The American: American Christopher Newman is smart, educated and rich. He is a Civil War veteran and a self made tycoon who goes to Europe to see the 'treasures and entertain' himself. He meets Claire and after the fifth meeting he asks her to marry him. The portrait of a lady: Isabel Archer is a beautiful, spirited American who is brought to Europe by her wealthy Aunt Touchett. It is expected that she will soon marry. But Isabel is resolved to determine her own fate and she does not hesitate to turn down two eligible suitors. Then she finds herself irresistibly drawn to Gilbert Osmond, who, beneath his veneer of charm and cultivation, is cruelty itself. The spoils of Poynton: Mrs. Gareth is the widowed chatelaine of Poynton. She is fighting to keep her house with its priceless objets d'art from her son Owen and his lovely, but utterly philistine fiancee. When she discovers that her young friend Fleda Vetch is secretly in love with Owen, she thrusts Fleda into the battle line. The power struggle between the three women leaves Owen vacillating. Fleda risks betraying, and being betrayed by, all that she holds most dear. The wings of the dove: Kate Croy and Merton Densher are engaged in a passionate, clandestine love affair. Croy is desperately in love with Densher, but he lacks money, making him unsuitable as a mate. By chance, Croy befriends Milly Theale, a young American heiress. When Croy discovers that Theale suffers from a mysterious and fatal malady, she hatches a plan that can give all three something that they want, but at a price. The golden bowl: Wealthy American widower Adam Verver and his daughter Maggie live in Europe. They collect art and relish each other's company. Maggie becomes engaged to Amerigo, an Italian prince in reduced circumstances. Maggie and Amerigo marry, and later, after Charlotte and Adam have also wed, both spouses learn of the ongoing affair. Not until Maggie buys the gilded crystal bowl as a birthday present for Adam does truth crack the veneer of propriety.

Title from container. Based on the novels by Henry James.

Disc 1.The American / produced by Fiona Finley ; writer, Michael Hastings ; directed by Paul Unwin (1998 ; ca. 84 min.) -- Disc 2. The portrait of a lady / produced by David Conroy ; adaptation by Jack Pulman ; directed by James Cellan Jones (1968 ; 264 min.) -- Disc 3. The spoils of Poynton / produced by Martin Lisemore ; written by Denis Constanduros, Henry James ; directed by Peter Sasdy (1970 ; ca. 169 min.) -- Disc 4. The wings of the dove / produced by Alan Shallcross ; dramatisation, Denis Constanduros ; directed by John Gorrie (1979 ; ca. 81 min.) -- Disc 5. The golden bowl / produced by Martin Lisemore ; written by Henry James, Jack Pulman ; directed by James Cellan Jones (1972 ; ca. 257 min.).