The Mayor of Casterbridge (2003)

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,... See full summary »

Director:

David Thacker

Writers:

Thomas Hardy (novel), Ted Whitehead (screenplay)

Stars:

Ciarán Hinds, Juliet Aubrey, Jodhi May

1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ciarán Hinds	...	Michael Henchard (as Ciaran Hinds)
Juliet Aubrey	...	Susan Henchard
Jodhi May	...	Elizabeth Jane
James Purefoy	...	Donald Farfrae
Polly Walker	...	Lucetta Templeman
Darren Hawkes	...	Auctioneer
Jean Marsh	...	Furmity Woman
Michael Beint	...	Coachman
Clive Russell	...	Newson
John Surman	...	Tent Auctioneer
Susan Jane Tanner	...	Staylaces Dealer
Tony Haygarth	...	Solomon Longways
David Bradley	...	Councillor Vatt
Richard Moore	...	Councillor Chalkfield
Elliot Head	...	Waiter

Storyline

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, realizing 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.

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Plot Keywords:

1800s | based on novel | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Did You Know?

Connections

Version of Vichitra Jeevitham (1978)

User Reviews

An Amazing Story

THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE was the first classic novel I ever read, and was, I believe, the reason for my adoration of them. So, it was with some trepidation that I approached this film, knowing how badly destroyed some book to movie plots can get, and having grown up only knowing miniseries as something not so great.

I was thankfully very wrong. The movie was written just as though the novel were played out before your eyes. The characters were perfectly cast, the most minute detail noted (note how Susan Henchard looks pretty at certain angles, and plain the rest of the time). There were no major diversions from the plot, and only a few small details left out.

Over all, this did justice to a great novel, and while it is not for everyone, it is a must see for any Hardy fan.

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 August 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

Burmistrz Casterbridge

Filming Locations:

Askerswell, Dorset, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

A+E Networks, Pearson Television International, Sally Head Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

196 min (2 parts)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color