Parade's End

About Parade's End

Titled 'Parade's End' and originally aired in 2013, this evocative series is set against the backdrop of World War I and explores themes of love, honor, and betrayal. It's a story of an old-fashioned Englishman, Christopher Tietjens, his vindictive socialite wife, Sylvia, and the young suffragette, Valentine, whom Christopher falls in love with. This series is known for its layered narrative, historical setting, and the human drama between its central characters.

Making / Production

'Parade's End' was an adaptation of Ford Madox Ford's four novels which were written in the early 20th century. Produced by Mammoth Screen for the BBC, this series has been gracefully written by Sir Tom Stoppard and directed by Susanna White. The series provides a contrasting portrayal of the shifting social framework in the period between Edwardian era to World War I.

Actors

• Benedict Cumberbatch brilliantly plays the character of Christopher Tietjens, an intelligent but emotion-suppressing gentleman, who is torn between his loveless marriage and his true love.
• Rebecca Hall as Sylvia Tietjens embodies the character with a perfect blend of charm and cunningness. Sylvia, despite her constant acts of infidelity, demands love and attention from her husband.
• Adelaide Clemens, playing the role of Valentine Wannop, captures the youthful bravery and fierce independence of a young suffragette, hoping to gain Christopher's love.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Benedict Cumberbatch initially turned down the role of Christopher Tietjens but later accepted after reading the scripts.
• 'Parade's End' was filmed in various beautiful locations including Belgium, the UK, and France.
• Sir Tom Stoppard came out of a decade-long retirement to adapt Ford Madox Ford's novels into this series.

Awards

'Parade's End' has won the Broadcasting Press Guild Award for 'Best Actor' (Benedict Cumberbatch) and the RTS Craft and Design Award for 'Best Costume Design – Entertainment and Non-Drama'. The show has also been nominated for several BAFTA TV awards.

Quotes

• "I believe in free will. I think we do things to ourselves.” – Christopher Tietjens
• "You may, if you must, destroy your honour, but I will not have you destroy mine." - Sylvia Tietjens
• "I said to hell with reputation. I will marry her and let them all talk." - Christopher Tietjens
• "I want freedom, that's what I want, and that's what you should want!" - Valentine Wannop

Music, Soundtrack

• The score was composed by Dirk Brossé and was recorded by the Brussels Philharmonic.
• The soundtrack emphasizes the contrast between war-time chaos and the quiet world of Christopher Tietjens, with its delicate orchestral pieces