This straightforward adaptation of Arnold Bennett’s trilogy of novels about family life in the ‘Five Towns’ of the Staffordshire potteries during the latter part of the 19th century was ITV’s longest-ever drama. It clocked in at twenty-six hours.
The stunning ATV-produced drama adapted the celebrated Cayhanger Family novels by Arnold Bennett, published between 1910 and 1918.
Peter McEnery and Janet Suzman headed the cast of over 100 as the series followed the coming-of-age story of Edwin Clayhanger (McEnery) as he leaves school, takes up the running of the family printing business, and falls in love with the beautiful Hilda Lessways (Suzman).
Darius Clayhanger Harry Andrews
Auntie Hamps
Joyce Redman Edwin Clayhanger Peter McEnery Young Edwin Clayhanger
William Relton
Hilda Lessways
Janet Suzman
Janet Orgreave
Louise Purnell
Maggie Clayhanger
Thelma Whiteley Big James
Bruce Purchase
Clara Benbow
Anne Carroll
Osmond Orgreave
John Horsley
Albert Benbow
Clive Swift
George Cannon Jr
Timothy Woolgar
George Cannon
Denis Quilley
Tertius Inkpen
Denholm Elliott
Episodes
Last of a Schoolboy | The Architect | Hilda | The Five Towns Chronicle and Turnhill Guardian | Sin and Romance | Escape to Bleakridge | Centenary | Taking a Share | Brighton | Marriage | Love | Punishment | Laid Aside | The Glorious Jubilee | The Chain is Broken | The Adventure | Epidemic | The Exquisite Burden | Possessions | A Musical Evening | The Orgreave Calamity | Dartmoor | Prisoners | Fall From Glory | Death and Dreams | The Discovery
Peter McEnery and Janet Suzman headed the cast of over 100 as the series followed the coming-of-age story of Edwin Clayhanger (McEnery) as he leaves school, takes up the running of the family printing business, and falls in love with the beautiful Hilda Lessways (Suzman).
