In lavish period drama serial The Flame Trees of Thika, filmed on location Kenya, young English girl Elspeth adapts to a new way of life in Kenya just before World War One.
Elspeth’s parents had moved to British East Africa to start a coffee plantation but find things initially hard going, later World War One changes things forever.
The production was based on Elspeth Huxley’s memoir and as with all of Thames – Euston films output was shot on film. Previously the company had specialised in tough crime drama like Special Branch, The Sweeney and Minder and this was their first period piece.
production details
UK / ITV – Thames – Euston / 7×50 minute episodes / Broadcast 1 September – 13 October 1981
Writer: John Hawkesworth / Book: Elspeth Hurley / Executive Producer: Verity Lambert / Producers: John Hawkesworth, Christopher Neame / Director: Roy Ward Baker.
cast
Hayley Mills as Tilly
David Robb as Robin
Holly Aird as Elspeth
Nicholas Jones as Hereward
Sharon Mughan as Lettice
Ben Cross as Ian
John Nettleton as Major
Mick Chege as Njomebu
Morgan Sheppard as Mr Roos
Carol Macready as Mrs Nimmo
Steve Mwenesi as Sammy
Dai Bradley as Alec
THE EPISODES
1. THE PROMISED LAND (1 Sep 1981)
2. HYENAS WILL EAT ANYTHING (8 Sep 1981)
3. HAPPY NEW YEAR (15 Sep 1981)
4. FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES (22 Sep 1981)
5. A REAL SPORTSMAN (29 Sep 1981)
6. SAFARI (6 Oct 1981)
7. THE DRUMS OF WAR (13 Oct 1981)
