The Mayor of Casterbridge
Miniseries
January 22, 1978
7Episodes
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.
Episodes
1. Part One
January 22, 1978
50 min
Michael Henchard sells his wife and child to a sailor at a country fair, while drunk. Over 21 years, he prospers and becomes mayor of the town. Then his wife and daughter return.
Guest Stars:
Richard Owens, Anne Stallybrass, Avis Bunnage, Jeffrey Holland
2. Part Two
January 29, 1978
50 min
Henchard is now Mayor of Casterbridge. When his wife returns, eighteen years after he sold her, he decides they must remarry.
Guest Stars:
Anne Stallybrass, Clifford Parrish, Peter Bourke, Jeffrey Holland, Douglas Milvain
3. Part Three
February 5, 1978
50 min
The jealous Henchard has sacked Donald Farfrae and forbidden him to see Elizabeth-Jane. When his wife Susan dies it is just the start of his troubles.
Guest Stars:
Anna Massey, Ronald Lacey, Jeffrey Holland, Freddie Jones
4. Part Four
February 12, 1978
50 min
Elizabeth-Jane is now working for Lucetta, who, having been the subject of Henchard's attentions, is now interested in Farfrae. The furious Henchard plans to ruin his rival...
Guest Stars:
Anna Massey, Ronald Lacey, Avis Bunnage, Alan Rowe
5. Part Five
February 19, 1978
50 min
Henchard's secret is out. Denounced as a wife-seller and with his business in trouble his discovery that Lucetta has married Farfrae completes his humiliation.
Guest Stars:
Anna Massey, Ronald Lacey, Clifford Parrish, Peter Bourke, Jeffrey Holland
6. Part Six
February 26, 1978
50 min
Farfrae becomes Mayor of Casterbridge. Lucetta, afraid that Henchard will expose her, asks him to return her love letters.
Guest Stars:
Anna Massey, Ronald Lacey, Richard Owens, Clifford Parrish, Peter Bourke
