The Mayor of Casterbridge

Overview

Michael Henchard, an out-of-work hay-trusser, gets drunk at a fair and for five guineas sells his wife and child to a sailor. When the horror of his act finally sets in, Henchard swears he will not touch alcohol for twenty-one years. Through hard work and acumen, he becomes rich, respected, and eventually the mayor of Casterbridge. But eighteen years after his fateful oath, his wife and daughter, Elizabeth-Jane, return to Casterbridge, and his fortunes steadily decline.

Cast

Alan Bates

Michael Henchard

Janet Maw

Elizabeth-Jane

Jack Galloway

Donald Farfrae

Anna Massey

Lucetta Farfrae/Templeman

Ronald Lacey

Jopp

Avis Bunnage

Mrs. Goodenough

Richard Owens

Newson

Douglas Milvain

Coney

Peter Bourke

Abel Whittle

Jeffrey Holland

Carter