MASTERPIECE THEATRE: MIDDLEMARCH {EPISODE 1} (TV)
Summary
One in this ongoing series of dramas presented under the umbrella of "Masterpiece Theatre." This program presents part one of a six-part adaptation of George Eliot's "Middlemarch," a Victorian novel of idealism, passion, love, disappointment, folly, and hope. First, Russell Baker introduces the presentation. The story begins in the fictional town of Middlemarch in nineteenth-century England with ambitious Dr. Tertius Lydgate's arrival to work a new practice. Meanwhile, the wealthy Dorothea Brooke dreams of doing more with her time than simply living a life of leisure. One day, Lydgate meets with wealthy benefactor Nicholas Bulstrode, who shows him the plans for the new hospital that is soon to be built. He requests Lydgate's alliance in deciding upon the chaplain to work at the hospital. Currently, the position is filled for no pay by Rev. Camden Farebrother, a man Bulstrode dislikes for "lacking spirituality." Later, Dorothea speaks with her younger sister Celia about their futures. Then, the two dine with their family, headed by their uncle, Arthur Brooke, as well as Sir James Chettam, a neighbor who is in love with Dorothea, and the elderly Reverend Edward Casaubon who is currently writing an epistemological book on the keys to all mythologies. Dorothea is immediately interested in Casaubon, who seems to be a kindred spirit to her, as both wish to make their lives less trivial while pursuing scholarship. That night, Lydgate runs into Farebrother, who invites him home to show off his butterfly collection. Lydgate talks about what he wishes to pursue as a doctor in Middlemarch, dreaming of revolutionizing medicine in the provincial town. Farebrother details his ongoing conflict with Bulstrode. The next morning, the vain Rosamond Vincy bickers with her profligate brother Fred, before the two set off to meet with their rich but sickly uncle, Peter Featherstone. Fred is more interested in seeing Mary Garth, Featherstone's nurse and the girl with whom Fred is in love. Featherstone speaks privately with Fred, making him aware that he knows of Fred's debts due to billiards gambling. While there, Lydgate arrives, meeting the immediately smitten Rosamond. On the ride home, Rosamond wonders what Fred could possibly see in Mary, going so far as to claim that Mary said she had no interest in marrying Fred due to his unsteady lifestyle. Later, Dorothea meets with an ailing man living in a ramshackle dwelling, a tenant of the slumlord Arthur. On the way home, she runs into Chettam, who tries to present her with a canine gift before discussing Dorothea's desire to have new cottages built for the poor. Chettam decides to go along with Dorothea's plans by building the cottages out of his own pocket. Later, Celia reveals that Chettam loves Dorothea and that is why he tries so hard to please her. At the same time, Mr. Vincy tries to talk Bulstrode into helping Fred in his dealings with Featherstone. Ultimately, a letter from Bulstrode causes Featherstone to give Fred one-hundred pounds, enough money to pay off some -- but not all -- of his debts. Mary implores Fred to pursue a more secure life, thinking it would be a disgrace for her to marry a man who could one day get into debt and be unemployed. Meanwhile, Dorothea learns that Casaubon wishes to marry her, and, shockingly enough -- and against her family, who wishes her to wed Chettam -- Dorothea accepts the proposal. Chettam is particularly vexed upon hearing the news, wanting to put a stop to it, but instead, finds himself encouraged to now pursue Celia. Arriving at Lowick, Casaubon's house, Dorothea is immediately impressed with the learned man's library, mentioning to him her own scholarly ambitions as well as her desire to help him in his writings. On the estate, Dorothea meets Casaubon's artistic cousin Will Ladislaw. At a wedding reception for Casaubon and his new bride, all the notable citizens of Middlemarch turn out. Afterward, Dorothea and Casaubon head to a honeymoon in Rome, with Casaubon warning his new wife that she may be bored during their time there. He stresses that he may have to neglect her to focus on his work. Meanwhile, Lydgate meets with Bulstrode, who is curious about his thoughts on the new hospital's chaplaincy. Later, at a little gathering, Rosamond keeps her eye on Lydgate. In Rome, Casaubon takes Dorothea sightseeing, before she begs him to let her help research his book. While there, Dorothea is spotted by Ladislaw, who is surprised to see her. His companion, Naumann, is intent on painting her portrait. Meanwhile, the hospital's board convenes to select the new chaplain, ultimately being forced to go to a tiebreaker vote. Lydgate casts that vote, surprising no one by opting for Bulstrode's choice, Mr. Tyke. Host Russell Baker offers some closing thoughts. Cataloging of this program was made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Details
- NETWORK: PBS
- DATE: April 10, 1994 Sunday 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:26:39
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:76922
- GENRE: Drama
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama; Literature - Adaptations
- SERIES RUN: PBS - TV series, 1971-
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Rebecca Eaton … Executive Producer
- Michael Wearing … Executive Producer
- Louis Marks … Producer
- Alison Gee … Associate Producer
- Anthony Page … Director
- Andrew Davies … Writer
- George Eliot … Based on the novel by
- Stanley Myers … Music by
- Russell Baker … Host
- Douglas Hodge … Cast, Dr. Tertius Lydgate
- Timothy Kightly … Cast, Inn Keeper
- Juliet Aubrey … Cast, Dorothea Brooke
- Caroline Harker … Cast, Celia Brooke
- Robert Hardy … Cast, Arthur Brooke
- Alan Carr … Cast, Roach
- Simon Chandler … Cast, Rev. Camden Farebrother
- Peter Jeffrey … Cast, Nicholas Bulstrode
- Ronald Hines … Cast, Mr. Standish
- Colum Convey … Cast, Mr. Hawley
- Patrick Malahide … Cast, Rev Edward Casaubon
- Julian Wadham … Cast, Sir James Chettam
- Roy Holder … Cast, Hiram Ford
- Pam Ferris … Cast, Mrs. Dollop
- Jonathan Firth … Cast, Fred Vincy
- Fred Pearson … Cast, Mr. Bambridge
- Jacqueline Tong … Cast, Mrs. Vincy
- Trevyn McDowell … Cast, Rosamond Vincy
- Cheryl Fergison … Cast, Pritchard
- Rachel Power … Cast, Mary Garth
- Michael Hordern … Cast, Peter Featherstone
- Tony Rohr … Cast, Solomon Featherstone
- Freda Dowie … Cast, Jane Waule
- Eileen Davies … Cast, Mrs. Barnacle
- Fanny Carby … Cast, Mrs. Kell
- Stephen Moore … Cast, Mayor Vincy
- Mary Hanefey … Cast, Lady Chettam
- Elizabeth Spriggs … Cast, Mrs. Cadwallader
- Rufus Sewell … Cast, Will Ladislaw
- Rosemary Martin … Cast, Mrs. Bulstrode
- Matthew Sim … Cast, Fever Patient
- Daryl Webster … Cast, Patient's Wife
- David Belcher … Cast, Mr. Chichely
- Patti Love … Cast, Mrs. Plymdale
- Ian Driver … Cast, Ned Plymdale
- Jonathan Coy … Cast, Naumann
- Richard Butler … Cast, Mr. Powderell
- James Garbutt … Cast, Dr. Wrench