This $7 million Anglo-American miniseries was an adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s 1934 novel centred on Nicole (a superb performance from Mary Steenburgen), the mentally troubled wife of psychologist Dick Diver (Peter Strauss) during the post-First World War years in the French Riviera.
Dick works to heal Nicole, a victim of childhood incest by her father, Devereux Warren (Edward Asner), who is subject to breakdowns and has retreated to the edge of schizophrenia.
She does get better with his help, while he goes in the opposite direction: degenerating from the strong, romantic psychologist who had been Nicole’s life-support system to a man who lost all confidence in himself – an alcoholic who longs for the past as he watches his world disappear.
Dennis Potter adapted the story for television. Instead of following Fitzgerald’s form of placing the glamorous aspects up front and then shading in the characters’ past, he structured the tale in a strict chronological order – which made the viewing easier but rather moved the story out of kilter. Potter’s unmistakable touch, though, was everywhere.
The series aired on the BBC in six parts and on Showtime in the US in five parts.
Dick Diver
Peter Strauss Nicole Warren Diver
Mary Steenburgen Rosemary Hoyt
Sean Young Abe North
John Heard Baby Warren
Kate Harper Franz Gregorovius
Jürgen Brügger Tommy Barban
Joris Stuyck Devereux Warren
Edward Asner Kaethe Gregorovius
Astrid Frank Hannah
Joanna David Mary North
Nancy Paul Violet McKisco
Toria Fuller Albert McKisco
Dennis Creaghan Royal Dumphry
Terrance Conder Jules Peterson
Stéphane Freiss Elsie Speers
Piper Laurie Helen
Erin Donovan Helen’s Mother
Pat Starr Lady Caroline Sibley-Biers
Amanda Hillwood Dr Dohmler
Erwin Kohlund T.F. Golding
Jerome Willis Collis Clay
Hutton Cobb Maria Wallis
Tacy Kneale Mr Morris
Timothy West Conte di Marmora
François Guétary Nicotera
Marc Hadjadj Dr Dangen
Jean Reno Mrs Abrams
Mary Ellen Ray Luis Campion
Vernon Dobtcheff Jules Peterson
Ruddy L. Davis
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Dick works to heal Nicole, a victim of childhood incest by her father, Devereux Warren (Edward Asner), who is subject to breakdowns and has retreated to the edge of schizophrenia.
