Masterpiece Classic: Any Human Heart - Part One

How can a man in the bloom of youth, pursuing writing and sex with equal vigor, end up grizzled, old, and surrounded by piles of boxes and paper, the detritus of a life?

The answer is the story of Logan Mountstuart, who believes, "Every human being is a collection of selves...we never stay just one person." And the twentieth century provides the perfect backdrop for Logan to live out his lives, drinking absinthe with Ernest Hemingway, initiated into intrigue by Ian Fleming, and embroiled in the arch expat world of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. A novelist, war correspondent, father, spy, prisoner of war, art dealer, husband, and many times over, a lover — an Everyman of sorts — Logan is played at three junctures of his life.

Based on William Boyd's bestselling novel, this three-part series stars Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent, Matthew Macfadyen, and Sam Claflin. Also starring are Haley Atwell, Kim Cattrall, Gillian Anderson, Tom Hollander and Ed Stoppard.

The first episode begins at Oxford in the 1920s, Logan Mountstuart and friends Peter and Ben pursue literature and lust. After winning success as a novelist, Logan finds love and adventure abroad, befriending Hemingway and other notables.

Part two of "Any Human Heart" will air on Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 9 p.m. and part three will air on Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 9 p.m. on KPBS TV.

"Any Human Heart" is available for online viewing from February 14 - March 22, 2011.