Episode 1 was originally aired in an 85-minute time slot, while the remaining 5 episodes were 60 minutes in length.[3][4] It was originally broadcast on BBC2 from 7 November to 12 December 1994.[3][1] In the U.S., the series aired as 5 episodes on PBS's Masterpiece Theatrein 1995.[5]
Plot summary
Elderly, wealthy Martin Chuzzlewit is constantly hounded by his money-grubbing relations, a fact that depresses and embitters him. He adopts an orphan young woman, Mary Graham, whom he wants as a companion in his old age; she will be paid an annual allowance but will not benefit from his death. However, Martin disowns his grandson, also called Martin, after he falls in love with Mary. Young Martin decides to pursue a career as an architect, studying with hypocritical, dishonest architect Seth Pecksniff, who lives with his two daughters Charity and Mercy and good, kind-hearted apprentice Tom Pinch, whom he is exploiting as a servant. Martin forms a close friendship with Tom, but after he discovers Pecksniff's true character, he leaves for America, in the company of Mark Tapley (ostler of the local inn), to seek his fortune.
Pecksniff, who is a cousin of the Chuzzlewits, insinuates himself into Old Martin's company, taking him in as a guest, hoping for a generous legacy on the event of Martin's death. He also makes sexual advances towards Mary; she, who has also formed a special friendship with Tom, tells him of this and he, shocked, leaves the Pecksniff household for London, setting up home with his sister Ruth. Jonas Chuzzlewit, son of old Martin's estranged brother Anthony, marries Mercy Pecksniff – despite being twice her age and having previously shown more interest in Charity – and mistreats her. He also finds himself drawn into a fraudulent insurance scheme masterminded by Tigg Montague, and concocts a murderous plot in order to extricate himself from this. Meanwhile, Mr Chuffey, Anthony's senile clerk, goes into shock in the event of Anthony's sudden death and sleazy private nurse Sarah Gamp is hired to care for him.
Main cast
Paul Scofield as Old Martin Chuzzlewit/Anthony Chuzzlewit
"The British cast is exemplary," observed The New York Times;[6] while Variety opined, "Would-be adaptors, screenwriters and producers would profit by a study of Lodge's work on "Chuzzlewit". The adaptation's characters and plotline stick to Dickens' intentions, despite omissions, and the five-part dramatization does even more: It catches the original's blithe spirit."[7]
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