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Masters' India Saga

By: John Masters
Narrated by: full cast, Bill Nighy, Juliet Stevenson, David Collings, Terence Alexander, Michael Cochrane, Gary Bond, Renu Setna, Saeed Jaffrey
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Summary

An 18-part serialisation of John Masters' chronicles of the Savage family, spanning the years 1825-1946 and set against the backdrop of British rule in India.

Based on the hugely popular novels of John Masters, this landmark BBC Radio adaptation charts the history of the British in India through the perspective of one family over several generations. Ranging over more than 120 years, these thrilling tales of love, murder and espionage take us from the expansion of the East India Company to the last days of the Raj and the approach of Independence.

The Deceivers - 1825. When Company official William Savage witnesses a brutal double murder and uncovers grisly evidence of mass ritual sacrifice, he is drawn into the dark world of the thuggee and their murderous, Kali-worshipping cult. Can he escape with his honour - and his soul - intact? Starring David Collings, Saeed Jaffrey and Terence Alexander.

Night Runners of Bengal - 1856, and William's son, Rodney, is an officer in the Bengal Army. His life is one of security and privilege - but a guru's prophecy, and disturbing events surrounding the Rani of Kishanpur, are harbingers of seismic change to come. Across India, the Great Rebellion is rising.... Starring Michael Cochrane, Eva Haddon, Carole Boyd and Renu Setna.

The Lotus and the Wind - 1879. Britain and Russia are deadly rivals in the 'Great Game'. At the centre of the conflict is Afghanistan, where soldier-turned-spy Lt Robin Savage is attempting to thwart Russian intelligence. Meanwhile, the woman he loves, Anne Hildreth, witnesses a murder en route to Peshawar.... Starring Bill Nighy, Juliet Stevenson, John Rowe.

Bhowani Junction - 1946, and India is heading for self-rule. But when Independence comes, what will happen to Anglo-Indians Patrick Taylor and Victoria Jones? As they search for their true identity amidst Britain's turbulent withdrawal, Colonel Rodney Savage hunts for saboteurs seeking to blow up Bhowani's railway.... Starring Gary Bond, Sean Barrett and Shireen Shah.

Text copyright © The Estate of John Masters 1951 (Nightrunners of Bengal), 1952 (The Deceivers), 1953 (The Lotus and the Wind), 1954 (Bhowani Junction)

Cast and credits:

Written by John Masters

Music composed by Malcolm Clarke of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop

The Deceivers

Dramatised by David Wade.

Directed by Penny Leicester

Executive producer: Colin Venning

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 September-28 October 1984

Nightrunners of Bengal

Dramatised by Barry Campbell.

Directed by Christopher Venning

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 4-25 November 1984

The Lotus and the Wind

Dramatised by David Wade.

Directed by Penny Leicester

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2-23 December 1984

Bhowani Junction

Dramatised by Barry Campbell

Directed by Christopher Venning

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 December 1984-27 January 1985

©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
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What listeners say about Masters' India Saga

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ONE OF THE BEST AUDIOBOOKS I OWN

16 & a half hours of pure joy. This is one of the best audiobooks I have in my collection of 1,845. These stories are so believable full of atmosphere, that takes you into the world of the Victorian English in India. Fantastically portrayed by a team of some of the best actors, beautifully produced and directed. High standard, highly recommend.

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Excellent

I loved these stories. The acting was excellent and the atmosphere convincing. Definitely recommend it.

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Mediocre radio adaptations of fine books.

I really enjoy John Masters’ writing, and I wonder if a reason for him being a sadly neglected writer nowadays is that his works are so rich, subtle, and with such well defined characters that they are hard to adapt into plays or films. Of these radio adaptations those I enjoyed the most were those where I’d the books. Those I enjoyed the least were those I hadn’t read. The Deceivers’ I found difficult to follow. I got halfway through ‘Night Runners of Bengal’ and decided to take a break and read the book instead: then the rest of the play made sense. ‘The Lotus and the Wind’ was a much better adaptation than the first two, and has excellent performances by William Nighy and Juliet Stephenson. Even so, without having read the book there were moments where I got lost. ‘Bhowani Junction’ is one of my favourite books, so I know it well. As a result I could follow this radio adaptation easily and therefore enjoyed this one the most. I thought Gary Bond was perfect as Rodney Savage. Some of the sound effects now seem fairly basic.

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