Jane Austen’s classic novel was adapted for television in this BBC series by Cedric Wallis. Debuting on Friday 24 January 1958, the series aired for six weeks
The action takes place in the Hertfordshire countryside during the Regency period, where Mr Charles Bingley (William Squire) – the wealthy new tenant of Netherfield Park – is much sought after by the neighbouring families of marriageable daughters.
Jane (Susan Lyall Grant), the eldest of the four daughters of Mr and Mrs Bennet (Hugh Sinclair and Marian Spencer), of Longbourne, attracts his chief attention at the Assembly Hall.
Despite an even more handsome appearance and an even larger fortune, his arrogant friend, Mr Darcy (Alan Badel), creates an unfavourable impression, especially on Miss Elizabeth Bennet (Jane Downs), a young lady of considerable spirit.
Mrs Bennet’s matrimonial plans for her daughters are considerably dashed as Elizabeth declines an offer of marriage from Mr Collins (Jack May), a young clergyman, who is heir to the Longbourne estate.
Because of this refusal, he turns to Charlotte Lucas (Barbara New), who is more than ready to accept him. Her plans for Jane and Mr Bingley are also frustrated when he and his friends suddenly leave Netherfield for an indefinite stay in London.
Elizabeth’s unfavourable impression of Mr Darcy deepens on hearing of his harsh treatment of that charming Mr Wickham (Colin Jeavons).
Jane goes to stay in London with her aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Gardiner (Hamilton Dyce and Joan Carol), where she hopes Mr Bingley may call. Only his sister Caroline (Greta Watson) arrives, bringing further disappointment.
Elizabeth, meanwhile, visits Mr and Mrs Collins at Hunsford Parsonage and dines with Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Phyllis Neilson-Terry) at Rosings, where she meets Mr Darcy again. This encounter leads to a second meeting, with astonishing developments.
Elizabeth refuses Mr Darcy’s offer of marriage but has her eyes opened to the true character of Mr Wickham. When she arrives home, she is worried to find him so friendly with her sister, Lydia (Vivienne Martin).
Lydia goes to stay at Brighton, and Elizabeth spends a summer holiday in Derbyshire with her uncle and aunt. With them, she visits Pemberley, Mr Darcy’s country seat, thinking him absent. But to her embarrassment, he turns up unexpectedly.
The next day, he calls at the inn where she is staying but finds her distracted by sudden news from home – Lydia has eloped with Wickham.
Elizabeth returns home to comfort her distressed family while – unknown to the family – Mr Darcy visits the Gardiners and arranges a meeting with Mr Wickham and Lydia. The result of this meeting leaves Mrs Bennet delighted.
The fifth Bennet daughter, Kitty, is missing from the series.
Elizabeth Bennet
Jane Downs Mr Darcy
Alan Badel Mary Bennet
Pamela Binns Jane Bennet
Susan Lyall Grant Lydia Bennet
Vivienne Martin Mrs Bennet
Marian Spencer Mr Bennet
Hugh Sinclair Lady Lucas
Hazel Hughes Charlotte Lucas
Barbara New Mr Charles Bingley
William Squire Caroline Bingley
Greta Watson Mr Wickham
Colin Jeavons Mr Collins
Jack May Captain Denny
Jeremy Geidt Colonel Fitzwilliam
Robert Crewdson Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Phyllis Neilson-Terry Mr Gardiner
Hamilton Dyce Mrs Gardiner
Joan Carol
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