It fared much better than its ITV ratings rival, The Forsyte Saga, and garnered good reviews.

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Series like the 26-part Forsyte Saga and the TV version of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy unfolded gradually.

BBC: Is slow TV taking over the airwaves?

Ms. Hammerstein, whose acting career included appearances in the BBC TV adaptation of "The Forsyte Saga, " and who worked with '60s star directors Ken Loach and Ken Russell, said that in some ways performing in front of children can be more exciting than doing so for adults.

WSJ: Only Make Believe Performs the Highest of Art