‘The First Churchills’ started it all as PBS’s ‘Masterpiece’ celebrates 50 years

On January 10, 2021, PBS’s Masterpiece series, the long-time anchor of the Sunday night line-up, turns 50. It was Sunday, January 10, 1971 that The First Churchills, about the life of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough and his wife, Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, starring John Neville and Sarah Hampshire was first broadcast. Another notable event occurred on that same day in 1971 as it marked the start of a 22-year stint for Alistair Cooke, the British-born American writer, journalist, television personality and radio broadcaster, as as the host of PBS Masterpiece Theatre from 1971 to 1992.

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‘Elizabeth is Missing’ to kick off PBS Masterpiece’s 50th anniversary season in January 2021

Elizabeth is Missing, a BAFTA-nominated mystery starring two-time Academy Award® winner, two-time Emmy Award winner Glenda Jackson in her triumphant return to PBS and Masterpiece. Glenda Jackson stars as 80-year-old Maud, a funny, loyal and endearing woman determined to find her missing best friend, Elizabeth. After having had the opportunity to screen the full 90-minute film, […]

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