(dog barking, people talking in background) And is not... (chuckles) ...inaccurate.

(sighs) Then all that remains is to find a way to make a graceful exit.

What, what do you mean?

But I can't be the one.

That will alert your husband and devastate June.

I must make him withdraw of his own accord.

But June will be distraught.

And you, it's your first commission.

I'm arrogant enough to believe there'll soon be another.

(laughs) (sighs) I really don't know what to say.

Say absolutely nothing.

(door opens) (door closes) (door opens) Mama!

(laughing) (all laugh) We have a surprise for you.

Oh?

Close your eyes.

Oh!

(Louisa laughing) Open your eyes.

Do you like it, Mama?

Uh, go and play outside.

Do we have to?

Yes, please.

(door closes) (gulls calling, water lapping) (Louisa and Jo laughing) (bell tolling in distance) (clock chiming hour) (door opens) Yes?

I have brought some preliminary designs.

With costings.

Your efficiency bodes well.

Some mistake, surely.

As in several noughts too many.

To design a property befitting the status and the magnitude of a gentleman such as yourself... I asked you to build me a house, not the Palace of Westminster.

I cannot in all conscience reduce the scale and thus the cost by a single penny.

Then you have done yourself out of a commission, sir.

Mr.

Bosinney.

Was just leaving.

Good day to you both.

IRENE: Why was he here?

I had thoughts of commissioning a house.

We have a house.

Of our own.

Away from these prying, gossiping... Who do you mean?

Your family have been nothing but kind.

My thought was to remove ourselves from the city altogether, to the countryside, where we might have room to breathe.

And Mr.

Bosinney has been unable to deliver that vision?

Unfortunately, yes.

The arrogant young pup has just priced himself out of the market.

(exhales) (door opens and closes) (sighs) (knock at door) (door closes) You asked to see me.

Ah, yes.

To see if you've come to your senses.

Or are you still minded to favor your mistress over your wife?

She's not my mistress.

People make assumptions.

No one knows of our previous attachment.

And now that our connection is platonic... Despite the fact that you left our home?

You know why I left our home.

Because I couldn't agree to cease contact with my children.

Well, as to that... ...I might be willing to reconsider.

Reconsider how?

I give a little, you give a little.

We both want the same thing.

You home.

In time for the gala.

(door opens) Harry Falconer.

Yes?

Writing to thank us for reimbursing his losses.

What?

Did you have something to do with it?

Hardly-- did you?

Absolutely not.

Then who?

And why?

Quite the mystery.

Yes.

(bells tolling) (Alicia and Isaac laughing) Okay.

(laughing) (both talking softly) (laughing) (both chuckling) I was thinking about that day we met.

Seems an age ago.

Mm.

And still, we barely know each other.

I disagree.

Perhaps it's that we just want such different things.

Is this about Paris?

Paris is when I first realized... What?

...how... ...unalike we are.

Mm.

(inhales) I look forward to seeing what you've chosen for the gala.

It's important to make an impact.

You should wear your new necklace.

(people talking in background) Morning, sir.

(talking softly) (machines clicking) Slightly alarming.

Talk of Jo returning home.

If we can't play the "tarnishing the company reputation" card, I... MONTY (loudly): Thought I should mention, planning to make a splash at the grand event, so, if you'd like me to give the address?

Next generation rising like salmon to scale the rapids of opportunity?

Yes, thank you, I'll bear that in mind.

What's this I hear?

You treating us to your vision for the future at our gala?

I can hardly wait.

Care to give us a taster?

Not especially.

Well, let me guess.

"Profit is the devil, caution is king, "and if our clients lose money, it's up to us to bail them out."

If it's due to us giving poor advice, then yes.

Nothing to do with their own greed or willful ignorance?

Everything to do with our obligation to urge them not to put their eggs in one basket, no matter how "guaranteed" the returns or by how much commission we stand to make.

And to say otherwise is just... Yes?

What is it?

Morally bankrupt.

(guffaws) Oh!

That... That's priceless.

Our would-be chair, the most degenerate member of the firm, presumes to preach morality to the rest of us.

To the man who knowingly capsized the Durham Mining Company, thereby ruining their investors, including his own future father-in-law, making his wife-to-be destitute.

(others murmuring) She doesn't know, does she?

(shouting): And this from the man who's conveniently jilted his wife so he can debauch his mistress and fawn over his brats!

Mm.

(others murmuring) (inhales) (murmuring) Is this the type of leadership you're after?

(sniffs) (door closes) (men talking in background) (sniffs) (clock pendulum swinging) (ticking) Jolyon is late.

No, my love, I really think we would be happier if we moved to the country house.

(people talking and laughing in background) WOMAN: And how was the garden party?

I heard it was exquisite.

Yes, it was.

Champagne, madam?

(laughing and talking in background) What a scrumptious distraction you are.

Thank you.

(laughing and talking in background) (talking softly) Oh, Monty.

Has anyone seen Jolyon?

(breathes deeply) (people talking in background) MONTY: Quite right, too.

(conversations continue, music playing) Is Jolyon proposing to make some sort of grand entrance?

He'll be here, rest assured.

Exciting.

Where's Jo?

Did he not leave with you?

He left ahead of me.

I thought he'd be here.

Right.

JUNE: It's so exciting.

I can't quite believe it.

We're getting married, Phil.

Aren't you just thrilled beyond words?

I know Mama has plenty of plans already.

Do excuse me.

(music continues) (music ends) (guests applaud) From Soames?

You guessed.

Reminds me of one my late husband gave me.

Haven't worn it in years.

ELLEN: We had a splendid time today.

Ah.

ELLEN: Did we not, Mrs.

Forsyte?

(panting) (music playing) (people talking in background) Well, Soames has reconsidered the commission.

Reconsidered?

Does he not like the design?

He dislikes the price.

Reduce it.

Cannot be done.

Not without detriment to the plans.

Well, what about our plans?

There are other considerations.

Well, think of Irene-- how will she feel?

I am thinking of Irene.

I suspect she may not be as keen on the idea as Soames.

Oh.

Well, it is true, we'd... We'd hardly ever see each other, and it would be just the two of them.

But our wedding.

I can't bear the thought of having to wait.

Nor I, but... Mr.

Bosinney.

On further consideration, I believe the site will suit me well.

Let us proceed.

I'm sorry?

You will build me a house at Robin Hill.

(music and conversations continue) (breathes deeply) (door opens) (sighs) (door closes) I knew you'd come.

Well, your father was right.

We shouldn't have doubted you.

(sighs) And I've been at fault.

Issuing ultimatums, forcing you to make a choice, when you'd have come to your senses of your own accord.

Frances... We can salvage this.

Our marriage.

Your ascension.

This is our moment.

Frances, I'm sorry.

(guests talking and laughing in distance) For everything you've worked for, everything you've done... ...you deserve a better return.

I do.

And I cannot give it.

Yesterday, it struck me.

Battling with Soames, fighting to impose my will on the company, my heart's not in it.

It never was.

I don't understand.

What are you saying?

That I'll never cease to love you.

Respect, admire-- provide for you.

But I'll never return to the firm.

Or this house.

(exhales) (breath shuddering) (gasping) (gulping) (music playing, people talking and laughing) (breath steadying) (sighs) I'm sorry.

(yelps) I tried.

You're very kind.

Not kind.

It's just... ...the, the thought of you being with... I won't give up.

I swear it.

I can't.

(exhales) There will be no divorce.

Your children will not be legitimized.

You will suffer rejection from the family.

The firm.

From all of London.

I accept that.

I thought I'd molded you into something resembling a rational being.

I was mistaken.

So, go.

You were once interesting to me.

Now you bore me.

Goodbye, Frances.

(door closes) (gasps) (catches breath) Absolutely.

(people laughing and talking in background) (music playing) (door opens) (music ends, guests applaud) (laughter and conversations continue) Where is he?

Is he coming?

I've been looking all over for the man of the hour.

Where is dear Jolyon?

I'm afraid he's just been called away.

LADY CARTERET: On such an auspicious day?

How disappointing for you all.

FRANCES: A small inconvenience.

I trust we're more than capable of enjoying the festivities in his absence.

Mr.

Cole.

I wonder if I might call upon you to transact some business for me.

Uh, yes, of course.

My late father left a property in Camden which has lain empty for many years.

I propose to donate it to the charity.

Well, that's most generous.

For conversion into suitable accommodation for needy women.

Of course, I'm no expert, but perhaps you could advise me on matters legal and beyond?

It would be a pleasure.

Impressive performance.

Isn't that how the higher species evolve?

By their ability to adapt?

I suspect you and I will work very well together.

(chuckles) Mm.

So, Jo's bolted.

Shall I step in, say a few words?

Hand over to Soames, and passing the torch, all that?

I think, on balance, no.

No?

I prefer to do the honors myself.

(people talking in background) (clinking) Pray silence for Her Illustrious Highness, Mrs.

Ann Euphemia Isadora Forsyte.

Dear friends.

No doubt you were expecting an address from one of the male members of this firm.

Instead, you have me.

(guests chuckle) Perfectly placed to judge the merits and the demerits of this formidable clan.

Since my arrival, there have been many newcomers to the Forsyte ranks.

All of you will have wondered what you were letting yourself in for, before becoming Forsytes in your own right.

So... What defines this family?

What is a Forsyte?

A Forsyte is someone who knows the value of loyalty.

And family.

And repute.

We are tenacious.

We are survivors.

And we should never, ever be underestimated.

(guests applauding) Only a fool would underestimate you.

Or you, my love.

(kisses) (talking in background) Seems a shame to let a prime seat go to waste.

Oh, Monty, you wouldn't dare.

Well, I think I know my own worth, Freddie.

Wiggins, remove the chair.

(chuckles) (people talking in background) This should've been his moment.

You mean your moment.

(exhales) Eyes on the camera, please.

Holding it still now.

(flash powder bursts) (flash powder bursts) (gasping) (inhales deeply) Right.

(sighs) Right.

Mama.

Harry Falconer.

Yes?

It was you who paid him off.

Why would you do that?

My dear boy, let's enjoy the day.

We can speak of these things some other time.

But Mama, who is he?

He's my grandson.

(guests cheering) (music playing) (talking and laughing) (conversations and laughter continue) (music continues) Do you remember the day you proposed?

Vividly.

You said to me if we were unable to make a success of our marriage, then you would release me.

I cannot imagine saying any such thing.

(gasps) (conversations and laughter continue) (gulls calling) (children laughing outside) (door closes) I came to finish the painting.

There is no urgency.

I believe there is.

I wish to resume my work as an artist, an ambition I gave up ten years ago as incompatible with the aims of my father and my wife.

Oh, don't mistake me, I've been blessed.

I've had wealth, status, a beautiful wife, an adorable stepdaughter.

And I could have gone on living a comfortable, privileged half-life if you hadn't walked into that room on June's 18th birthday.

And now?

It's done.

I've resigned.

From the firm, from my family, from my marriage.

You, you can't.

What, what are you thinking?

Thinking I can no longer lie to her.

Or to myself.

Or to you.

I want to paint.

I want to be a father to our children.

I want to live with you.

We'll be outcasts, we'll be poor.

I cannot give you my name.

But I can give you my love.

If you'll have me.

(laughs tearfully) Do you even need to ask?

ANNOUNCER: Visit our website for videos, newsletters, podcasts, and more.

And join us on social media.

The DVD version of this program is available online and in stores.

This program is also available with PBS Passport and on Amazon Prime Video.