Plot
Bringing viewers a small insight into The Great War’s horrendous trench warfare and its effect on those who experienced it, The Passing Bells drama series views the conflict through the eyes of two young soldiers, fighting for opposing sides.
With Thomas from Britain and Michael from Germany, these two teenagers each go against their parents wishes by enlisting in their countries respective military forces. Following the outbreak of war during the summer of 1914, the general belief on both sides was it would all be over by Christmas. As the war instead raged on for a further four years, few soldiers could have had any concept of what they were getting into.
Set over a five year period, the series follows the boys none too dissimilar lives as they mature, discover love and inevitably lose close friends. With all this taking place during one of the deadliest conflicts in world history. Meanwhile, as the pair endure the ordeals of war, their families and friends anxiously await updates on Michael and Thomas’s progress.
When does The Passing Bells start on BBC?
Airing over five consecutive nights, the first 30-minute episode is set to premiere at 7:00pm on Monday 3 November, 2014 on BBC One. As usual, catch-up will be available via BBC iPlayer.
Where was The Passing Bells filmed?
Co-produced by BBC Worldwide, Red Planet Pictures, Apple Film Production and the Polish broadcaster TVP, filming for the World War 1 drama began during May 2014, using locations in Poland.
The Passing Bells BBC Cast List
Character – Actor/Actress
Michael – Jack Lowden (The Tunnel, Mrs Biggs, Wolf Hall)
Thomas – Paddy Gibson (What Richard Did)
Stefan – Charles Furness (Jamaica Inn, 24: Live Another Day)
Freddie – Wilf Scolding
Cyril – Hubert Burton
Lanzo – Felix Auer
Anthony – Adam Long (Happy Valley)
Rudi – Johnny Gibson
Kevin – Ben McGregor (Young Dracula)
Katie – Sabrina Bartlett (Poldark 2015)
Joanna – Erika Karkuszewska
Derek – Brian Fletcher
William – Simon Kunz (The Bible, Frontiers, Waking the Dead, Coronation Street)
Susan – Jennifer Hennessy (Death Comes to Pemberley, Coronation Street, Marchlands, The Cup, Lilies, Drop Dead Gorgeous)
Sarah – Ewelina Zawistowska
David – Alex Ferns (EastEnders)
Annie – Amanda Drew (EastEnders, Life of Crime, Switch, Southcliffe)
Ben – Jordan Murphy (My Mad Fat Diary, Marvellous)
Biermann – Redbad Klynstra
Kenny Bond – Matthew Aubrey (Privates, The Indian Doctor, Birdsong)
Erich – Mark Burghagen
Radiographer – Katarzyna Maria Zielińska
Original British Drama: The Passing Bells Trailer