Masterpiece Theatre "The Spoils of Poynton" is an adaptation of a novel by Henry James published in 1897. This 4-part presentation describes the struggle between Mrs. Adela Gereth, a widow of impeccable taste and iron will, and her son Owen over a h... (more)ouseful of precious antique furniture. The story is largely told from the viewpoint of Fleda Vetch, a young woman in love with Owen but sympathetic to Mrs. Gereth's anguish over losing the antiques she has so patiently collected. In Episode One, the cultivated Mrs. Gereth is worried that her son Owen will marry Mona Brigstock - she considers Mona to be brash and completely unsuitable. Owen soon gets engaged to Mona and expects to take over Poynton, the family's large country house, which is filled with valuable antique furniture, pictures and collections. Mrs. Gereth does not want to let go of the house, but she is even more attached to the contents.