Testament of Youth

48min

Drama

War & Politics

A dramatization of Vera Brittain's 1933 autobiography Testament of Youth—a memorial to a generation devastated by WWI—chronicles her experiences as a nurse in London and Malta and at the front lines in France. It opens with 18-year-old Vera, the genteel daughter of a paper-mill owner, nurturing "hopes of escaping from provincial young ladyhood." Her plan is to attend Oxford.

Episodes

Cast

Buxton 1913

1. Buxton 1913

52min

4th Nov 1979

In 1913, eighteen year old Vera Brittain tries to convince her stuffy, Conservative parents to allow her to attend Oxford, while war looms on the horizon.

Buxton 1914

2. Buxton 1914

53min

11th Nov 1979

Working hard at Oxford, Vera decides to contribute to the war effort by becoming a nurse, while Roland heads abroad to fight for his country.

1915

3. 1915

55min

18th Nov 1979

As the war continues to rage, Vera receives devastating news from all sides, which forces her to reconsider her future.

1917

4. 1917

55min

25th Nov 1979

After another loss, Vera retreats into nursing, but the demands of her parents, and yet more tragedy, begin to overwhelm her.

1918

5. 1918

55min

2nd Dec 1979

Vera returns to Oxford, where she strikes up a friendship with a fellow student, before beginning to concentrate on writing.

First air date

4th Nov 1979

Last air date

2nd Dec 1979

Status

Ended

Type

Miniseries

Original language

en

Networks