The Mayfair Set
The Mayfair Set is a series of programmes produced by Adam Curtis for the BBC, first broadcast in the summer of 1999. The programme looked at how buccaneer capitalists of hot money were allowed to shape the climate of the Thatcher years, focusing on the rise of Colonel David Stirling, Jim Slater, James Goldsmith, and Tiny Rowland, all members of London's Clermont Club in the 1960s.
Episodes
The opening episode, Who Dares Wins, focuses on Colonel David Stirling, the man who in 1941 invented the SAS. After the Second World War, Stirling created a private mercenary army and, determined to harness the growing power of Arab oil money, began Britains arms trade to the Middle East. His aim was to keep Britain great. But what he didnt realise, was that this money would eventually take control of him and his beloved country.
In the 1950s, Britain was dominated by a political and financial establishment that looked down on the stock market. But a suburban accountant called Jim Slater saw things differently. He realised that if he harnessed the sleeping powers of the shareholders, he would gain immense power.
This episode recounts the story of how James Goldsmith became one of the richest men in the world by taking over some of the biggest corporations in America.
By the 80s, the day of the buccaneering tycoons was over. Tiny Rowland, James Goldsmith and Mohammed Al Fayed were the only ones who were not finished.
