As the war continues, Kaiser Wilhelm, tiring from his responsibilities, allows Ludendorff, Hindenburg, Admiral von Holtzendorff and Bethmann-Hollweg to propose riskier strategies for ‘total victory’ (such as unrestricted submarine warfare against neutral shipping). With Rasputin now dead, Alexander Kerensky incites open revolt in the Duma, who support his insistence on the abdication of the Tsar. The Kaiser, fearful of creating a “Bolshevik nemesis”, reluctantly allows Lenin and his compatriots to travel through Germany from exile in Switzerland. With the help of industrialist Dr Helphand, the Russians finally arrive to a heroic homecoming in St Petersburg.

• John Elliot

• Michael Hordern
• Vernon Dobtcheff
• Maurice Denham