Guardians, the
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Guardians, the
 | |
|---|---|
| Episodes: | 13 |
| Year: | 1971 |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Seasons: | 1 |
| Seasons Breakdown: | (1) 13 |
| Category: | Earth Future |
| Colour: | Yes |
| Format: | Series |
| Company: | London Weekend Television Production |
| Creator: | Rex Firkin and Vincent Tilsey |
| Run Time (mins): | 60 |
| Language: | English |
| Type of Show: | Live Action |
| Status: | Ended |
| Broadcaster: | |
Summary
The Guardians is a political thriller set in an England of the near future, a future that has failed to deliver on its promises. Following a general strike, spiralling inflation, and mass unemployment, the existing government collapses. In its place rises a committee of experts who succeed in restoring order and economic stability. The cost, however, is severe: the near‑total erosion of personal freedom.
This new regime is enforced by the Guardians, a ruthless paramilitary police force that gradually shifts from serving the government to controlling it. Public resentment grows, and resistance movements begin to form. The most prominent of these adopts the name of its leader: Quarmby.
The drama centres on several key figures. Sir Timothy Hobson, the nominal Prime Minister, discovers that his authority is largely ceremonial, leaving him powerless in the face of the Guardians’ dominance. His son Christopher and Christopher’s wife, Clare, are drawn into the political turmoil that surrounds him. Tom Weston, a Guardian officer, realises he is being manipulated as a pawn in a much larger power struggle. Dr Benedict, a psychiatrist, unexpectedly becomes one of the leading voices within the Quarmby resistance. And Norman, Hobson’s trusted aide, gradually reveals ambitions of his own, ambitions that make him far more dangerous than Hobson ever suspected.
As tensions escalate, each character is forced to confront the widening gulf between order and oppression, and to decide where their loyalties truly lie.
Cast
Tom Weston JOHN COLLIN, Clare Weston GWYNETH POWELL, Sir Timothy Hobson CYRIL LUCKHAM, Christopher Hobson EDWARD PETHERBRIDGE, Dr. Benedict DAVID BURKE, Norman DEREK SMITH, Eleanor LYNN FARLEIGH.
Earth Future, United Kingdom, 1971, English
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