Masterpiece Theatre This historical drama portrays the lives of John and Sarah Churchill - the first Duke and Duchess of Marlborough - and ancestors of Sir Winston Churchill. John, said to be the greatest general of his time, serves four monarchs: C... (more)harles II, James II, William of Orange, and Queen Anne; while Sarah, a witty lady-in-waiting to Anne, remains her husband's invaluable ally. "The First Churchills" is Masterpiece Theatre's first television presentation, and chronicles both the history of Restoration England and the Churchill family's career at court, which culminates with the British victory over the French at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. John Churchill is an accomplished soldier who has gained favor in the eyes of the Kings on both sides of the English Channel. He is also quite the ladies man, which proves to aid him well as he begins to climb the aristocratic ladder. However, his life suddenly changes when he meets the lovely young Sarah Jennings, who also happens to be very close to Mary, the second Duchess of York. John is quite smitten, but winning the affections of the lovely Sarah will prove to be quite the challenge.