Episode list

A Family at War

The Facts of Life
The adult children of the Ashton Family are preparing a surprise party for their parents, Edwin and Jean. The atmosphere is cheerful, but some underlying tensions within the family pop up now and then, and then there is the threat of a war that seems to be coming. Through his marriage 30 years ago Edwin shifted from working-class to middle-class, but at the cost of losing his self-respect. All these years he has been in the hands of his brother-in-law, Sefton Briggs, who rules the printing works where Edwin is employed, and even owns the house where Edwin and Jean live. The post as manager of the works is now vacant. Edwin is the obvious candidate for this position, but instead Sefton places his own son, Tony, there. This also dashes the hope of Edwin's eldest son, David, of getting a job at the works. David is tormented by not being able to earn enough money to maintain his wife Sheila and their two children without financial support by his parents. When all other possibilities have failed, he finally finds one solution: to join the RAF.
7.3 /10
To Die for Spain
August 1938. The family is dismayed when Philip decides to return to Spain to fight the fascists.
7.4 /10
Lines of Battle

Mon, Apr 27, 1970
June 1939. The threat of war, conscription and social issues contribute to the tensions at Margaret's wedding.
7.8 /10
The Gate of the Year
December 1939. Everyone adjusts to new roles during the 'Phony War', but Margaret's problems with her mother-in-law come to a head when John has unexpected leave.
7.9 /10
The Breach in the Dyke
May 1940. The families are variously affected by confused reports of the German advance on the continent, as John and his unit retreat towards Dunkirk.
7.4 /10
For Strategic Reasons
June 1940. On the island of Guernsey awaiting orders, Philip and a friend become involved with two local sisters.
7.8 /10
One of Ours

Mon, Jul 13, 1970
September 1940. The different characters attempt various ways to enjoy Saturday night in spite of the war, and David is sent on a bombing mission.
7.9 /10
Brothers in War
October 1940. The men come home on leave and cause tension within their families by spending more time pursuing romances than at home with their relatives.
7.2 /10
The End of the Beginning
December 1940. Preparations for Christmas and a near-miss from an incendiary device cause the families to reflect on various relationships.
7.9 /10

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Message of Hope

Message of Hope

Six children--three girls, three boys--living in a well-off community grow up with the benefits and luxuries that come with their birthright. They attend a Christian school where faithful Pastor Anne teaches them Biblical studies. But except for one girl, Sarah's, compassionate efforts, many of the poor in the surrounding suburbs are left forgotten and ignored by the materialistic and wealthy yet uncaring adults, especially Sarah's father James, who is hardened by the world around him. Although the children attend a Christian school, Sarah's views are widely uncommon among her friends, except for John, who pays close attention to her every move. The two form a spiritual bond, one they hope to maintain forever as someday Heaven awaits. When they are 18-year-old high-school seniors, Sarah feels rejected by the world around her, with the exception of John and Mr. Henshaw, a homeless man she befriends. But after Mr. Henshaw's untimely passing, tragedy suddenly hits when another of the boys, Michael, shatters the world around them by committing suicide. Sarah cries out for love and attention, but one senseless act drives her to the brink of destruction. As she recovers, she spends summer away from her friends. The neighboring community of friends and adults gather and desperately try to make sense of what drove Michael to suicide and Sarah to near destruction. Sarah's close friends begin to realize that money and material things are not so important, but the love and compassion that Sarah shows is what they truly desire and is strong enough to change the world for the better. When John receives a visit from an "Angel of GOD" he writes a story of hope and compassion, "A Message of Hope," to honor his dear friends, Michael and Sarah. As the children's parents begin to wonder what is right and what is wrong, a sense of fortunate birthright might not be what they all thought it once was. But the children quickly realize that there are no victims; we all have the power of choice: to choose Life and Love. The school year comes to a close and the summer eventually draws to an end, but not before the return of an old friend. Love is rekindled between John and Sarah, a love that unites them on Earth as young adults as they wait for the glory of Heaven.

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