The Jewel in the Crown

Last night, while recovering from a brutal business trip to Atlanta, I finished watching the final three episodes of THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN. Wow. I am in complete awe of this 14-part production from 1984.

Set during the end of WWII/end of English rule in India, the story begins with a forbidden love affair between an Englishwoman (Daphne Manners) and an Indian man (Hari Kumar, who was educated in England but who has returned to India), a subsequent false accusation of rape by the demonic Captain Ronald Merrick, and evolves into a story that splinters into a thousand pieces, with many characters and storylines.

The brilliance of this story is that there is no central character. The screen is shared equally. Also, this is not your usual english period drama fare - hell no. Topics addressed include: rape, abortion, infidelity, mental illness, sadomasochism, prisoner abuse, torture, interracial love, depression, homosexuality (then illegal) - you name it. All framed against the backdrop of class, race, religion in a nation colonized by Britain for 300 years. At the end, when India is about to claim her independence, the violence that erupts is especially relevant today. It was heartbreaking.

The story ebbs and flows, and scenes unfold slowly, like the shimmering heat you can see in each gorgeous shot - but if you are willing to hang on, you will be justly rewarded. All scenes were filmed on location in either India or England.

Many great performances from little-known actors - and a few famous ones. This is the series that shot Charles Dance to fame, as Guy Perron, and he's the good guy (no Tulkinghorn in sight). Lots of great women and roles for women in this - especially Peggy Ashcroft and Geraldine James. Tim Piggot-Smith as Merrick is so evil, I don't know how he was able to play the role. But the one I loved the best was Art Malik as Hari Kumar. His story haunts you.

For those of you with Netflix, get it on your list today!