Quick Info
Status: Ended
Network: BBC Two
Type: Miniseries
Rating: 5.7/10
The Mayor of Casterbridge
Overview
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.
This production, originally released in 1978, has captivated audiences with its unique storytelling. As a Miniseries series, it brings a fresh perspective to the Drama genre, maintaining a strong viewer rating of 5.7 across its 1 season.
- Storyline Highlights:
- • Explores themes within Drama.
- • Produced in United Kingdom.
- • Original Language: English.
Directed By
Written By
Starring Cast
Alan Bates
Michael Henchard
Janet Maw
Elizabeth-Jane II
Jack Galloway
Donald Farfrae
Seasons
Miniseries
7 Episodes • Aired 1978-01-22
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.
