The Mayfair Set
1999•57m•6.7/10
Documentary
Ratings
🎬TMDb
6.7/10(11)
The Mayfair Set is a series of programmes produced by Adam Curtis for the BBC, first broadcast in the summer of 1999. The programme looked at how buccaneer capitalists of hot money were allowed to shape the climate of the Thatcher years, focusing on the rise of Colonel David Stirling, Jim Slater, James Goldsmith, and Tiny Rowland, all members of London's Clermont Club in the 1960s.
Production
BBC
Language
EN
Status
Ended
First Aired
July 18, 1999
Last Aired
August 8, 1999
Networks
BBC Two
Where to Watch
Region US · Lang EN
US
No providers available for this region.
Seasons & Episodes
Select a season to view episodes. Reddit links may contain spoilers.
Season
E1
Who Pays Wins
Air date: 1999-07-18
The opening episode, Who Dares Wins, focuses on Colonel David Stirling, the man who in 1941 invented the SAS. After the Second World War, Stirling created a private mercenary army and, determined to harness the growing power of Arab oil money, began Britains arms trade to the Middle East. His aim was to keep Britain great. But what he didnt realise, was that this money would eventually take control of him and his beloved country.
E2
Entrepreneur Spelt S.P.I.V.
Air date: 1999-07-25
In the 1950s, Britain was dominated by a political and financial establishment that looked down on the stock market. But a suburban accountant called Jim Slater saw things differently. He realised that if he harnessed the sleeping powers of the shareholders, he would gain immense power.
E3
Destroy the Technostructure
Air date: 1999-08-01
This episode recounts the story of how James Goldsmith became one of the richest men in the world by taking over some of the biggest corporations in America.
E4
Twilight of the Dogs
Air date: 1999-08-08
By the 80s, the day of the buccaneering tycoons was over. Tiny Rowland, James Goldsmith and Mohammed Al Fayed were the only ones who were not finished.
