The Mayor of Casterbridge

7.020031 season

Drama

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.

Directed by David Thacker

Where to Watch

PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel

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

Trevor Peacock

Christopher Coney

Richard Moore

Councillor Chalkfield

Clive Russell

Newson

Annette Badland

Mrs Stannidge

Henry Goodman

Joshua Jopp

James Walker

Priest

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Episodes

Season 1 — 0 / 2 watched

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Part One

2003-12-28 · 98m

Michael 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.

Part Two

2003-12-29 · 98m

Henchard'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.