
Cast
Ciarán Hinds (Michael Henchard)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)Annette Badland (Mrs. Stannidge)Trevor Peacock (Christopher Coney)Judy Cornwell (Mother Cuxsom)
Director
David Thacker
Synopsis
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.