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THE BARCHESTER CHRONICLES

UK / BBC2 / x50 minute episodes / Broadcast 10 November - 22 December 1982

Writer: Alan Plater / Novels: Anthony Trollope / Theme Music: Derek Bourgeois / Producer: Jonathan Powell

Period drama serial. Joyful adaptations of two 19th century Trollope novels, The Warden and Barchester Towers. Friendly and mild mannered Reverend Septimus Harding is living something of a secret life in that he is embezzling funds from the town hospital. Trouble starts when the local doctor discovers what is going on, later in the series the focus shifts to the story of the Bishop who is to be replaced.

Arthur Lowe was first choice for the role of Septimus but died before filming could take place.

cast
DONALD PLEASENCE as Reverend Septimus Harding / NIGEL HAWTHORNE as Dr Grantly / ANGELA PLEASENCE as Susan Grantly / DAVID GWILLIM as John Bold / JANET MAW as Eleanor Harding / JOSEPH O'CONNOR as Bunce / ALAN RICKMAN as Reverend Obediah Slope / JOHN RINGHAM as Finney

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