"Jude the Obscure" (1971) TV mini-series

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

3 October 1971 (USA)

Plot Keywords:

TV Mini-Series | Based On Novel

Cast

Robert Powell	...	Jude Fawley (6 episodes, 1971)
Fiona Walker	...	Sue Bridehead (6 episodes, 1971)
John Franklyn-Robbins	...	Richard Phillotson (6 episodes, 1971)
Daphne Heard	...	Drusilla Fawley (5 episodes, 1971)
Alex Marshall	...	Arabella Down (5 episodes, 1971)
Gwen Nelson	...	Mrs. Edlin (3 episodes, 1971)
Sylvia Coleridge	...	Miss Fontover (2 episodes, 1971)
Michael Golden	...	Tinker Taylor (2 episodes, 1971)
Arnold Peters	...	Poilceman (2 episodes, 1971)
Gary Rich	...	Juey (2 episodes, 1971)
Michael Rothwell	...	Mr. Dawlish (2 episodes, 1971)

Runtime:

50 min (6 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Movie Connections:

Version of Jude (1996)

It was a very good period piece on Victorian England.

I was very sceptal about this movie when I rented it. I usually like English period pieces. And it took some time to get into it. But once I did it kept me captivated. Because you could see where the lines conflict was coming together. It was a very good illustration of what 19th century england's social mores was. I myself or the audience can see the obsession that Jude had for his cousin. Even today marriage between cousins is considered bad. I don't really what rank cousins they were. It was interesting to me. Jude started out being very religious and Sue was'nt. The last hour of the story seemed to point this out. The experience had changed them both. Its interesting how Jude gave up on his Ministerial aspirations so easily and fell into his role as a stone mason to support he and his cousin. They really brought out the social mores about marriage in that time. I also recognized Robert Powell from his playing Jesus of Nazareth. That came through a few times also. Even though this was a few years before he did that work. It was very well acted. Especially the scene in the church after the death of the children. A very intense kind of story. I started out looking for his success as minister and wound up thinking in a way how tragic it was going for them and subject of marriage between cousins. He came full circle when he said at the end well I have done something here and I may as well make the best of it. He did'nt seem to recognize that he said the same thing when he married Bella. I recommend this movie highly because of its intense drama and the subject and period that it was about. And just to see excellent acting. I have looked for other work by Fiona Walker on your Web site but came up with nothing. Thank you for letting comment on this.