Hard Times is a 1977 TV series based on Charles Dickens' 1854 novel of the same name, directed by John Irvin.
Cast Patrick Allen – Thomas Gradgrind Rosalie Crutchley – Mrs. Sparsit Michelle Dibnah – Sissy Jupe Alan Dobie – Stephen Blackpool Barbara Ewing – Rachael Edward Fox – Capt. James Harthouse Ursula Howells – Mrs. Gradgrind Harry Markham – Sleary Jacqueline Tong – Louisa Gradgrind Timothy West – Josiah Bounderby Richard Wren – Tom Gradgrind Sean Flanagan – Bitzer Peter Martin – Waiter Tony Heath – Childers Michael Deeks – Kidderminster Paul Ridley – McChoakumchild Brenda Elder – Mrs Blackpool Patrick Durkin – Slackbridge The circus artists are credited as Augusto's Circus, The Medini, Tommy Mann and others
Critical reception Screenonline wrote "The four-part adaptation by Arthur Hopcraft is streamlined but generally very faithful to the book and, as directed by John Irvin, the serial is presented with considerable panache."
Music The title music is the 'Cavatina' second movement of Malcolm Arnold's Little Suite No. 2 for Brass band Op. 93 (1967), arranged and conducted by Marcus Dods.
References
External links
Hard Times at Screenonline. Dickens Hard Times papers, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester