Powerful Family Drama Spreads Wings in ‘Peacock’

The persistently fascinating culture clashes endemic to British life in India surface once again in “The Peacock Spring.” Adapted from Rumer Godden’s novel, the story is a compelling look at the manner in which the two societies were still firmly interwoven in the late 1950s, a decade after Indian independence.

The two-part “Masterpiece Theatre” presentation was adapted by Ken Taylor and directed by Christopher Morahan; the duo also were responsible for the multiaward-winning “The Jewel in the Crown.” And “Peacock Spring” possesses much of that production’s powerful dramatic impact and atmospheric sense of place.

But the center of the story--a conflict between the coming-of-age uncertainties of 15-year-old Una Gwithian and the emotional needfulness of her diplomat parent, Sir Edward Gwithian--reaches beyond cultural confrontation into the complexities of the relationship of father and daughter.

When Una and her younger sister, Hal, are taken from their comfortable English boarding schools to live with Sir Edward in New Delhi, Una’s explanation is that “he needs me.” But she soon discovers that the real purpose of the move has been to provide a respectable cover for an affair her father has been having with Alix Lamont, the woman who will be the girls’ governess.

As a result of the inevitable friction that follows between Una and Alix, Una turns to a young Indian poet, Ravi, for understanding and support. But Sir Edward’s plans for his future with Alix force Una to decide whether to remain in a situation she finds increasingly intolerable or plunge into an Indian world vastly different from anything she has ever known.

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A panoply of Delhi life serves as a colorful, often cacophonous background for the small misunderstandings and failed communications of the Gwithian family. But the great beauty of the production is its depiction of the entirely believable changes that take place in the primary characters as the tale builds to its inevitable climax.

Peter Egan (who was previously seen in “Lillie” and “A Perfect Spy”) is convincing as the flawed but earnest Sir Edward. Jennifer Hall uncovers both the hard-edged complexities and the hidden vulnerabilities in Alix, and Hattie Morahan brings subtlety and intelligence to her interpretation of the multilayered role of Una.

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* “The Peacock Spring” airs on “Masterpiece Theatre” at 9 tonight and next Sunday on KCET-TV Channel 28.