The Bretts: The Complete Collection

It's 1927 and the Bretts have purchased a West End theatre. Charles, the patriarch, finds himself overwhelmed by bills and correspondence. When his wife Lydia learns that Charles has hired an attractive secretary, her fury could have serious consequences for the family business.

The Bretts purchase a new motorcar, with disastrous results. A visit from a vagabond friend of Charles's might solve their automobile problems. Meanwhile, there's high drama at the theatre when Charles tries to install his son as the lead in a play.

Thomas--Charles and Lydia's son--writes a stunningly successful new play, but Charles is feeling jealous. When a theatre owner expresses interest in mounting a production of Thomas's next play, Charles jumps on the opportunity to offer his son a few strategic edits.

Following an illness, Charles's parents come to stay with the family. Thomas, annoyed at having to give up his room, packs up and moves into the theatre. Meanwhile, Charles and Lydia's actress daughter Martha is intrigued by the theatre's new manager.

The family is shocked and appalled when their son, Edwin, goes against his theatrical roots and appears in a silent film. Charles's feelings on the matter soften when he's offered a screen test. During the commotion, Sutton quietly contemplates his own career change.

Gerard, Lydia's former flame and a successful Broadway composer comes to visit, much to Charles's chagrin. Gerard, though, seems much more interested in another member of the household. Lydia contemplates a return to the bright lights of Broadway.

Offended by a negative review of his latest play, Edwin takes drastic measures against a local theatre critic. The journalist retaliates by publishing unflattering stories about the Bretts, but Charles receives a helpful tip from an unexpected source.

Charles and Lydia's daughter Martha is in trouble with the law following her arrest at a political rally. Edwin finds himself besotted with her friend, the lovely Lady Diana Lucas. Meanwhile, Martha is having romantic troubles of her own.

After her political adventures landed her in jail, Martha is injured and forced to withdraw from her current role. She's not the only Brett with legal troubles: Charles lands in court facing libel charges stemming from a bawdy tale about an actress and a bishop.

Thomas, newly interested in socialism, visits Germany with a friend. His choice of traveling companion, however, raises some eyebrows at home. The playwright returns to London with a very unconventional souvenir.

Distraught over her sudden and tragic loss, Martha begins using cocaine to help cope with the pain. Edwin finds himself involved with three women at once, leading Sutton to ask the budding Casanova for romantic advice.

Charles and Lydia's wedding anniversary is coming up, but Lydia has become deeply mistrustful of her husband, suspecting that Charles is having an affair. While fretting about Charles's trustworthiness, Lydia launches a secret campaign of her own.

Disaster strikes the theatre when a fire causes extensive damage. The Bretts plan a Christmas pantomime of Cinderella in order to shore up their bank accounts--and add a little seasonal cheer to a dreary holiday.