Excellent adaptation of a classic novel

Made for British schools in 1994, this BBC version of HARD TIMES eschews the usual fancy costumes and elaborate sets of most BBC 'classics' and gets down to the story, focussing on the characters and their sometimes tragic lives and decisions. Don't let its origins put you off: this version boasts a cast most big budget films would kill for: Alan Bates, Richard E. Grant, Harriet Walter, Bill Paterson, and the late, great Bob Peck, magnificent as Gradgrind. Anyone tired of the respectful, white-glove treatment classic novels are usually given on TV will find this a refreshing change of pace: angry and passionate and bleak, with flashes of humour and humanity.
cast: Harriet Walter .... Rachel
Bill Paterson (I) .... Stephen
Alex Jennings .... Bitzer
Alan Bates .... Josiah Bounderby
Richard E. Grant .... James Harthouse
Beatie Edney .... Louisa Gradgrind
Christien Anholt .... Tom
Dilys Laye .... Mrs. Sparsit
Patsy Byrne .... Old Woman
Diana Fairfax .... Mrs. Gradgrind
Runtime: 102 min
Country: UK
Language: English
Colour