The Far Pavilions (1984)

Faithfully adapted from M.M. Kaye's epic 1978 novel of British colonial India of the 19th century, this colorful miniseries (HBO's first) about battle, love and treachery and intrigue, as well as love and honor involving one of Her Majesty's cavalry officers and an Indian princess who has been promised in marriage to a despotic ruler, brings to the TV screen the sweeping adventure that in years past had been the domain of Errol Flynn, Robert Taylor and Tyrone Power. (Ironically, a new television production of "Kim" premiered shortly afterwards.) Ben Cross and Amy Irving are the lovers, Omar Sharif is his Indian mentor, Rossano Brazzi is the Indian ruler who wants Irving as his bride, Christopher Lee is her benevolent uncle, and Sir John Gielgud is Major Sir Louis Cavagnari, British Ambassador to Afghanistan, who is killed at the siege of Kabul.