Dame Barbara Cartland's Scandalous Life to Hit Screens

The flamboyant and eccentric Dame Barbara Cartland, a fixture of 20th-century British high society, is set to be the subject of a new television series. Eagle Eye Drama has secured the rights to adapt Matthew Sweet's biography, "The Great Dictator," which delves into the life of the author famed as 'The Queen of Romance.' Cartland, recognizable by her signature pink outfits and companion Pekinese dogs, was close to 1 billion book sales in 38 languages.

Historian and screenwriter Sweet's extensively researched book, published this month, reveals a life more compelling than her own dramatic plots. Cartland, born in 1901, mingled with press barons, politicians, and royalty, notably being the step-grandmother to Princess Diana. Her fame extended beyond literature; she was a cultural icon, known for her distinctive fashion and outspoken views.

Eagle Eye Drama CEO Walter Iuzzolino highlighted the unparalleled access to Cartland family archives, promising a compelling narrative for a scripted series. Jo McGrath, CCO, noted Cartland's status as the third-biggest selling author globally, behind Shakespeare and Christie, deeming her a "gift of a role for a great actress." McGrath also detailed Cartland's own scandalous love life, contrasting with her fervent promotion of romantic ideals.

Sweet expressed excitement about the adaptation, calling Eagle Eye Drama the perfect producers to "bring Barbara's world to life with impeccable style." The production company, known for series like "Bookish" and "The Couple Next Door," is also adapting other notable works. "The Great Dictator" has already garnered critical acclaim, with longlisting for the Baillie Gifford Prize.