How did the First World War bring down Europe's great dynasties, and how did the BBC retell that story on screen?

In this episode of Oh What a Lovely Podcast, we look at Fall of Eagles, the 1974 BBC drama that charts the decline of the Romanovs, Hohenzollerns, and Habsburgs. Across 13 episodes, the series follows the personal rivalries, dynastic struggles, and political failures that led to the collapse of three empires during the Great War.

Created by John Elliot and produced by Stuart Burge, the show boasted an impressive cast and scripts from writers such as Jack Pulman (I, Claudius) and Troy Kennedy Martin (The Italian Job). Critics praised its scope and performances, even if it sometimes focused more on palace drama than wider historical forces.

Join Angus, Jessica, and Chris as they discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and legacy of this ambitious attempt to dramatise the road to 1914 and the end of Empire.

Links: The Fall of Empires, BBC (1973) I, Claudius, BBC (1976) Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) The Sweeny (1975-78) The Italian Job (1969) Oh! What a lovely war (1969) Blackadder Goes Forth, BBC (1989) Britain's Great War, BBC (2014) Adrian Gregory, The Last Great War (2008) Alan Clark, Lions Led By Donkeys (1961) Paul Kennedy, The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers (1987) Television Heaven