Patrick Allen
Thomas Gradgrind
Series
Watch Hard Times (1977) Online
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6.54 votes197753mEndedDrama
Synopsis
Hard Times is a four-part British television drama miniseries based on Charles Dickens' 1854 novel of the same name, a survey of English society and a satirisation of 19th century social and economic conditions. Wealthy, retired Coketown merchant Thomas Gradgrind devotes his life to a philosophy of rationalism, self-interest, and fact. He raises his eldest children, Louisa and Tom, according to this philosophy and never allows them to engage in fanciful or imaginative pursuits.
Episodes
Miniseries
PreviousNext
- 1. Episode 1Now viewing1977-10-2553mThomas Gradgrind, a leading citizen of Coketown, raises his daughter Louisa and son Tom to prize hard facts above soft sentiment. His friend Josiah Bounderby, shares the philosophy and applies it to running his bank and textile mills. But when a circus comes to town, it introduces the Gradgrind children to a new world of imagination, and a new companion—Sissy Jupe, a young performer whom their father adopts.
- 2. Episode 21977-11-0153mEncouraged by her father, Louisa reluctantly accepts Bounderby's marriage proposal. Enter Captain James Harthouse, a glib Parliamentarian offering Louisa relief from her loveless household. Meanwhile, Bounderby unfairly fires the honest Stephen Blackpool, who resolves to build a new life elsewhere. Before Stephen departs, Louisa visits, and Tom throws him a lifeline.
- 3. Episode 31977-11-0853mBounderby and Gradgrind's fact-bound worlds come crashing down. After Bounderby's bank is robbed, the investigation focuses on the 'fugitive' Stephen Blackpool. However, Louisa suspects a perpetrator closer to home and closer to her heart. Then, Harthouse makes more than friendly advances toward Louisa, creating a profound crisis for her and a painful confrontation with her father.
- 4. Episode 41977-11-1553mLouisa's breakdown forces her father to reevaluate his worldview. From love for Louisa, Sissy delivers Harthouse an ultimatum. From rage, Bounderby delivers a different ultimatum to Louisa and Gradgrind. The town's search for Blackpool ends in tragedy. When the circus returns to Coketown, it is the setting wherein truth can finally emerge and Gradgrind can find hard-won wisdom.
Cast
Top Billed Cast
Timothy West
Josiah Bounderby
Jacqueline Tong
Louisa Gradgrind
No photo Richard Wren
Tom Gradgrind
Rosalie Crutchley
Mrs Sparsit
No photo Michelle Dibnah
Sissy Jupe
Availability
Where To Watch Legally
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Shout! Factory Amazon Channel
The Roku Channel
Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads
Tubi TVStreaming availability data provided by JustWatch.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hard Times available to watch online?
Yes - see the "Where to watch legally" section on this page for streaming, rental and purchase options.
How many seasons does Hard Times have?
Hard Times has 1 season and 4 episodes.
When did Hard Times first air?
Hard Times first aired in 1977.
Is Hard Times still running?
Hard Times's status on TMDB is: Ended.
What genre is Hard Times?
Hard Times is classified as Drama.