Genres
The Mayor of Casterbridge
Overview
At a country fair, young hay-trusser Michael Henchard quarrels with his wife Susan, and in a drunken fit decides to auction off his wife and baby to a sailor for five guineas. The next day, realising his loss, he swears not to touch liquor again for as many years as he has lived so far. Eighteen years later, Henchard has become Mayor of Casterbridge, a man well respected but not well liked. The unexpected return of his wife and daughter Elizabeth Jane sets off a turn of events that force him to face the consequences of his selfish impulses and violent temper.
Key Crew
Director: David Thacker
Writer: Thomas Hardy
Top Cast
Ciarán Hinds
Michael Henchard
Juliet Aubrey
Susan
Jodhi May
Elizabeth-Jane
James Purefoy
Donald Farfrae
Alex Kelly
Maid
Polly Walker
Lucetta Templeman
Ben Crompton
Abel Whittle
David Bradley
Councillor Vatt
Seasons
Season 1 (2003)
No overview available.
2 episodes
Episodes
Episode 1: Part One
2003-08-17Michael Henchard, in a drunken rage, auctions his wife Susan and infant child to a passing seaman. Realising his folly, Henchard makes an oath to avoid alcohol for twenty-one years, prospering as a grain-trader and Mayor of Casterbridge. After eighteen years, newly widowed Susan and her grown daughter, Elizabeth-Jane, seek out an apparently changed Henchard. Partly from guilt, Henchard agrees to remarry Susan, on condition she stay silent on his past. Henchard hires a business manager, Farfrae, who quickly gains popularity, while Henchard’s dark nature resurfaces.
Runtime: N/A minEpisode 2: Part Two
2003-08-17Henchard's daughter, Elizabeth-Jane is now working for his one-time lover Lucetta who, having been tentatively engaged to Henchard, now becomes interested in his rival Farfrae. The jealously furious Henchard plans to ruin Farfrae, but Henchard himself is coming undone.
Runtime: N/A min
