The Far Pavilions

Romance awaits you in this haunting story of young lovers caught between two worlds in 19th-century colonial India. Follow their passionate adventure as it unfolds against breathtaking backgrounds-from the peaks of the Himalayas and the fabled palaces of Bhithor, to sweeping battles and royal pageantry. Ben Cross and Amy Irving lead an all-star cast including Sir John Gielgud, Rupert Everett, Omar Sharif and Christopher Lee. HBO's sumptuously produced first mini-series, full of historic and cultural details. Remastered.

Born to British parents but raised as an Indian boy, Ashton Pelham-Martyn returns to India as a young military officer, where he fights both local unrest and the cultural prejudices of Anglo society. Struggling to reconcile his place in two different worlds, he finds happiness with his childhood sweetheart, Indian princess Anjuli (Irving)-but she is promised to marry another man. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the fabled palaces of Bhithor, M.M. Kaye's evocative novel is brought to life in this stunning and lavish production.
The all-star cast also features Christopher Lee (The Lord of the Rings), Omar Sharif (Lawrence of Arabia), Rupert Everett (My Best Friend's Wedding), and Sir John Gielgud (Gandhi).

Disc 1
Episode 1: Return to India, Part One
After a tumultuous childhood in India and schooling in England, Ashton Pelham-Martyn takes a post with the British Corps of Guides on India's northwest frontier. There he struggles to reconcile his Indian upbringing with his place in Anglo society, and he courts the beautiful Belinda Harlowe.

Episode 2: Return to India, Part Two
After returning from Afghanistan, Ash is transferred to a desk job with an army regiment. He finds a good friend in Wally but clashes with the other officers. As punishment for a brawl, Ash must escort a caravan of princesses to be married-including Anjuli, his childhood playmate.

Episode 3: The Journey to Bhithor, Part One
Prince Jhoti arrives to accompany the procession and brings with him Biju Ram, Ash's old enemy. When an attempt is made on Jhoti's life, Ash tries to discover the saboteur in their midst. Meanwhile, his feelings for Anjuli deepen, even though she is en route to wed another man.

Disc 2
Episode 4: The Journey to Bhithor, Part Two
The procession arrives at Bhithor, where negotiations with the rana do not go well. Forced to camp in a militarily indefensible position, the convoy seems to be at the prince's mercy, but Ash has a few tricks up his sleeve. He also urges Anjuli not to marry the rana.

Episode 5: Wally and Anjuli, Part One
Ash returns to Mardan, where the Corps of Guides has been fighting across the border. British envoy Cavagnari signs a treaty with Afghanistan's emir and establishes an embassy in Kabul. Wally leads a force to secure the legation, while Ash accepts an assignment to spy among the natives.

Episode 6: Wally and Anjuli, Part Two
After making a last stand at the embassy, Ash journeys home. There, he learns that Anjuli's husband is near death; she and her sister, Shushila, will have to commit suttee, immolating themselves on his funeral pyre. Ash concocts a desperate plan to save his lover.

Directed by Peter Duffell
Written by Julian Bond, M.M. Kaye
Produced by Geoffrey Reeve
Executive Produced by John Peverall
Cinematography by Jack Cardiff
Film Editing by Peter Boita, John Jympson
Costume Design by Raymond Hughes

"Pomp, pageantry, and adventure" -Houston Chronicle

"Opulent ... and glitteringly picturesque" -The Washington Post