Little Sir Nicholas (1990 TV series)
A Victorian tale of heritage, identity, and family rivalries.
Little Sir Nicholas is a 1990 television series directed by David Benedictus and starring Rachel Gurney, Bernice Stegers, and Jonathan Norris. The six-part Victorian-era drama, based on a novel by Cecilia Anne Jones, explores themes of heritage, identity, and family rivalries. Filmed at Cape Cornwall and Kitley House near Plymouth, the series follows the struggle over the Tremaine family estate after the presumed death of the young heir.
- Directed by
- David Benedictus
- Starring
- Rachel Gurney, Bernice Stegers, Jonathan Norris
- Based on
- A novel by Cecilia Anne Jones
- Number of episodes
- 6
- Setting
- Victorian era
- Filming locations
- Cape Cornwall, Kitley House (near Plymouth)
Lore & Background
The story follows young Nicholas Tremaine, heir to the wealthy Tremaine estate. When Nicholas and his parents, Sir Walter and Lady Tremaine, are presumed lost at sea after their ship sinks, the family believes they have perished. However, Nicholas survives and is washed ashore in a small French fishing village, where he is raised by a kind French family. Years later, back in England, the estate lacks a clear heir. Nicholas's grandmother, Lady Tremaine, seeks a legitimate successor, while Joanna Tremaine, mother of the temporary heir Gerald, schemes to secure the inheritance for her son. When Nicholas is discovered alive and returns to England, his presence threatens Gerald's position, sparking tension and conflict. Lady Tremaine welcomes Nicholas and aims to restore his rightful place as 'Little Sir Nicholas,' but Joanna Tremaine works to undermine him.
Reader's Guide
Little Sir Nicholas is significant as a six-part television adaptation of a Cecilia Anne Jones novel, bringing a Victorian-era story of inheritance and family conflict to the small screen in 1990. Directed by David Benedictus, the series features a cast including Rachel Gurney, Bernice Stegers, and Jonathan Norris. Its filming at Cape Cornwall and Kitley House adds a distinct visual authenticity to the period setting. The series explores themes of identity and heritage through the struggle between the rightful heir and a usurper, reflecting enduring narrative tropes of family rivalry. While not widely known today, it represents a specific moment in British television history when literary adaptations were common, and it remains a reference point for fans of period dramas and the works of Cecilia Anne Jones.
Did You Know?
- The series was directed by David Benedictus.
- It was based on a novel by Cecilia Anne Jones.
- Filming took place at Cape Cornwall and Kitley House near Plymouth.
- The cast includes Rachel Gurney as Lady Tremaine and Bernice Stegers as Joanna Tremaine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Little Sir Nicholas (1990 TV series)?
It is a six-episode Victorian drama that aired in 1990, adapted from a novel by Cecilia Anne Jones and directed by David Benedictus. The series centers on a young boy's connection to a family estate and the rivalries that erupt around it.
Who are the main cast members of Little Sir Nicholas?
The series stars Rachel Gurney, Bernice Stegers, and Jonathan Norris in its principal roles.
What is the plot of Little Sir Nicholas about?
The story follows the conflict over the Tremaine family estate after the young heir is believed to have died. Themes of inheritance, personal identity, and long-standing family feuds drive the narrative across all six episodes.
Where was Little Sir Nicholas filmed?
Principal photography took place at Cape Cornwall and Kitley House, both located in the area near Plymouth in Devon.
How many episodes does Little Sir Nicholas have?
The series consists of six episodes in total, making it a single-season limited run.
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