Release Date

22 Jan, 1978

Runtime

00:50: (HH:MM)

Total Episode/Season

7/1

Synopsis

The Dennis Potter adaptation of Thomas Hardy's classic tale

The Mayor of Casterbridge is a 1978 BBC seven-part serial based on the eponymous 1886 book by the British novelist Thomas Hardy. The six-hour drama was written by dramatist Dennis Potter and directed by David Giles, with Alan Bates as the title character. Michael Henchard, an out-of-work hay-trusser, gets drunk at a fair and, for five guineas, sells his wife and child to a sailor. When the horror of his act finally sets in, Henchard swears he will not touch alcohol for twenty-one years. Through hard work and acumen, he becomes rich, respected, and eventually the mayor of Casterbridge. But eighteen years after his fateful oath, his wife and daughter return to Casterbridge, and his fortunes steadily decline.

Original Title

The Mayor of Casterbridge

Photos

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Miniseries

22 Jan, 1978

Michael Henchard, an out-of-work hay-trusser, gets drunk at a fair and, for five guineas, sells his wife and child to a sailor. When the horror of his act finally sets in, Henchard swears he will not touch alcohol for twenty-one years. Through hard work and acumen, he becomes rich, respected, and eventually the mayor of Casterbridge. But eighteen years after his fateful oath, his wife and daughter return to Casterbridge, and his fortunes steadily decline.

Created By

Dennis Potter

Actors

Alan Bates

Janet Maw

Jack Galloway

Crew

Jonathan Powell

Marcia Wheeler

Anthony Garrick

Neil Pittaway

Christine Rawlins

Hubert Cartwright

Peter Kindred

Elizabeth Rowell

Robin Luxford

Betty Willingale

Marion McDougall

Dennis Potter

Thomas Hardy

Carl Davis