The Camomile Lawn (TV serial) – Knowipedia – The Next Generation of Global Knowledge

**The Camomile Lawn (TV serial)**

**Definition:**
*The Camomile Lawn* is a British television drama serial first broadcast in 1992, adapted from Mary Wesley’s 1984 novel of the same name. The series, set before and after World War II, explores the intertwined lives of a family and their friends, capturing themes of love, loss, and the impact of war.

—

# The Camomile Lawn (TV serial)

## Overview

*The Camomile Lawn* is a British television drama serial that originally aired on Channel 4 in 1992. The series is an adaptation of Mary Wesley’s 1984 novel *The Camomile Lawn*, which is notable for its candid portrayal of the complexities of family relationships and the social changes brought about by World War II. The serial was produced by Zenith Entertainment and directed by Sir Peter Hall, a distinguished figure in British theatre and television.

Set primarily in Cornwall, England, the narrative spans the years leading up to and following the Second World War, focusing on the lives of a group of cousins and their extended family. The story is framed by the events of the summer of 1939, just before the outbreak of war, and revisits the characters in the post-war period, exploring how their experiences during the conflict shaped their futures.

## Production

### Development and Adaptation

The television adaptation was commissioned by Channel 4 as part of its commitment to producing high-quality literary adaptations. Mary Wesley’s novel, published in 1984, had gained critical acclaim for its sharp wit and unflinching examination of the British upper-middle class during a period of significant social upheaval.

Sir Peter Hall, who had a long-standing interest in adapting literary works for the screen, was brought on to direct the series. The screenplay was adapted by Ken Taylor, who worked to preserve the novel’s tone and complex characterizations while making the story accessible to a television audience.

### Filming Locations

Filming took place primarily in Cornwall, where the novel is set, to capture the authentic atmosphere of the coastal landscape that plays a significant role in the story. The titular camomile lawn, a central symbol in both the novel and the series, was recreated on location to serve as a gathering place for the characters and a metaphor for the fleeting nature of youth and innocence.

Additional scenes were shot in London and other parts of England to depict the characters’ lives outside Cornwall, including their experiences during the war.

### Cast

The series featured an ensemble cast, including:

– **Jennifer Ehle** as Calypso, one of the central cousins whose life and relationships are a focal point of the story.
– **Toby Stephens** as Oliver, Calypso’s cousin and love interest.
– **Claire Bloom** as the Aunt Helena, the matriarchal figure who oversees the family estate.
– **Paul Eddington** as the Uncle Richard.
– **Jemma Redgrave** as Sophy, another cousin.
– **Freddie Jones** as the family patriarch.

The casting was praised for its depth and the actors’ ability to convey the nuanced emotional landscape of the characters.

## Plot Summary

### Setting and Timeframe

The narrative begins in the summer of 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II, at the family’s country house in Cornwall. The story follows the lives of the family members and their friends over the course of the war and into the post-war years, highlighting the personal and societal transformations that occur during this tumultuous period.

### Main Storyline

The story centers on the relationships among the cousins—Calypso, Oliver, Sophy, and others—and their interactions with the older generation, including Aunt Helena and Uncle Richard. The camomile lawn itself serves as a symbolic space where the characters experience moments of joy, conflict, and revelation.

As the war progresses, the characters are drawn into the conflict in various ways, with some serving in the military and others coping with the challenges on the home front. The series explores themes of love, betrayal, loss, and resilience, portraying how the war disrupts traditional social structures and personal expectations.

### Themes

– **Youth and Innocence:** The camomile lawn symbolizes the fleeting nature of youth and the innocence lost during the war years.
– **Family and Relationships:** The complex dynamics within the family, including secrets and rivalries, are central to the narrative.
– **War and Social Change:** The impact of World War II on British society and the characters’ lives is a pervasive theme, illustrating both the hardships and the opportunities for change.
– **Love and Sexuality:** The series candidly addresses the characters’ romantic and sexual relationships, reflecting the changing attitudes of the time.

## Reception

### Critical Response

*The Camomile Lawn* was well received by critics upon its release, praised for its faithful adaptation of Mary Wesley’s novel and the strong performances of its cast. Reviewers highlighted the series’ ability to balance the lightness of youthful romance with the darker realities of war.

The direction by Peter Hall was commended for its sensitivity and attention to detail, capturing the period setting effectively. The series was noted for its mature treatment of themes such as sexuality and class, which were less commonly addressed in television dramas of the early 1990s.

### Audience Reception

The series attracted a substantial viewership on Channel 4 and has since been regarded as a classic example of British literary adaptation for television. It has been appreciated for its evocative portrayal of a pivotal era in British history and its exploration of enduring human themes.

## Legacy

*The Camomile Lawn* remains a significant work in the canon of British television drama, often cited for its nuanced storytelling and strong ensemble cast. It contributed to a resurgence of interest in Mary Wesley’s novels and helped to establish Channel 4’s reputation for quality literary adaptations.

The series has been studied in academic contexts for its depiction of gender, class, and wartime experience, and it continues to be broadcast and made available on various media formats.

## Cast and Characters

## Episodes

The serial consists of four episodes, each approximately 90 minutes in length, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the novel’s plot and characters.

1. **Episode 1:** Introduction to the family and the summer of 1939.
2. **Episode 2:** The outbreak of war and its immediate effects.
3. **Episode 3:** The characters’ experiences during the war.
4. **Episode 4:** Post-war reflections and resolutions.

## Themes and Analysis

### The Camomile Lawn as a Symbol

The camomile lawn itself is a recurring motif throughout the series, representing a place of childhood innocence and familial connection. It serves as a physical and metaphorical space where the characters confront their desires, fears, and the inevitability of change.

### Social Class and Change

The series examines the British class system, particularly the upper-middle-class milieu of the family, and how the war acts as a catalyst for social mobility and changing attitudes. The characters’ interactions reflect the tensions between tradition and modernity.

### Gender and Sexuality

*The Camomile Lawn* is notable for its frank depiction of sexuality, especially for a television drama of its time. The characters’ romantic entanglements and sexual awakenings are portrayed with complexity and nuance, challenging conventional norms.

## Awards and Nominations

The series received several nominations and awards, recognizing its production quality, acting, and adaptation. It was nominated for BAFTA awards and won accolades for costume design and direction.

## Home Media and Availability

Following its original broadcast, *The Camomile Lawn* was released on VHS and later on DVD, making it accessible to a wider audience. It has been included in various Channel 4 retrospectives and is available on select streaming platforms specializing in British television drama.

## Conclusion

*The Camomile Lawn* stands as a distinguished example of British television drama, successfully translating Mary Wesley’s novel into a compelling visual narrative. Its exploration of family, love, and the impact of war continues to resonate with audiences, securing its place in the history of literary adaptations on screen.

—

**Meta Description:**
*The Camomile Lawn* is a 1992 British television drama serial adapted from Mary Wesley’s novel, depicting the intertwined lives of a family before and after World War II. The series explores themes of love, loss, and social change against the backdrop of wartime Britain.