TV Show spotlight
In Britannia in 130, a young Roman officer named Marcus Flavius Aquila and his freed slave Esca search for the Ninth Legion's gold eagle standard, which vanished with the legion 13 years earlier.
This BBC television adaptation follows Marcus, a young Roman officer in Britain, who ventures north into the mysterious and dangerous territory of Caledonia to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of his father and the Ninth Legion. Accompanied by his loyal slave Esca, Marcus faces tribal hostility and the harsh elements as he seeks to restore his family's honor and recover the lost legionary eagle standard.
As a BBC production from the 1970s, 'The Eagle of the Ninth' was a well-regarded historical drama for its time, praised for its atmospheric depiction of Roman Britain and its faithful adaptation of Rosemary Sutcliff's novel. While contemporary reviews are less accessible than for modern productions, its enduring popularity and frequent re-airings indicate a positive reception for its educational value and compelling storytelling.
Praised for its authentic portrayal of Roman Britain and its historical accuracy.
Commended for its engaging narrative and the strong performances of its cast.
Appreciated for its faithful adaptation of the classic novel.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this 1977 BBC series is not readily available. However, its status as a classic children's historical drama suggests it was generally well-received by audiences for its adventurous and educational content.
The series was filmed on location in Scotland, providing an authentic and rugged backdrop that enhanced the historical setting of Roman Britain.
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This was made back in the day when the BBC would produce a Sunday evening serialisation of a well known story. This time it's Rosemary Sutcliff's tale of the search by "Aquila" (Anthony Higgins) and his recently spared slave "Esca" (Christi...