America’s great hero
Michael Douglas stars in a historical drama that follows US legend Benjamin Franklin…
Franklin
Available: Friday 12 April
Genre: Drama Season: 1 Eps: 8 (first three episodes from 12 April, then weekly)
Michael Douglas takes centre stage in an epic drama about a daring diplomatic mission carried out by Benjamin Franklin.
The Apple TV+ series begins in 1776, when America is on the brink of losing the War of Independence against the British, and an elderly but shrewd Benjamin, who is already a renowned scientist, is sent to France – Britain’s enemy – to gather much-needed funds and supplies for the US cause.
Dangerous game
‘It’s about intrigue and gamesmanship,’ explains Michael. ‘Benjamin is at a crucial point in his life, and if he hadn’t succeeded, we wouldn’t have America.’
Accompanied by his teenage grandson Temple (Noah Jupe), Benjamin, with the support of his wily friend Edward Bancroft (Daniel Mays), uses wit and manipulation to try to win over the French monarchy and government. But spies, including ruthless Brit
Paul Wentworth (Tom Hughes) are watching his every move.
Charmer
Along the way, however, Benjamin intrigues both unhappily married composer Anne Louise Brillon (Ludivine Sagnier) and influential widow Madame Helvétius (Jeanne Balibar).
‘Benjamin was a flirt and a rascal. His idea of negotiating was seduction,’ shares Michael. ‘The secret of a good period show is to take historical figures and bring them alive so you see their foibles, lusts and hostilities, just like real people.’
For Michael, part of the appeal of starring in the drama was the chance to dress in 18th-century costume.
‘I’ve never done a period piece,’ he reflects. ‘I wanted to see how I looked in tights, but thank God I didn’t have to wear a wig!’