The Mayor of Casterbridge
The Dennis Potter adaptation of Thomas Hardy's classic tale
Overview
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.
Seasons & Episodes
Miniseries
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.
Key Information
Cast & Crew
Alan Bates
Michael Henchard
Janet Maw
Elizabeth-Jane II
Jack Galloway
Donald Farfrae
Anna Massey
Lucetta Farfrae (née Templeman)
Ronald Lacey
Joshua Jopp
Clifford Parrish
Longways
Peter Bourke
Abel Whittle
Jeffrey Holland
Carter
Alan Rowe
Mr Joyce
Richard Owens
Richard Newson
Avis Bunnage
Mrs Goodenough
Douglas Milvain
Coney
Frequently Asked Questions
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...
The Mayor of Casterbridge has 1 season with 7 episodes.
The Mayor of Casterbridge premiered on January 22, 1978.
No, The Mayor of Casterbridge has ended. The final episode aired on March 5, 1978.
The Mayor of Casterbridge originally aired on BBC Two. Check your local streaming services for availability.
The Mayor of Casterbridge was created by Dennis Potter.
The Mayor of Casterbridge has a rating of 6.8/10 based on user reviews.
The Mayor of Casterbridge is classified as Drama.