Clarissa (1991– )

Clarissa Harlowe is a young 18th-century Englishwoman. Her family have aspirations to move into the aristocracy and want her to marry the repellent Mr Soames as part of their plan. Clarissa... See full summary »

Stars:

Saskia Wickham, Lynsey Baxter, Hermione Norris

5 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Saskia Wickham	...	Clarissa Harlowe (4 episodes, 1991)
Lynsey Baxter	...	Arabella Harlowe (4 episodes, 1991)
Hermione Norris	...	Anna Howe (4 episodes, 1991)
Frances Viner	...	Mrs. Harlowe (4 episodes, 1991)
Cathryn Harrison	...	Mrs. Sinclair (4 episodes, 1991)
Sean Pertwee	...	Jack Belford (4 episodes, 1991)
Jonny Phillips	...	James (4 episodes, 1991)
Darby Hawker	...	Dorcas (3 episodes, 1991)
Shirley Henderson	...	Sally (3 episodes, 1991)
Ralph Riach	...	Uncle Anthony (3 episodes, 1991)
Lucy Robinson	...	Deb (3 episodes, 1991)
Jon Sotherton	...	Hickman (3 episodes, 1991)
Matthew Wait	...	Joe Leman (3 episodes, 1991)
Jeffrey Wickham	...	Mr. Harlowe (3 episodes, 1991)
Sean Bean	...	Lovelace (2 episodes, 1991)
Julia Dearden	...	Mrs. Moore (2 episodes, 1991)
Michael Feast	...	Tomlinson (2 episodes, 1991)
Julian Firth	...	Solmes (2 episodes, 1991)
Allison Hancock	...	Betty (2 episodes, 1991)
Lorna Heilbron	...	Mrs. Howe (2 episodes, 1991)

Storyline

Clarissa Harlowe is a young 18th-century Englishwoman. Her family have aspirations to move into the aristocracy and want her to marry the repellent Mr Soames as part of their plan. Clarissa manages to escape from them with the help of the handsome Lovelace, whose intentions towards her prove to be less than entirely honourable.

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Plot Keywords:

18th century | wig | 1700s | harpsichord | sword fight | 

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Genres:

History

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 April 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

Samuel Richardson's Clarissa - History of a Young Lady

Filming Locations:

Brocket Hall, Lemsford, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), WGBH

Technical Specs

Runtime:

156 min 180 min (3 parts)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

With a budget of over £3 million, filming on Clarissa began 29 Apr 1991 and continued for 16 weeks until 19 July 1991. Locations included several large country houses (one in the north of England, another near Stratford, and a third in Hampstead). Some exteriors were shot outside The Inns of Court in London but much of the filming was done at London's Ealing Studios, where a three-storey Georgian house was specially constructed for the series.

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Quotes

[as Clarissa is dying in prison, her coffin is brought into her cell]
Doctor: What shocking sight is this?
Clarissa: Why shocking? Are we shocked in church to see the monuments of our ancestors with whom we hope one day to rest in peace?

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Soundtracks

"Cuckolds All A Row"
(uncredited)
Traditional
From John Playford's 'The English Dancing Master', First Edition (1651)

User Reviews

I loved this!

I was fortunate enough to tape this from BBC America (albeit it was edited for some of the more mature content). I loved the entire series, and I purchased the book afterwards. It's excellent. The costumes, acting and locations are all wonderful. I too wish I could get this on video cassette. Believe me, I have searched everywhere! I even asked a friend who lives in London to try and find a copy for me, but to no avail.