Wessex Tales (BBC Two 1973, Kenneth Haigh, Billie Whitelaw)

Wessex Tales was a six part anthology of plays based on the short stories of Thomas Hardy. This was a high profile series attracting prominent names both in front of and behind the camera.

Producer Irene Shubik was the guiding hand behind the series and writers included Dennis Potter (A Tragedy of Two Ambitions – on the few occasions when Potter was willing to work with somebody else’s source material it was when Hardy was involved – he also adapted The Mayor of Castorbridge for the BBC), David Mercer (who adapted Barbara of the House of Grebe) and William Trevor who contributed An Imaginative Woman.

The casting was equally as top drawer including the likes of Kenneth Haigh, Claire Bloom, Billie Whitelaw, Ben Kingsley and Leslie Sands.

production details
UK / BBC Two / 6×50 minute episodes / Broadcast 7 November – 12 December 1973

Stories: Thomas Hardy / Producer: Irene Shubik

THE EPISODES
1. THE WITHERED ARM (7 Nov 1973)
2. FELLOW TOWNSMEN (14 Nov 1973)
3. A TRAGEDY OF TWO AMBITIONS (21 Nov 1973)
4. AN IMAGINATIVE WOMAN (28 Nov 1973)
5. THE MELANCHOLY HUSSAR (5 Dec 1973)
6. BARBARA OF THE HOUSE OF GREBE (12 Dec 1973)

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.