7.4/1038 votes#1 - The Balkans: September 1939
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 10/11/1987
Set 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.
Director: James Cellan Jones
Writer: Alan Plater
7.0/1032 votes#2 - Romania: January 1940
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 10/18/1987
Commander 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.
Director: James Cellan Jones
Writer: Alan Plater
7.5/1033 votes#3 - Romania: June 1940
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 10/25/1987
The 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.
Director: James Cellan Jones
Writer: Alan Plater
7.8/1031 votes#4 - Greece: October 1940
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 11/1/1987
A 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.
Director: James Cellan Jones
Writer: Alan Plater
7.6/1032 votes#5 - Egypt: April 1941
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 11/8/1987
After 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.
Director: N/A
Writer: Alan Plater
7.6/1030 votes#6 - Egypt: September 1942
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 11/15/1987
An 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.
Director: James Cellan Jones
Writer: Alan Plater
7.8/1031 votes#7 - The Middle East: January 1943
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 11/22/1987
Guy 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.
Director: James Cellan Jones
Writer: Alan Plater
The Best Episodes of Fortunes of War Season 1
Every episode of Fortunes of War Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Fortunes of War Season 1!
Fortunes of War is a 1987 BBC television adaptation of Olivia Manning's cycle of novels Fortunes of War. It stars Kenneth Branagh as Guy Pringle,...
Genre:Drama
Network:BBC One
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"The Balkans: September 1939" is the best rated episode of "Fortunes of War" season 1. It scored 7.4/10 based on 38 votes. Directed by James Cellan Jones and written by Alan Plater, it aired on 10/11/1987. This episode is rated 0.4 points higher than the second-best, "Romania: January 1940".