Tess of the D'Urbervilles (2008– )

The story of Tess Durbeyfield, a low-born country girl whose family find they have noble connections.

Stars:

Gemma Arterton, Eddie Redmayne, Ruth Jones

3 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Gemma Arterton	...	Tess Durbeyfield (4 episodes, 2008)
Eddie Redmayne	...	Angel Clare (4 episodes, 2008)
Ruth Jones	...	Joan Durbeyfield (4 episodes, 2008)
Hans Matheson	...	Alec D'Urberville (4 episodes, 2008)
Ian Puleston-Davies	...	John Durbeyfield (4 episodes, 2008)
Christopher Fairbank	...	Groby (4 episodes, 2008)
Jo Woodcock	...	Liza-Lu Durbeyfield (4 episodes, 2008)
Steven Robertson	...	Cuthbert Clare (4 episodes, 2008)
Hugh Skinner	...	Felix Clare (4 episodes, 2008)
Jodie Whittaker	...	Izzy Huett (3 episodes, 2008)
Kenneth Cranham	...	Mr Clare (3 episodes, 2008)
Donald Sumpter	...	Parson Tringham (3 episodes, 2008)
Rebekah Staton	...	Marion (3 episodes, 2008)
Jessica Turner	...	Mrs Clare (3 episodes, 2008)
Jeany Spark	...	Mercy Chant (3 episodes, 2008)
Joel Rowbottom	...	Abraham Durbeyfield (3 episodes, 2008)
Christine Bottomley	...	Kate (3 episodes, 2008)
Emma Stansfield	...	Mary (3 episodes, 2008)
Emily Beecham	...	Retty Priddle (2 episodes, 2008)
Trevor Cooper	...	Mr Crick (2 episodes, 2008)
Sally Bankes	...	Mrs Crick (2 episodes, 2008)

Storyline

In the late 19th century, Tess Durbeyfield is sent off to visit a rich cousin, Alec D'Urberville, when her parents learn that they are distantly related. Tess takes a disliking to the man and his attempts at seduction are rebuffed. Returning from a village party he forces himself on the innocent girl who eventually makes her way back to her parents' home. Ashamed and pregnant she seems destined to forever being marked a certain kind of woman. After the death of her child, she makes her way to a prosperous farm where, working as a milkmaid, she meets and eventually marries the handsome Angel Clare. On learning of her past however, he abandons her and with little choice and facing a life of extreme hardship, again falls into Alec's clutches and becomes a kept woman.

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Plot Keywords:

19th century | costume drama | england | class differences | english countryside | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

BBC [United Kingdom] PBS [United States]

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Also Known As:

Egy tiszta nő

Filming Locations:

Bath, Somerset, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

BBC Drama Productions, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), WGBH

Technical Specs

Runtime:

240 min 240 min (4 parts)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

BBC Television's first-ever adaptation of Hardy's novel.

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Goofs

There are two musical anachronisms. First, Angel plays an autoharp which was not invented until the 1880s in Germany, and would not have been an English folk instrument at the time of TESS. Secondly, the congregation is heard singing "How Great Thou Art," which was written in Swedish in 1885, but was not commonly known in English until Stuart Hine's translation (circa 1950).

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Connections

Version of Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1913)

User Reviews

Perfect Hardy atmosphere

I have just finished watching the final part of this wonderful series and I have to say I was very impressed. I studied Thomas Hardy's works for my A-level exams back in 1980 (ouch) and I enjoyed them all, but Tess was my favourite. So beautiful and so sad. Beautiful in the characters, wonderfully realised for the time. Tess especially, a child to whom things happen, things beyond her understanding or control, and who is swept along by the tide of events bewildered but still strong and true herself and her morals - yes, even at the end. (I don't want to say anything that may constitute a spoiler for those who haven't read/seen it, although it seems unlikely now.) I thought Gemma Arterton was perfect for the role and if this were a film she should have been nominated for an Oscar. I've been a fan of hers since her performance in St Trinian's ( a very different role!) and look forward to seeing her in Quantum of Solace, she should go far. I wasn't so sure about the two male leads, not that either character is very likable in my eyes, but I think they did an adequate job. This 4-part series Clings closely to the original text and also brings in Hardy's speciality, the use of weather and atmosphere to set the mood of the scene; very evocative. I hope it will be screened again, and I'll buy the DVD when I can.