Fortunes of War
We checked 8 streaming services in India on 04 Jun 2026 at 11:38 IST
About
English literature lecturer Guy Pringle and his wife Harriet navigate the early years of WWII in Bucharest. They become involved in anti-fascist politics and are forced to flee as the war escalates, crossing paths with various characters along the way.
Cast
Episodes
Miniseries
The Balkans: September 1939
Newlyweds Guy and Harriet Pringle arrive in Bucharest, as does the impoverished Prince Yakimov, who takes a temporary job as a journalist for a British newspaper to save himself from destitution. Harriet is introduced to her fellow expatriates (befriending the middle-class Bella, who has married a wealthy local) and to Guy's Romanian friend and admirer Sophie. Their peace is interrupted by the assassination of Romanian PM Călinescu and Nazi Germany's invasion of Poland. Rumours fly of a German invasion of Romania, and Guy, though absorbed in his work and organising social events, is concerned about the family of Jewish student Sasha Drucker, given the antisemitic Romanian regime.
Romania: January 1940
Commander Sheppey holds a clandestine meeting to plot against the authorities. Guy, guilty about not being on active service, is determined to be productive. When he cancels a lunch arrangement with Harriet, she worries over his whereabouts. One of his colleagues, Clarence Lawson, entertains a lonely Harriet. Concern for the Drucker family intensifies when they go missing. When Guy and Harriet spend a weekend in the mountains, the feckless Yakimov is left looking after their flat, with tragic consequences. Guy has ambitious plans to stage a production of Troilus and Cressida but casting causes dissent. During the after-show celebration, British envoy Dobson makes a disturbing announcement about the political situation. The Pringles find Sasha Drucker, now in desperate need of their assistance.
Romania: June 1940
The fascist Iron Guard increase their power and the British fall out of favour with the Romanians. Sasha remains in hiding with the Pringles' home and becomes friends with Harriet. Sophie attempts to lure Guy to her apartment, and he finally sees through her manipulations. Another expat, Toby Lush, arrives, seeking work at the university. Yakimov risks his life for a good meal and a bottle of wine. Dobson announces that the British Legation recommends that everyone return home to mixed results Due to Yakimov's impropriety, Guy finds himself a wanted man. Harriet attends Mr Drucker's trial but has difficulty giving a true account of events. Tension mounts as the fascists take over, and the Pringles, with Lawson',$ help, try to smuggle Sasha to safety. In the midst of chaos, British academic Lord Pinkrose arrives to give a lecture. As the violence escalates, the expats plan their escape routes.
Greece: October 1940
A despondent Harriet arrives in Athens, where she's overjoyed to see Yakimov at a cafe. They find employment at the British Information Office but the mood sours when Pinkrose arrives. Harriet meets soldier Charles Warden, who is quite taken with her. She considers an affair but, as she is going to his hotel room on the final afternoon before his departure, she meets Sasha on the stairs. Sasha is convinced that the Pringles turned him in; Harriet assures him they did not. The delay makes her think better of her relationship with Warden. Guy applies for a lecturing post at the English School but is dismayed to find he is not first in the queue. When Athens comes under enemy fire, Yakimov is shot dead by a sentry. The remaining group leave Athens by sea for Cairo.
Egypt: April 1941
After their unceremonious arrival in Cairo, the Pringles are forced to stay in an old brothel. Guy struggles to find work when it emerges that an old adversary is now in charge of the English School. When Guy has to go to Alexandria, Harriet moves into 'Garden City' with Dobson. Naive young officer Simon Boulderstone goes in search of his brother Hugo and befriends Harriet, who is also introduced to eccentric Mr Liversage, flirtatious Edwina, and authoritative Mr Clifford. The group visit and ascend the Giza and Djoser pyramids. Harriet warns Boulderstone that the Egyptians dislike the British because the British have exploited them for years for control of the Suez Canal. Boulderstone doesn't understand until he, Harriet and Mortimer, a female soldier, visit a live sex show, which leaves him disgusted. Harriet and Boulderstone also meet the Hoopers, a rich couple whose son has just been killed by a land mine. As the Germans close in, Boulderstone must leave to fight.
Egypt: September 1942
To help Boulderstone recover from his brother's death, he is taken under the wing of those at 'Garden City'. Guy is enthusiastic about two new teachers he has employed. Boulderstone becomes a hero in a desert skirmish and is promoted to liaison officer. Harriet stays and sees Aiden Pratt, a young officer who was once a great actor in London. She thinks he is in love with her because he implores her and Guy to come and visit him in Damascus. Harriet contracts dysentery when she comes back from Luxor and has to stay in hospital for several weeks. Guy pays her little attention and continues rehearsing his newest play. Harriet decides to go back to England. Boulderstone is being driven to his new post when the Jeep stops at a WC and his driver is killed by a hidden mine. Boulderstone's legs are temporarily paralysed as a result. Harriet leaves Guy at the zoo to board the boat alone, but, at the last minute, sees Mortimer and begs her to take her to Damascus.
The Middle East: January 1943
As Guy struggles to cope with his presumed loss of Harriet, Boulderstone starts his painful and slow road to recovery. Harriet makes a new friend and rediscovers old ones as she takes in the sights of Damascus. Upon discovering that Guy thinks she's dead, Harriet rushes back to Egypt.
Where does Fortunes of War rank today?
Fortunes of War is #3640 on the Bowood.TV Daily Streaming Charts today.
- Highest: #3640
- Top 10: 0 days
- Top 100: 0 days
Watch Fortunes of War Online Free — All Episodes in HD
If you've been searching for Fortunes of War all episodes in HD, Bowood.TV has you covered. This popular English drama title from 1987 is available to stream instantly — no ads to fight through, no paid subscriptions, no annoying redirects.
About Fortunes of War
English literature lecturer Guy Pringle and his wife Harriet navigate the early years of WWII in Bucharest. They become involved in anti-fascist politics and are forced to flee as the war escalates, crossing paths with various characters along the way. Across 1 season and 7 episodes, originally airing on BBC One.
Fortunes of War Cast and Characters
The cast features Kenneth Branagh (as Guy Pringle), Emma Thompson (as Harriet Pringle), and Charles Kay (as Dobson). Their performances are a major reason Fortunes of War has built such a passionate audience.
Where to Watch Fortunes of War Online
Want to watch Fortunes of War online without paying? Bowood.TV is the easiest way. Click play and the series starts in seconds. No popups, no "5 day trial that auto-charges" — just the show.
▶ Watch Fortunes of War NowWhy People Are Watching Fortunes of War
Fortunes of War flies under the radar but it deserves your attention. What makes it work is emotional weight that hits where it counts. If you enjoy English storytelling that doesn't follow the same tired beats, this is the kind of show you'll end up recommending to friends.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fortunes of War
Where can I watch Fortunes of War online for free?
You can watch Fortunes of War online free on Bowood.TV. Just open the page and hit play — no signup, no subscription, full HD streaming on phone, tablet, or desktop.
How many episodes does Fortunes of War have?
Fortunes of War has 7 episodes across 1 season. All episodes are available to stream right here on Bowood.TV.
Is Fortunes of War good? What's the rating?
Fortunes of War holds a 6.3/10 rating based on 14 reviews — a solid pick if the genre interests you.
Who is in the cast of Fortunes of War?
The main cast includes Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, and Charles Kay.
Is Fortunes of War available in English?
Yes — Fortunes of War was originally produced in English and that's the version you'll stream here on Bowood.TV.
When was Fortunes of War released?
Fortunes of War first aired in 1987.
Do I need an account to watch Fortunes of War on Bowood.TV?
No. Bowood.TV is free and you can watch Fortunes of War without creating an account. Sign-up is optional — only useful if you want a personal Watchlist or to comment on episodes.
Similar Series You Might Like
If you enjoyed Fortunes of War, check out Island at War, Influence, Upstairs, Downstairs, Rattan, and Lipstick on Your Collar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Fortunes of War for free?
You can watch Fortunes of War online for free on Bowood.TV. All 7 episodes across 1 season are available to stream in HD without a subscription, signup, or paywall. Just open the show page and press play.
How many seasons and episodes does Fortunes of War have?
Fortunes of War currently has 1 season and a total of 7 episodes. The series status is "Ended", so the episode count may grow as new seasons are released. You can browse the full episode list on Bowood.TV and continue watching from where you left off.
What is Fortunes of War about?
English literature lecturer Guy Pringle and his wife Harriet navigate the early years of WWII in Bucharest. They become involved in anti-fascist politics and are forced to flee as the war escalates, crossing paths with various characters along the way. It belongs to the Drama genre.
In which language is Fortunes of War originally available?
Fortunes of War was originally produced in English. On Bowood.TV the show is available in its original English audio, which is the most authentic way to experience the dialogue, music, and performances. Check the player options on the watch page for available subtitle tracks.
When was Fortunes of War first released?
Fortunes of War first premiered on October 11, 1987 (1987). The series has since concluded its run.
💬 Comments
Join the conversation
Share your thoughts, rate episodes, and connect with other fans
Hey everyone! 👋 Welcome to the discussion.
Feel free to share your thoughts about this series — what did you love, what surprised you, which episodes are your favorites? 🎬
Got ideas for what we should add to Bowood.TV? Want to suggest a series? Drop it here! We read every comment ✨
Similar Shows
Shows like this one
Recommended for You
Based on this series
