TV series
A BBC television anthology series featuring productions of classic and contemporary stage plays usually broadcast on BBC1. Each production featured a different work, often using prominent British stage actors in the leading roles. The series was transmitted from October 1965 to September 1983.
Availability
Checked Jul 22, 2026
BBC Play of the Month premiered October 19, 1965. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
A BBC television anthology series featuring productions of classic and contemporary stage plays usually broadcast on BBC1. Each production featured a different work, often using prominent British stage actors in the leading roles. The series was transmitted from October 1965 to September 1983.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
A corrupt young man somehow keeps his youthful beauty, but a special painting gradually reveals his inner ugliness to all.
Directed by John GorrieWritten by John OsborneGuest stars Peter Firth, Jeremy Brett, John Gielgud, Judi Bowker, Nicholas Ball, Nicholas Clay, Mark Dignam, Gwen Ffrangcon Davies
Episode 2
Grace has agreed to marry Sir Harcourt Courtly in return for his financial support of her family. At a house party in her father's place, Harcourt's son Charles also falls in love with Grace. When his father appears on the scene, he has to convince him that there is a case of mistaken identity and he is somebody else.
Directed by Ronald WilsonWritten by Gerald SavoryGuest stars Charles Gray, Anthony Andrews, Dinsdale Landen, Nigel Stock, Jan Francis, Judy Cornwell, James Bree, Clifford Rose
Episode 3
A disillusioned, angry university graduate comes to terms with his grudge against middle-class life and values.
Directed by John GlenisterWritten by John OsborneGuest stars James Hazeldine, Ciaran Madden, Thorley Walters, Neil Daglish, Chrissy Iddon
Episode 4
In pre-WWI England, a youngster is expelled from a naval academy over a petty theft, but his parents raise a political furor by demanding a trial.
Directed by David GilesWritten by Terence RattiganGuest stars Jonathan Scott-Taylor, Eric Porter, Diana Fairfax, Michele Dotrice, Adam Bareham, Jonathan Adams, Alan Badel, David Robb
Episode 5
Pinchwife brings his simple young wife to London for his sister's wedding. Lest she falls prey to the town's temptations, he keeps her under lock and key.
Directed by Donald McWhinnieWritten by William WycherleyGuest stars Helen Mirren, Bernard Cribbins, John Nettleton, Ann Beach, Jeremy Clyde, Michael Cochrane, Anthony Andrews, Leslie Sarony
Episode 6
Strether is sent to Europe to rescue a young American from the charms of a mysterious French beauty. But he is soon under the liberating influence of Europe himself.
Directed by James Cellan JonesWritten by Denis ConstandurosGuest stars Paul Scofield, David Huffman, Lee Remick, Delphine Seyrig, Gayle Hunnicutt, Don Fellows, William Hootkins, Toria Fuller
Episode 7
On the eve of World War I, Ellie Dunn, her father, and her fiancé are invited to one of Hesione Hushabye's infamous dinner parties. Unfortunately, her fiancé is a scoundrel, her father's a bumbling prig, and she's actually in love with Hector, Hesione's husband. This bold mix of farce and tragedy lampoons British society as it blithely sinks towards disaster.
Directed by Cedric MessinaWritten by George Bernard ShawGuest stars Lesley-Anne Down, Joyce Grant, John Gielgud, Barbara Murray, Siân Phillips, Richard Pearson, Daniel Massey, David Waller
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
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Available nowSimilar story and audience
Available nowSimilar story and audience
Available nowSimilar genres and era
Available nowSimilar genres and era
Available nowSimilar genres and era
Available nowSimilar genres and era
Helen MirrenMargery Pinchwife
Anthony HopkinsAlfred Allmers
Eileen AtkinsOlga
Eric PorterMacbeth
Geoffrey BayldonDyadin
Ronald HinesRonny Heaslop
Edward FoxLysander
Stephanie BidmeadLady Capulet
BBC OneUnited Kingdom
BBCUnited Kingdom