Testament of Youth

Testament of Youth

A time when war overshadowed everything but hope

A dramatization of Vera Brittain's 1933 autobiography Testament of Youth—a memorial to a generation devastated by WWI—chronicles her experiences as a nurse in London and Malta and at the front lines in France. It opens with 18-year-old Vera, the genteel daughter of a paper-mill owner, nurturing "hopes of escaping from provincial young ladyhood." Her plan is to attend Oxford.

DramaWar & Politics

Seasons

1. Buxton 1913

Air Date: 1979-11-04

In 1913, eighteen year old Vera Brittain tries to convince her stuffy, Conservative parents to allow her to attend Oxford, while war looms on the horizon.

2. Buxton 1914

Air Date: 1979-11-11

Working hard at Oxford, Vera decides to contribute to the war effort by becoming a nurse, while Roland heads abroad to fight for his country.

3. 1915

Air Date: 1979-11-18

As the war continues to rage, Vera receives devastating news from all sides, which forces her to reconsider her future.

4. 1917

Air Date: 1979-11-25

After another loss, Vera retreats into nursing, but the demands of her parents, and yet more tragedy, begin to overwhelm her.

5. 1918

Air Date: 1979-12-02

Vera returns to Oxford, where she strikes up a friendship with a fellow student, before beginning to concentrate on writing.

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Rating

7.3/10

Release Date

1979-11-04

Episodes

5 (1 seasons)

Status

Ended

Cast

Cheryl Campbell

Cheryl Campbell

Vera Brittain

Emrys James

Emrys James

Mr. Brittain

Jane Wenham

Jane Wenham

Mrs Brittain

Peter Woodward

Peter Woodward

Roland Leighton

Rosalie Crutchley

Rosalie Crutchley

Miss Penrose

Rupert Frazer

Rupert Frazer

Edward Brittain

Michael Troughton

Michael Troughton

Victor Richardson

June Tobin

June Tobin

Geoffrey Burridge

Geoffrey Burridge

Jane Booker

Jane Booker

Tricia George

Tricia George

Hazel Douglas

Hazel Douglas

Production Companies

BBC

BBC