Jane Eyre (BBC-2 1973, Sorcha Cusack, Michael Jayston)

This classic 1840’s literary masterpiece, based on the novel by Charlotte Bronte, tells the story of the humble but spirited governess Jane Eyre (Sorcha Cusack) and her relationship with the charismatic Edward Rochester (Michael Jayston) .

Following an unhappy childhood, Jane becomes governess to the young ward of Rochester – Adele Varens and it is not too long before Jane has fallen in love with Edward, she agrees to marry him but their are some things about both Mr Rochester’s past and his house that before too long are causing Jane serious concern.

This was a well regarded and well cast version of Bronte’s classic. Besides Cusack and Jayston there were prominent roles for Stephanie Beacham who played Blanche Ingram, Susan Jameson who was Miss Temple and the lovely Megs Jenkins as Mrs Fairfax.

The five part adaptation aired on BBC Two and was written by Robin Chapman who had achieved a certain notoriety thanks to his 1968 ITV drama Big Breadwinner Hog and the director was Joan Craft who tended to specialise in these BBC historical drama serials.

production details
UK / BBC-2 / 5×55 minute episodes / Broadcast 27 September – 25 October 1973 @ 8.30pm

Writer: Robin Chapman / Script Editor: Alistair Bell / Novel: Charlotte Bronte / Production Design: Stuart Walker / Costume Design: Roger Reece / Make Up: Elizabeth Rowell / Producer: John McRae / Director: Joan Craft

cast
SORCHA CUSACK as Jane Eyre
MICHAEL JAYSTON as Edward Rochester
SUSAN JAMESON as Miss Temple
JOHN PHILLIPS as Mr Brocklehurst
STEPHANIE BEACHAM as Blanche Ingram
SUSAN BRODRICK as Mary Rivers
CAROLINE HARRIS as Diana Rivers
ZARA JABER as Grace Poole
MEGS JENKINS as Mrs Fairfax
ISABELLE ROSIN as Adele
JULIET WALEY as Jane as a child
GEOFFREY WHITEHEAD as St John Rivers Michael Jayston as Rochester, Sorcha Cusack as Jane Eyre.

THE EPISODES
1. EPISODE ONE (27 September 1973)
Young Orphan Jane struggles with her uprbringing.
guest cast
AMANDA STONE as Eliza Reed / CAROLINE JEWSON as Georgiana Reed / TERENCE SHEPPARD as John Reed / BRIGID ERIN BATES as Bessie / PEGGY AITCHISON as Abbott / JOHN BADDELEY as Mr Lloyd / JACKI HARDING as Miss Miller / ANN TIRARD as Miss Scatcherd / TINA HEATH as Helen Burns / ROGER SNOWDON as First Gentleman / ROBERT SANSOM as Second Gentleman / RONALD MAYER as John / ANNA KORWIN as Sophie

2. EPISODE TWO (4 October 1973)
Jane is now working as governess to Mr Rochester’s ward Adele, she has yet to meet her employer though, however a riding accident soon changes that.
guest cast
HAZEL CLYNE as Leah

3. EPISODE THREE (11 October 1973)
Events are moving a little too quickly for Jane.
guest cast
HAZLE CLYNE as Leah / RICHARD OMMANEY as Lord Ingram / JACQUELINE MAUDE as Lady Ingram / NIGEL CREWE as Henry Lynn / EMMA STEPHENSON as Amy / SUE BISHOP as Louisa / JOY HARINGTON as Mrs Eshton / MARY LAINE as Lady Lynn / PAUL PRESCOTT as Sam / EILEEN ERSKINE as Mrs Dent / RICHARD SIMPSON as Colonel Dent / ROSEMARY KINGSTON as Mary / EDWARD DE SOUZA as Mason / DESMOND GILL as Leaven / KEITH CAMPBELL as Carter / JEAN HARVEY as Mrs Reed

4. EPISODE FOUR (18 October 1973)
guest cast
HAZEL CLYNE as Leah / JEAN HARVEY as Mrs Reed / EDWARD DE SOUZA as Mason / ERIC DODSON as Wood / ANTONY WEBB as Briggs

5. EPISODE FIVE (25 October 1973)
Jane and Mr Rochester’s marriage leads to the unveiling of great secrets.
guest cast
HAZEL CLYNE as Leah / RONALD MAYER as John / CAROLINE HARRIS as Diana / SUSAN BRODERICK as Mary / ANNA WING as Hannah / SUSAN PAYNE as Ruth / FRANK MILLS as Innkeeper