Mitford Sisters Chronicle: Insight into a Week in their Lives
The British historical series, "Outrageous," delves into the captivating lives of the Mitford sisters, a group of six women from Britain's minor aristocracy who made headlines during the tumultuous 1930s. This eight-part drama, premiering on BritBox in June 2025, offers an intriguing blend of politics, family conflict, and personal rebellion, as it follows the sisters' sharp ideological differences and their impact on society.
Narrated by the eldest sister, Nancy Mitford, the series serves as a guide through the family's betrayals, scandals, heartaches, and imprisonments. The Mitford sisters, named Nancy, Pamela, Diana, Unity, Jessica, and Deborah, were known for their rebellious attitudes and their involvement in significant historical events, appearing to be on the frontlines wherever history was happening.
Key storylines include Diana Mitford's marriage to British fascist leader Oswald Mosley, Unity Mitford's obsession with Adolf Hitler, and Jessica Mitford's commitment to communism as a protest against her privileged upbringing. The series portrays how these differing ideologies tore the family apart while showcasing their bold defiance of societal expectations.
The youngest sisters, Nancy and Deborah, are writers, with Nancy's satirical work directly critiquing fascism. The drama highlights both the glamour and the tragedies within this aristocratic family during a politically volatile decade.
The first episode of "Outrageous" explores the lives of the Mitford sisters up to the end of the Second World War in 1945. The second episode, titled "Post-War," concludes the story of the Mitford sisters, providing a comprehensive portrayal of their lives from the 1920s to the end of the 1940s. This episode delves into the Mitford sisters' roles in shaping post-World War II British society, their engagement with the cultural and artistic movements of the era, and their evolving views on various political ideologies.
"Outrageous" is based on the best-selling biography by Mary S Lovell about the Mitford sisters. However, it is important to note that Mary S Lovell does not appear in the second episode of the TV drama. The series features an ensemble cast portraying each sister and key historical figures involved in their lives, including Oswald Mosley.
The ideological rupture between fascism and communism in the 1930s is a topic discussed in "Outrageous" regarding the Mitford sisters. The drama also delves into the Mitford sisters' navigation of the social and political landscape of post-World War II Britain, as well as their ideological shifts and political alliances in the post-World War II period.
"Outrageous" is a must-watch for anyone interested in British history, the lives of the aristocracy, and the impact of ideology on family dynamics. The series promises to be a gripping exploration of a fascinating and controversial period in history.
"As the drama series 'Outrageous' unfolds, viewers can expect engaging discussions about the Mitford sisters' involvement in social media, as they actively participate in the public conversation during the 1930s through letters, interviews, and speeches, shaping popular opinions. The series also highlights their love for movies and TV, showcasing their personal connections with famous actors and filmmakers of the time."
"In addition to being writers, the sisters Nancy and Deborah were instrumental in introducing new trends in entertainment during the politically turbulent 1930s and 40s, using their platforms to satirize fascism and communicate their evolving political ideologies to the masses."
