The Forsyte Saga

The Forsyte family gather to celebrate the engagement of Winifred Forsyte to Montague Dartie, but Winifred's parents, Emily and James, disapprove. Soames Forsyte, a rich and successful partner in the family law firm, meets Irene Heron whilst in Bournemouth on business. She's penniless, but beautiful and accomplished and agrees to marry Soames after an aggressive courtship.

Soames is concerned about his marriage and hires Bosinney to build a country house at Robin Hill for Irene, bringing the couple together and they soon fall in love. After years apart, old Jolyon gets in touch with his son young Jolyon, who now has two children, Jolly and Holly. Dartie and Winifred's marriage is a success, but Dartie's love of fast living and gambling causes money problems.

Irene and Bosinney plan to run away together and Soames is furious that the project is overspending again and decides to sue Bosinney. But a tragic series of events - including rape - ensues from the night before the hearing which ends with an horrific death. But Irene's troubles are far from over as Young Jolyon makes a decision that will haunt him.

A grieving Irene runs away and lives on the streets until she’s rescued by another destitute woman. Soames is forced to come to terms with losing her. Old Jolyon reunites his family and they move to Robin Hill. One day, Old Jolyon sees Irene again, and they become great friends. Upon his passing, Old Jolyon leaves £15,000 to Irene, which incenses the family.

Winifred starts divorce proceedings against Dartie. Soames is lonely and bitter about the past and wants an heir. Soames visits Irene and tries to force her to return. Terrified, she flees to Paris. Jolyon visits and they fall in love. Soames hires a private investigator to follow Irene. Jolly and Val enlist to go and fight in the Boer war, meanwhile Dartie returns.

Soames goes to Paris for one last chance with Irene. She tells him she hates him. Irene and Jolyon become lovers and are named in the divorce petition. They want to marry, and soon she is pregnant and has a son, Jon. Soames marries Annette; his father James is desperate for a grandson before he dies.

Soames acquiesces to his father James, who is desperate for a grandson before he dies, by marrying Annette. But her pregnancy does not proceed easily, and Soames is forced to choose between the life of his baby and that of his wife.

Annette is pregnant, but becomes seriously ill during childbirth. Soames must decide whether to risk his wife's or baby's life. He tells the doctor to save the baby. Annette survives, but the baby is a girl. On his father's deathbed, Soames tells him that he has a grandson. Seeing his granddaughter for the first time, his heart melts.