The Lost Prince (2003 Stephen Poliakoff)

A marvellous invention, detailing the hidden life of epileptic prince John, played winningly by Daniel Williams (younger) and Matthew Thomas, and his elder brother George (Rollo Weeks - Honeysuckle's brother - who's rather good too). Closest to him his faithful attendant Gina McKee (who's really their mother); parents Tom Hollander and Miranda Richardson are cold and aloof.

It makes for a moving three hours, especially when he performs his trumpet solo, then dies...

With Michael Gambon, an increasingly ghoulish looking Bill Nighy, Bibi Andersson, Ron Cook, Frank Finlay, David Westhead, John Sessions, Suzanne Burden, Graham Crowden, Ivan Marevich (silly swimming Tsar).

A banquet, seen from high up, a standout. Quirky (stamps, the farmhouse parades, military school, Russian Princess who has 'the wrong shoes') with history woven artfully around it. Filmed by Barry Ackroyd, music by Adrian Johnston, edited by Clare Douglas.

Talkback / BBC / WGBH Boston.