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 |
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. Written by Raya Jacob
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.