Catherine Cookson: The Round Tower (ITV 1998, Emilia Fox, Ben Miles)

Emilia Fox stars alongside Jan Harvey, Denis Lawson, Keith Barron, Ben Miles, Isabelle Amyes, Catherine Terris, Clive Merrison, Christian Rodska, and Jill Halfpenny in this three-part dramatisation of Catherine Cookson’s novel.

Set in the north east of England in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the series reflects the style and mood of these changing times. And it is something of a change to the Victorian and Edwardian periods that viewers most usually associate with the works of Catherine Cookson.

The Round Tower follows the story of convent school-educated Vanessa Ratcliffe (played by Emilia Fox), rough diamond Angus Cotton (Ben Miles), and the events which draw this unlikely pair together.

Angus, a supervisor at the engineering works run by Vanessa’s father, is blamed when scandal threatens the wealthy Ratcliffe family. The situation precipitates Angus’s own ambitious plans for the future, a future which unexpectedly involves Vanessa.

production details
UK | ITV – Granda | 3×50 minutes | 1998

Writer: T.R. Bowen
Novel: Catherine Cookson
Producer: Ray Marshall
Director: Alan Grint

cast
Emilia Fox as Vanessa Ratcliffe
Ben Miles as Angus Cotton
Jan Harvey as Jane Ratcliffe
Denis Lawson as Arthur Brett
Keith Barron as Jonathan Ratcliffe
Catherine Terris as Emily Cotton
Jill Halfpenny as Rosie Cotton
Trevor Fox as Fred Singleton
David Shelley as Brian Braintree

Alastair James is the editor-in-chief of Memorable TV, leading the charge in covering today's must-see television. A lifelong television enthusiast, his passion began with a deep dive into the world of classic sci-fi, culminating in his role as editor of "Beyond the Static," a publication devoted to celebrating iconic sci-fi series. While his love for classic television remains, Alastair's focus at Memorable TV is firmly on the present, analyzing the latest trends in the television landscape, from gripping crime dramas to the ever-evolving strategies of Survivor. His insights have been featured in numerous publications. At Memorable TV, Alastair's goal is to provide readers with sharp commentary, engaging reviews, and in-depth analysis of the shows dominating the current conversation.