Proving that intellectual pursuits are indeed the stuff of great drama, this riveting television mini-series covers the development of the first effective system of determining longitude at sea. Based on Dava Sobel's acclaimed book, the film follows the efforts of 18th century rural clockmaker John Harrison to perfect his ingenious marine timepiece, as well as the determined quest of British naval officer Rupert Gould to restore Harrison's neglected invention 200 years later. Michael Gambon (The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover) stars as Harrison and Jeremy Irons plays Gould in this richly        Charles Sturridge---Great Britain---2000---200 mins.