In this adaptation of Arnold Bennett’s novel, a young woman struggles with her tyrannical father and newfound wealth in the Potteries.
On her twenty-first birthday, Anna Tellwright (Linsey Beauchamp) inherits a large fortune, freeing her from the domineering influence of her miserly, Methodist father, Ephraim (Emrys James). Her newfound independence and wealth attract the attention of the ambitious and respectable Henry Mynors (Peter Davison). At the same time, Anna finds herself drawn into the troubles of the Price family, whose son Willie (Anton Lesser) is struggling after his father’s suicide. Anna’s attempts to use her money for good are complicated by her romantic indecision and the suffocating social conventions of her community.
This BBC Birmingham production was a faithful and well-mounted literary adaptation, typical of the corporation’s quality drama output in the period. John Harvey’s four-part script methodically dramatises Arnold Bennett’s examination of money, Wesleyan guilt, and female emancipation. The serial is anchored by a strong cast, with Peter Davison, recently departed from the lead role in Doctor Who, providing a reliable romantic lead opposite Linsey Beauchamp’s constrained heroine. Director Martyn Friend makes effective use of location filming to capture the distinct, smoke-stained atmosphere of the Staffordshire Potteries, a setting that is as central to the story as any of its characters.
Broadcast: BBC 2, 4 Episodes, Wednesdays, 9 January – 30 January 1985
Adapted by: John Harvey
From the novel by: Arnold Bennett
Director: Martyn Friend
Producer: Colin Rogers
Music: Nigel Hess, Phillip McCann
Main Cast: Linsey Beauchamp (Anne Tellwright), Peter Davison (Henry Mynors), Emrys James (Ephraim Tellwright), Anton Lesser (Willie Price), Anna Cropper (Mrs Sutton), Anne Mannion (Beatrice Sutton), Katie Carey (Agnes Tellwright), Edward Kelsey (Titus Price), Hilary Mason (Sarah Vodrey), John Bott (Reverend Banks)
