Clayhanger

1 9 7 6 (UK)
26 x 60 minute episodes

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

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