Nancy Mitford’s witty novel The Pursuit of Love has been a firm favourite since it was first published in 1945 and it’s being brought to life in a lavish new period drama, airing on the BBC in the UK and showing on Amazon's Prime Video in the US.
The star-studded series, set in the 1920s and 1930s, centres on spirited Linda Radlett (Lily James) and her more reserved cousin and best friend Fanny Logan (Emily Beecham) as they come of age and dream of true love.
Linda’s heart is set on a life of exciting adventure, but her hopes are thwarted by her eccentric, domineering father Matthew (Dominic West) who rules the family’s country estate, Alconleigh, with a rod of iron. However, their flamboyant neighbour Lord Merlin (Andrew Scott) opens up a glamorous new world to her as he introduces her to the "Bright Young Things".
Meanwhile, Fanny is searching for stability after being abandoned as a child by her flighty mother "The Bolter", played by Emily Mortimer, who adapted and directed the series. For both girls, their enduring friendship is their guiding force.
We caught up with Lily James and Emily Beecham to find out more about The Pursuit of Love.
What can you tell us about Linda?
“Linda has spark, passion, fire and curiosity, but doesn't know what to do with it,” says James. “Her father doesn't let the girls have an education or leave the property. But she follows her heart and tries to find herself through the men she encounters — a communist, a conservative and a wild European.”
And what about Fanny?
“Fanny and Linda are both searching for fulfillment in different ways. Fanny is struggling with who she is, but Linda brings technicolor into Fanny's life,” says Beecham. “They have secrets and hurt each other, but they come together like magnets. Even though they change and go in different directions, that bond is rare and special.”
What does it say about the inter-war period?
“At that time, women’s options were limited. Do you become a mother and wife or do you face the world on your own terms? There’s a sadness it has to be those two extremes and there's no middle ground,” says James.
“Yes, they’re both freewheeling into womanhood, which is challenging in the 1930s,” adds Beecham. “Fanny’s struggling to find who she is. But as she grows older and becomes bored and frustrated and feels limited, she starts to gain more understanding for her mother's choices and Linda's choices…”
What were the costumes like?
“For Linda, fashion is a source of creativity. There are tiny details like Linda’s yellow scarf that she has during her entire life,” says James. “The designer drew inspiration from Gucci fashion shows and the highest fashion in the 1930s. You feel like a living, breathing person when someone dresses you like that. It affects how you stand and move.”
Does this feel very different from a traditional period drama?
“Yes, Emily Mortimer has brought something fresh but has caught the essence of Nancy Mitford’s writing with the wit and satire. There’s an indescribable, magical mix,” says James. “The music, too, is really vital with some incredible tunes. We did a ball scene where we had a band that was comprised of one member of The Who, two members of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and one each from The Specials and The Pretenders. It was incredible and they played this amazing jig.”
When can I watch The Pursuit of Love?
All episodes of The Pursuit of Love are available to watch on BBC iPlayer and on Amazon Prime Video in the US.
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