MASTERPIECE THEATRE: MIDDLEMARCH {EPISODE 6} (TV)
Summary
One in this ongoing series of dramas presented under the umbrella of "Masterpiece Theatre." This program presents part six 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. This part begins with Rosamond bring Dr. Lydgate a letter from his Uncle Godwin. In the letter, Godwin chastises Lydgate for having "set" Rosamond to ask him for money to get the couple out of debt. Lydgate is infuriated at the effects of his wife's secret meddling. Meanwhile, Dorothea continues working with James Chettam and Caleb Garth on the proposed cottages, finding a lack of resources. One day, Lydgate pays a medical visit to Nicholas Bulstrode, who discusses his plans to move to the coast and cease his financial contributions to the hospital. Lydgate also asks Bulstrode if he can lend him a thousand pounds, which he refuses, telling him to declare bankruptcy instead. A distressed Lydgate begins drinking and gambling, until a kind Fred puts a stop to his atypical behavior. Later, Lydgate drinks some opium, trying to stop his pain. Meanwhile, an ailing John Raffles is rescued by Caleb who takes him to Bulstrode at Stone Court. Raffles tells Caleb the truth about Bulstrode and Caleb is compelled to quit working for the man. Lydgate is called in to treat Raffles, finding him to most likely have delirium tremens. Lydgate returns home to find his creditors removing his furniture due to his outstanding debts. The next day, Lydgate visits Bulstrode again to find that Raffles's symptoms have worsened. Bulstrode also seems to have a change of heart, deciding to now lend Lydgate the money he needs. Now happy, Lydgate even allows Rosamond to throw a dinner party for the visiting Will Ladislaw. Meanwhile, Bulstrode allows his housekeeper to give Raffles brandy -- against Lydgate's orders -- which ultimately kills him. Lydgate is confused by Raffles's death and the rest of Middlemarch is soon gossiping about the mysterious circumstances. Now, both Bulstrode and Lydgate are assumed to have colluded in killing Raffles for their own gain. The hospital board asks for the nefarious Bulstrode's resignation, with Lydgate's reputation also besmirched. Dorothea wishes to clear Lydgate's name, trying to enlist Rev. Camden Farebrother and Chettam's help. However, Rosamond believes that she and Lydgate must leave Middlemarch. Dorothea wishes to help Lydgate, but he claims he can no longer do anything without first considering Rosamond's happiness. Later, Dorothea goes to the Lydgate house to deliver a letter to the doctor, and, surprisingly, finds Rosamond alone with Ladislaw. Dorothea is crushed, not understanding how she could have lost Ladislaw's affection. However, the next morning, Dorothea follows through on her promise to Lydgate to tell Rosamond that people such as herself still support Lydgate and believe in him. Rosamond returns the favor by telling Dorothea that Ladislaw is madly in love with her. With Dorothea's help, Lydgate is able to regain his place at the hospital and his stature in society, much to Rosamond's delight. Meanwhile, Bulstrode and his wife leave Middlemarch and give Stone Court to Fred Vincy, who is finally able to marry Mary Garth. Ultimately, Ladislaw returns to Lowick and Dorothea agrees to marry him, despite having to give up her position and fortune. The story ends as a voiceover from "the author" reveals the fates of each of the principals. Cataloging of this program was made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Details
- NETWORK: PBS
- DATE: May 15, 1994 Sunday 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:57:36
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:76928
- 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
- Christopher Gunning … Music by
- Russell Baker … Host
- Trevyn McDowell … Cast, Rosamond Vincy
- Douglas Hodge … Cast, Dr. Tertius Lydgate
- Juliet Aubrey … Cast, Dorothea Brooke
- Julian Wadham … Cast, Sir James Chettam
- Clive Russell … Cast, Caleb Garth
- Peter Jeffrey … Cast, Nicholas Bulstrode
- Fred Pearson … Cast, Mr. Bambridge
- Roy Holder … Cast, Hiram Ford
- Pam Ferris … Cast, Mrs. Dollop
- Jonathan Firth … Cast, Fred Vincy
- John Savident … Cast, John Raffles
- Sally Mates … Cast, Mrs. Abel
- David Sibley … Cast, Mr. Spooner
- David Neal … Cast, Mr. Hopkins
- Colum Convey … Cast, Mr. Hawley
- Richard Butler … Cast, Mr. Powderell
- Robert Hardy … Cast, Brooke, Arthur
- Simon Chandler … Cast, Rev. Camden Farebrother
- Stephen Moore … Cast, Mayor Vincy
- James Garbutt … Cast, Dr. Wrench
- David Belcher … Cast, Mr. Chichely
- Ronald Hines … Cast, Mr. Standish
- Rosemary Martin … Cast, Mrs. Bulstrode
- Patti Love … Cast, Mrs. Plymdale
- Cheryl Fergison … Cast, Pritchard
- Rufus Sewell … Cast, Will Ladislaw
- Emily Woof … Cast, Lydgate's Maid
- Roger Milner … Cast, Pratt
- Steven Deproost … Cast, Lowick Peasant
- Rachel Power … Cast, Mary Garth
- Gabrielle Lloyd … Cast, Mrs. Garth
- Caroline Harker … Cast, Celia Brooke
- Judi Dench … Cast, Voice of George Eliot