Overview

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, realising 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.

Genres

Cast

Ciarán Hinds

Michael Henchard

Juliet Aubrey

Susan

Jodhi May

Elizabeth-Jane

James Purefoy

Donald Farfrae

Alex Kelly

Maid

Polly Walker

Lucetta Templeman

Ben Crompton

Abel Whittle

David Bradley

Councillor Vatt

Trevor Peacock

Christopher Coney

Richard Moore

Councillor Chalkfield

Clive Russell

Newson

Annette Badland

Mrs Stannidge