The Great War dominates politics as leaders ask people to unite. Hamer's son enlists.

Ian McKellen stars in the story of John Hamer Shawcross - set against the wider current of events in England in the early 19th century.

Howard Spring's novel freely adapted by Ken Whitmore.

John Hamer Shawcross …. Sir Ian McKellen
Anne Artingstall …. June Barry
Lizzie Lightowler …. Rosalie Crutchley
Arnold Tyerson …. Andrew Jackson
Pen Ryerson …. Vida Paterson
Alice Ryerson …. Valerie Georgeson
Tom Hannaway …. Geoffrey Wheeler
Lady Hannaway …. Romy Baskerville
Mrs Ambeley-Rosewater …. Cynthia Michaelis
Jimmy Newboult …. John Baldwin
Lady Lettice Melland …. Helen Ryan
The Election Official …. Peter Ellis

Director: Trevor Hill

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1979. Show less