Introduction

The newly restored English monarch, Charles II, leads his country into the fiercest trade war in the age of sail as well as concentrating on the inner workings of the king’s court including the influence of Lady Castlemaine, and the management of his navy and his war.

Outline

Throughout the 17th century the Dutch and English fought desperate wars (known as the Anglo-Dutch Wars) over which country would dominate world trade for the next two centuries. They waged massive sea battles in Europe and embarked on violent raids in Asia, Africa and North America. This brilliant two-part series employs drama, large-scale re-enactments, computer animation and interviews to chronicle these fierce struggles, such as that between the King of England, Charles II and Johann de Witt, the bold and able Dutch leader who stopped a war the young Dutch Republic could not win. Computer generated 3D animation reveals, for the first time, what sea battles between hundreds of large sailing warships looked like. Naval experts describe the tactics and technologies of large sailing ships capable of half-ton broadsides and fleets with more firepower than any land army, while historians provide a modern-day perspective of how political leaders responded for the first time to the demand for freedom of conscience and religion.

Cast

• Milan Alexander … James Duke of York
• Thomas Arnold … King Charles II
• Martin Bishop … Ruysch
• Robert Cambrinus … Evertsen
• Ray Childs … Narration
• Jessica Clark … Henriette Anne Stuart
• Ann Coats … Self – Expert Interview
• Garry Cooper … Tromp

Production & Filming Details

• Director(s):
  • David Hickman
  • Bruce Twickler
• Producer(s):
  • Paul Ashby … producer
  • Lucia Small … line producer
  • Bruce Twickler … producer
• Writer(s):
  • Bruce Twickler
• Music:
  • P. Andrew Willis
• Cinematography:
  • Chris Openshaw
• Editor(s):
  • Jean Dunoyer
  • Lucia Small
• Production:
  • Bravo Studios
  • Docema
  • Flying TV
  • Mix One Studios
  • National/Boston
  • Production Central
  • The Camden Studio
• Distributor(s):
  • PBS
• Release Date: 29 October 2009 (US).
• Running Time: 111 minutes.
• Rating: TV-PG.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

Video Link(s)