Watch
  • ITV1

The Cedar Tree

  • 1976 – 1978
  • In Production
  • 3 seasons

The Cedar Tree was a television serial that ran from 1976-1979 on ITV in the United Kingdom. It involved the story of the Bourne family, hailing from an aristocratic background, before the turn of the Second World War. The Cedar Tree was an ATV Production and recorded at the ATV Centre, Birmingham. Two established cast members were the veteran actress Joyce Carey and Susan Skipper, who played one of the Bourne family's daughters. In February 2013 it was announced the first 1976 series was to be released on DVD.

All seasons

Latest: Season 4 · 1978

View all seasons

  1. E1. The Party Spirit

    Jul 2, 1978

    January 1938. Just as the Bourne family prepares a celebration for Lady Alice's 70th birthday, a speech made by Arthur that does not tow the party line inflames his constituents. Laura hopes that she will soon be Mrs. Peter Cartland. Liz questions Phyllis about her headaches, and Phyl confides in her niece about a potential medical condition she wants kept secret from Jack. Arthur lays his cards on the table to his constituency and threatens to cause another bi-election. Later, he meets pretty journalist Angela Scott, who piques his interest.

  2. E2. A Change of Plan

    Jul 9, 1978

    Lady Alice implies that she would like to see Arthur and Rosemary married. Liz and Phyllis are at odds over the issue of abortion. Later, a recently qualified Liz is called to the home of a village girl and must deliver her first baby. Rosemary busies herself with a recital and preparations for Peter and Laura's wedding. Arthur phones Rosemary and makes a date to talk with her. Liz explains to her family the deplorable conditions of the village and feels ashamed to be a Bourne. Laura admits to Peter her real feelings about their wedding. Arthur is distracted again by Angela Scott. Jack reacts to the news that he is to be a father. Nanny has guessed Phyllis' secret. Rosemary learns from Peter and Laura that Arthur has been spotted around London with an attractive young woman.

  3. E3. Nocturne

    Jul 16, 1978

    February 1938. Vicky is greatly disturbed by Hitler's speech on the wireless. Rosemary finds plans for her Red Cross recital going terribly awry. Arthur and Angela Scott discuss the tragedy of Vicky's relationship with Klaus in view of the world moving closer to war. Rosemary's star pianist leaves her in the lurch. Arthur implores Vicky to save the day, but she is terrified. Lady Alice gives Vicky a pep talk. Impresario Conrad Neilson takes an interest in Vicky, but Klaus coldly issues a warning. Vicky has to face the truth.

  4. E4. No Further Demands

    Jul 23, 1978

    March 1938. Arthur worries about Vicky, who is visiting Munich with Klaus. Phyllis finally shares her good news with Arthur. Gates informs Liz of the trouble with Sam Woods and his pregnant wife Daisy, about to be evicted from their home. An upset Rosemary confides in Liz that Arthur has been seen around London with a young woman. Liz takes on Mr. Parry to stop the eviction order. News arrives that Hitler has occupied Austria. Arthur and Angela comfort Mrs. Weiss, an Austrian neighbor whose son is Jewish. Angela agrees that Arthur shouldn't play a pocket Hitler with the Woodses. Jack gossips about a rumor involving Geoffrey and Penelope Finch. Liz is forced to stand for the Woods family against the bailiff and Parry.

  5. E5. Raising the Wind

    Jul 30, 1978

    April 1938. The Bourne family learns that Hedges is going to destroy nearby Elsmore Estates for a factory. Arthur invites Angela to Larkfield Manor to meet the girls and Lady Alice. Angela's closeness to Arthur irritates Mrs. Gates. Arthur reassures his mother that he loves Rosemary, but not he's not in love enough for marriage -just yet. Arthur invites Angela to meet Rosemary at Layford, and a jealous Rosie reciprocates with a surprise guest of her own. A scheme to dissuade Hedges simmers at Larkfield, but with the men failing, one of the women works her clever powers on Hedges.

  6. E6. Home and Aboard

    Aug 6, 1978

    May 1938. Arthur brings news about Hitler and the Czechs. Klaus and Liz clash over politics, upsetting Vicky. Smug estate agent Parry receives permission from Arthur to deal with disgruntled laborer Bryce, but doesn't give Arthur all of the details. Gates convinces Mrs. Gates to go drinking and dancing, and their joy ride culminates in a disaster, where Bryce is a bystander at the accident scene. Gates admits to Arthur that he was drinking before he and Mrs. Gates went for their drive. Bryce creates a scene with the Bournes in the churchyard. Liz demands that Arthur show Bryce the same concern as he does Gates. Parsons has an idea about clearing Gates. Arthur meets with Bryce and learns of his family tragedy.

+7 more episodes — open all seasons to browse every episode.

The Cedar Tree | Watch