Alan Bates
Michael Henchard
Series
Watch The Mayor of Casterbridge (1978) Online
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Synopsis
“The Dennis Potter adaptation of Thomas Hardy's classic tale”
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.
Episodes
Miniseries
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1. Part OneNow viewing1978-01-2250mMichael 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.
2. Part Two1978-01-2950mHenchard is now Mayor of Casterbridge. When his wife returns, eighteen years after he sold her, he decides they must remarry.
3. Part Three1978-02-0550mThe 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.
4. Part Four1978-02-1250mElizabeth-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...
5. Part Five1978-02-1950mHenchard'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.
6. Part Six1978-02-2650mFarfrae becomes Mayor of Casterbridge. Lucetta, afraid that Henchard will expose her, asks him to return her love letters.
7. Part Seven1978-03-0550mLucetta has died, the victim of an evil trick. Henchard's conciliation with Elizabeth is short-lived: when her father comes to claim her Henchard pretends she is dead.
Cast
Top Billed Cast
No photo Janet Maw
Elizabeth-Jane II
No photo Jack Galloway
Donald Farfrae
Availability
Where To Watch Legally
Stream
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Mayor of Casterbridge 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 The Mayor of Casterbridge have?
The Mayor of Casterbridge has 1 season and 7 episodes.
When did The Mayor of Casterbridge first air?
The Mayor of Casterbridge first aired in 1978.
Is The Mayor of Casterbridge still running?
The Mayor of Casterbridge's status on TMDB is: Ended.
What genre is The Mayor of Casterbridge?
The Mayor of Casterbridge is classified as Drama.