The Power Game - Series 1-3 - Complete [DVD]

The Power Game is the sequel to 'The Plane Makers' and was originally broadcast between 1965 and 1969. It continues the story of Sir John Wilder as he leaves Scott-Furlong and aircraft manufacturing behind and becomes managing director of Bligh Construction and then moves into the Foreign Office as 'Ambassador For Special Situations And Trade'.Series one and two (Discs 1-8) revolve around Wilder's struggles with Caswell Bligh (Clifford Evans), founder of the company with political ambitions, and his son Kenneth (Peter Barkworth) who is trying to assert himself as a modernising force but is continually being put in his place by his domineering father. Also present is Don Henderson (Jack Watling), Wilder's right hand man and acolyte, who has followed Wilder to Bligh Construction from Scott-Furlong. The interaction of these four characters is the basis for most of the stories. Following the format of 'The Plane Makers', each episode sees a selection of other characters thrown into the mix to keep matters moving along nicely. The stories usually involve attempts to secure or circumvent availablecontracts and/or seek out and explore likely and lucrative foreign markets. Alongside this, personal rivalries, associations, assignations, double-dealing, bluff and one-upmanship are explored to their fullest extent both within and outwith the working environment.The big difference between 'The Plane Makers' and 'The Power Game', however, is the focus on Sir John in nearly every single episode. This makes for wonderful viewing as the charismatic and devious Wilder, using all his skill and experience to get what he wants, uses the conflict between Kenneth and Caswell to his own advantage and additionally employs Don, when and where appropriate, to stir things up, mislead others or set false trails. The scripts vary from good to excellent and the one-liners and incisive dialogue in many episodes are frequent, memorable and often very funny (see end of review for a few examples). Barbara Murray as Lady Pamela Wilder has a more involved role than previously and contributes wonderfully to several episodes, most notably where her own romantic dalliances or considerations of leaving Sir John have far reaching implications for her irascible husband. In some episodes Ann Firbank plays the part of Lady Wilder. This does not quite work, not because her performances are poor but because it's hard to fit a new face into an existing template! Like Don Henderson, Wilder's secretary, Miss Lingard (Norma Ronald), also moves from Scott-Furlong to Bligh's to be with her long term boss. In my view, her part had far more potential and scope for development and she is disappointingly under-used. The other female character of consequence is Susan Weldon (Rosemary Leach), Wilder's mistress, who plays a crucial part in proceedings in many episodes and ensures an ongoing tension between Wilder and his wife.Series three in this boxset (discs 9-12) sees both Wilder and Caswell Bligh (now Lord Bligh) ensconced in Whitehall with Bligh taking on the role of 'Minister For Special Situations And Trade'. As usual, Bligh and Wilder jockey for ascendancy. Michael Jayston appears as the quietly ambitious Lincoln Dowling, Wilder's new secretary, on a steep learning curve with his new boss. Don Henderson also becomes a 'temporary civil servant' and this role is rather contrived. No-one seems to know what Henderson's exact job at the Ministry is. Only on Disc 11 (episode : 'Standard Practice') is this issue tackled. The picture and sound quality of the episodes on Discs 9-12 are very poor compared to Discs 1-8 and even these earlier programmes are sometimes a bit variable. I found series three on these later discs to be somewhat lacking in credibility. However, the characters and the stories are still very good. It all comes down to how believable it is to move a few people, all known to each other, from one working environment to another, all at the same time. It does not quite work. I suspect that the change of location and the shift of focus from industry to politics was a way of trying to freshen things up and maintain the previous momentum of the Wilder persona. It would have been interesting to see what would have come next but Patrick Wymarks' untimely death put an end to the series.I enjoyed this series hugely and having watched 'The Plane Makers' previously the sense of continuity and development was clear. Many of the same script writers were involved with both series and the stories, plots and characterisations were extremly entertaining. As with 'The Plane Makers', I was especially impressed by the quality of the writing on offer which provides some sparkling repartee. Examples - 'I had my share of pious hot air in Brussels' (John Wilder) - 'I always thought you were a Wilder man, long service stripes all over your arm' (Lincoln Dowling to Don Henderson) - 'You're lying John' (Susan Weldon to John Wilder) and Wilder's reply, 'Isn't everyone?' - 'I do some of my best thinking with a club in my hand' (Wilder holding a golf club - an obvious double meaning!).I'll conclude by stating, as I did in my extensive (overlong) review of 'The Plane Makers' that the 1960's was a groundbreaking time for TV drama and this is one of the finest examples. It's not perfect and if you are seeking pristine sound and vision quality then do not buy this boxset. However, if you can look beyond the technical glitches and limitations of the surviving filmstock and you are looking for thoughful, amusing and relevant entertainment (yes, some of 'The Power Game' is still relevant even in today's world) then this is for you. There are one or two short clips from both 'The Plane Makers' and 'The Power Game' on that popular internet site starting with 'Y' which you may wish to watch in order to ascertain whether or not you may or may not like either or both of these two fine series. Highly recommended!

I saw this the first time round on live television and enjoyed it immensely. I can now watch it when and as often as I like, thanks to this excellent box-set. Very good value-for-money (even though the series is in black and white). I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who enjoys watching the wheels of big business and all its consequences, from the comfort and safety of an armchair. Most enjoyable indeed :o)

I enjoyed this when I first watched it in the 60s. It is fascinating to see how some things have changed - relationships with work colleagues and those which have not - intrigue, Government politics etc. I now watch an episode every evening before bed - sometimes I chuckle, sometimes I cringe, but I would not be without it. Having had a life in politics and big business, it is really enjoyable. The characterisation of some of the politcians is a bit thin and definitely not old Labour! DMD

Watched this series on tv first time round and was excited to see it was available on dvd. Bought it for my husband for xmas and he was thrilled. He spent most of the next couple of weeks glued to the television, enjoying every minute of it. The picture quality is not perfect by today's standards but very, very enjoyable if you remember the series from long ago.

Although these three TV seasons date from the 1960s, they've aged very well - the basic ideas about power and office politics are still very relevant, served up now with a nice touch of nostalgia for how places and things used to look.

I saw this when it was first shown on uk tv, in 1966., 45 years on Wymark is still a joy to watch. . We first came upon him in the Planemakers, both series were watched avidly at the time. All the actors seem well cast, and they were individuals, I'm afraid nowadays actors tend to look rather alike(possibly my age)

Great to have had the opportunity to again see a series I enjoyed as a young guy in the 60s. I would have given it a 5 rating except for the sound which would be the result of copying the series from maybe old records or from vhs but this does not impact on being able to hear the dialogue. Being in black and white the picture quality looks old but the story lines compensate.

This will not be everyone's cup of tea but I loved it. I also have the previous series called The Plane Makers which I liked even more, though series three wasn't quite as good having too many politicians in it...

It’s what I watched years ago

Classic 1960's British series about power struggle between titans .This boardroom drama that predates the American series DALLAS and DYNASTY .Well written with outstanding performances by the cast Patrick Wymark , Clifford Evans ,Peter Barkworth, Barbara Murray and many others. Very enjoyable and entertaining.