The Mayor of Casterbridge

The story

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.

The seasons

Season 1 Miniseries 1978 · 7 episodes Season details＋

Jan. 22, 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.

Cast

A Alan BatesMichael Henchard J Janet MawElizabeth-Jane II J Jack GallowayDonald Farfrae A Anna MasseyLucetta Farfrae (née Templeman) R Ronald LaceyJoshua Jopp C Clifford ParrishLongways P Peter BourkeAbel Whittle J Jeffrey HollandCarter A Alan RoweMr Joyce R Richard OwensRichard Newson A Avis BunnageMrs Goodenough D Douglas MilvainConey

See more cast

A Anne StallybrassSusan Henchard-Newson F Freddie JonesFall D Deddie DaviesNancy L Lloyd McGuirePrince Albert