This five-part BBC-2 dramatisation by Robin Chapman of Aldous Huxley’s heavyweight novel examined the effects of new philosophies on European society in the 1930s.
“Modest philosopher” Anthony Beavis (Ian Richardson) searched for a new direction in life, beginning as a detached, cynical, and morally cowardly intellectual and eventually finding his lifestyle in active pacifism.
Haunted by the suicide of his best friend, Brian (Gareth Forwood), and a series of superficial romantic affairs – and after a life-changing encounter with a Scottish doctor named James Miller (John Laurie) – Beavis also embraced Buddhist-inspired mysticism.
Ian Richardson’s performance is a perfect rendition of a detached, selfish intellect, disgusted by the world’s stupidity and cruelty, yet keeping his emotions tightly under control.
Ian Richardson’s son, Jeremy, played Anthony as a boy.
Anthony Beavis
Ian Richardson Mark Staithes
Michael Gambon Helen Amberley/Ledwidge
Lynn Farleigh Mary Amberley
Adrienne Corri James Miller
John Laurie Brian Foxe
Gareth Forwood Ekki Giesebrecht
Harry Brooks Jr. Hugh Ledwidge
Clifford Rose Gerry Watchett
Trader Faulkner Rev. John Purchas
Jeremy Wilkin Beppo Bowles
Peter Stephens Joan Thursley
Philippa Markham Alice
Elspeth Charlton Anthony as a Boy
Jeremy Richardson Brian as a Boy
Christopher Vale
Haunted by the suicide of his best friend, Brian (Gareth Forwood), and a series of superficial romantic affairs – and after a life-changing encounter with a Scottish doctor named James Miller (John Laurie) – Beavis also embraced Buddhist-inspired mysticism.
