The Mayfair Set (1999)
The Mayfair Set is a compelling BBC television documentary series created by filmmaker Adam Curtis. The series, subtitled “Four Stories about the Rise of Business and the Decline of Political Power,” delves into the intricate web of power, finance, and influence during a pivotal period in British history.
- Colonel David Stirling and the Global Arms Trade (Episode 1: ‘Who Pays Wins’):
- The opening episode focuses on Colonel David Stirling, the founder of the SAS (Special Air Service), and his role in shaping the global arms trade during the 1960s.
- Stirling’s exploits and connections reveal the birth of a lucrative industry that would impact world politics for decades.
- The episode sheds light on the moral ambiguity of figures like Stirling and their influence on Britain’s decline as a world power.
- Jim Slater: The Entrepreneur Spelt S.P.I.V. (Episode 2):
- The second episode introduces Jim Slater, an accountant, game theorist, and asset stripper.
- Slater gained fame through his investment column in The Sunday Telegraph, writing under the pseudonym “The Capitalist.”
- His financial maneuvers and unorthodox strategies exemplify the changing landscape of business and finance during the 1970s.
- Sir James Goldsmith and the Eccentric Elite (Episode 3):
- The series explores the life of Sir James Goldsmith, a larger-than-life character and member of London’s elite Clermont Club in the 1960s.
- Goldsmith’s eccentricities, wealth, and influence intersect with the decline of political power and the rise of buccaneer capitalists.
- The episode delves into the complex web of connections that shaped the Thatcher era.
- Tiny Rowland: The Maverick Tycoon (Episode 4):
- The final episode centers on Tiny Rowland, a controversial tycoon and another Clermont Club member.
- Rowland’s unorthodox business practices, including his tenure at Lonrho, reveal the clash between corporate power and political authority.
- The series concludes by examining how these influential figures collectively contributed to Britain’s transformation during the late 20th century.
The Mayfair Set provides a captivating exploration of ambition, wealth, and the intricate dance between business and politics. Through the lens of these four characters, viewers gain insight into the forces that shaped Britain’s destiny during a pivotal period. The series won a BAFTA Award for Best Factual Series or Strand in 2000.
