Fortunes of War

Miniseries

Guy Pringle and his new wife, Harriet, are members of the English community in Bucharest, Romania, on the eve of World War II. After the war begins, they cross paths with diplomats, literary types, spies, penniless royals, gays, and lesbians, as they flee to Athens and then to Cairo, before the advancing German armies.

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7 Episodes

The Balkans: September 1939
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The Balkans: September 1939Set in the Balkans 1939. Newly weds Guy and Harriet Pringle journey to Bucharest where Guy is a lecturer of English Literature. Impoverished Prince Yakimov arrives in the city and struggles to find financial support, but a temporary job as a Fleet Street journalist could save him from destitution. Harriet befriends bourgeoisie Bella and members of the British Legation.
Romania: January 1940
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Romania: January 1940Commander Sheppey holds a clandestine meeting to organise the destruction of the River Danube. Guy feels guilty about not being on active service and is determined to do something productive. Harriet and Guy encounter an old friend who is in desperate need of their assistance.
Romania: June 1940
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Romania: June 1940The fascist Iron Guard increase their power and the British fall out of favour with the Romanians. Tension mounts as the fascists take over and the Pringles, with the help of Clarence Lawson, try to smuggle Sasha out to safety.
Greece: October 1940
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Greece: October 1940A despondent Harriet arrives in Athens and is overjoyed to see a familiar face. Yakimov and Harriet both pleased to find employment at the British Information Office. When Athens comes under enemy fire, a cigarette during the blackout results in a tragedy.
Egypt: April 1941
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Egypt: April 1941After their unceremonious arrival in Cairo, Guy and Harriet are forced to stay in an old brothel. Guy struggles to find work when it emerges that an old adversary is in charge of the English School. The Germans close in and Simon experiences the harsh realities of war.
Egypt: September 1942
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Egypt: September 1942An an attempt to help Simon recover from the death of his brother, he’s taken under the wing of those at ‘Garden City.' Harriet contracts dysentery and Simon is involved in a desert disaster. Harriet makes a decision about her future. Some last minute changes to travel arrangements lead to a major misunderstanding.
The Middle East: January 1943
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The Middle East: January 1943Guy struggles to come to terms with his apparent loss. A quick marriage, an emotional reunion and a sudden death change the lives of those at ‘Garden City’ forever.