Thomas Hardy

Did you watch Tess of the D'Urbervilles? What did you think? What other Hardy work would you like to see on TV?

peter scriven
I have just finished reading the Woodlanders and i think that given the right location it could make for a good TV production

Hugh Ashley
Minette Walters' 'The Scold's Bridle', when adapted for tv by the BBC, was partly fimed around the Civic Centre in Poole.

Staci Murawski
I actually found out late that this was a series on BBC but was able to catch it on Masterpiece Theatre this month! I absolutely loved every moment of it and was surprised that my reactions were as intense as they were and that I was dangled in suspense so great because I have actually read the novel about 10 times and know it well! Thank you so much for this wonderful rendition of one of my favorite classics! My daughter (now 14) watched it with me and was very verbal about her appreciation! She now is armed with a withered copy to read! Thank you so much for this as any opportunity to have open lines of communication with her is appreciated and this was a profound topic to be discussing in this day and age.- Staci

Bob Drake
Return of the Native.No need to redo Mayor of C - excellent version exists.

gigi
i thought tess was really good- made me want to read the book.... i think it would be excellent if they did far from the madding crowd! but theyd have to make bathsheba really really beautiful, or the story wont really work!

Linda G
I was going to comment on the (written in the 1950s) hymn sung in Tess but see someone else noticed it too

maia
I loved Tess of the D'Urbervilles, the leads were wonderful. I would like to see the woodlanders adapted again, and a pair of blue eyes who's never been adapted to TV or cinema. Jude the obscure also would be great.

keilly
i think Jude the Obscure would be a great adaptation, it's my favourite Thomas Hardy book, and as I studied and Tess of the d'Urbervilles at school/college, it would be great to see it on the Beeb, as the only film version I know is the one with Kate Winslet & Christopher Eccleston, which does capture most of the essence of the book, but it's exactly true to the book.

Kirsty Purnell
Absolutely beautiful. I am writing on Thomas Hardy for my dissertation at uni and I have to say, this adaptation has done his literary genius justice (maybe apart from Alex saying p**s?). Gorgeous and extremely moving, shall definitely be purchasing the DVD.

Lisa Jewel
Hi,just watched episode 2 (missed the first one). Thoroughly enjoyed it, although was suprised to hear "How great thou art" as the hymn sung in the church service. This was written in the 50s to 60s!!

dw
why dont you do a cycle of hardy's works - like the rsc did withthe histories-maybe even with a set group of actors rotating roles. It might snowball as you go along and get really popular? I hope?

Fiona
I thought Tess was excellent and I look forward to more of Hardy's work on tv,I would love to see any but Jude the Obscure would be intresting

jim moore
brilliant,return of the native, woodlanders and under the greenwood tree please

David Marshall
I thought the recent BBC adaptation of Tess of the D'Urbervilles was absolutely superb, as good as if, not better than the Polanski film. I'm a great Hardy fan and have been ever since reading the Woodlanders as part of my GCE O'level course, almost 40 years ago! - My suggestion for a follow up is 'The Woodlanders'. I recall seeing a TV adaptation in the ?early 70's and wondered if this was available on DVD? I have searched the web and found a film made in 1997 starring Emily Woof and Rufus Sewell, however, according to the reviews this has been altered significantly from the book to suit the American market, which is somewhat disappointing. In any event, the DVD is only available in the States so in all probability it will utilise a different DVD format to that used in the UK.I would therefore strongly suggest that in light of the huge success of Tess the BBC gives serious consideration to a new adaptation of the Woodlanders.Thank you.

Pauline
This adaption of Hadys' book was simply brilliant. Will the BBC be releasing it on dvd? BBC Dorset writes: The DVD of the series is available now.

sara
hi i loved it as i'm only 13 i havent seen any other version!!But i loved it!!And cried so much at the end!!Does anyone know what the last piece of music is when tess is thinking of the dance on may day with angel claire when she is about to be executed???

John Davidson
Tess was superb. Very true to the novel and excellent charaterisation. I would like to see "A Pair of Blue Eyes" on TV

Colin Turton
The first episode of this recent, and otherwise excellent, BBC TV production was roundly criticised on Points of View for using the hymn 'How Great Thou Art.' That was composed in the 1930's (?) by Carl G. Boberg and R.J. Hughes, and well after TH's Victorian setting for the story. Then, in the final episode, why, oh why, do we find Angel Clare traversing Dorset in a train hauled by a locomotive of the South Eastern and Chatham Railway? Horror of horrors! GWR, I could forgive, but the SECR belongs in Kent!The we see 'Fenchurch' of the London Brighton & South Coast Railway. Lovely, but misplaced! In know that Tess is a very sad story, but these travesties brought unnecessary tears to my eyes.Couldn't BBC producers have anticipated that fans of Thomas Hardy might be knowledgeable clergymen, who know about hymns, and sad, frustrated, aspirant engine-drivers like me, who know a little about the history of Britain's railways?

Haydon Luke
This adaptation of 'Tess' was one of the most successful tv versions of a classic novel that I have seen over a long lifetime of tv viewing. It was true to the text and to the characters and the importance of landscape and place in Hardy's novel was properly acknowledged. Gemma was superb as Tess.Another Hardy novel that would, I think, go well as a tv adaptation would be 'The Woodlanders'.

KELVIN DICKINSON
BEST DRAMA PROGRAMME I HAVE SEEN IN YEARS BRILLIANT

Linda Vickers
Beautifully filmed, tremendous casting, typical Hardy, sad ending I would watch it all over again if it was on tv, I will buy the DVD as soon as it available. I would be THRILLED IF ANY HARDY'S BOOKS ARE ADAPTED FOR NEXT YEARS VIEWING.

David Topple
A beautiful production, and Gemma Arterton was perfect for the part of Tess. I'd almost forgotten how sad the ending of the story was. I haven't read it for years.Other Hardy works? 'Far From The Madding Crowd' perhaps? Well, in fact any of Hardy's masterpieces. Probably the greatest writer this country has ever produced.

ALAN AND DAVID DEMOWBRAY
This adaptation was superb; well done BBC for such a truly remarkable drama,the casting was fantastic,both Gemma and Eddie were incredible,the photography breathtaking...thank you. We would love to see either 'Far From The Madding Crowd',or 'Jude The Obscure' done in such a superb way.

Natacha Newman
before watching Tess of the D'Urbervilles I never even thought of reading any Thomas Hardy books now after this wounderful adaptation i am going out to buy all his novels

Mike
Excellent series. With the TV's obsession with period costume drama that largely catered for female audiences, it was a delight at last to see it tackle a Thomas Hardy novel that was more general viewing. Certainly up there in production with one of my favourite films, Jude, from 1996. And of course, Far from the Madding Crowd would be the obvious next one to film.

Rob from Harlow
Totally transfixed, i thought Gemma Arterton was stunning as Tess. A star of the future

Kay Green
All of them! But in particular Far From the Madding Crowd, my all time favourite Thomas Hardy story.

m roe
of all the adaptations I've seen, I think it explained why Angel behaved the way that he did in a much more sympathetic way; Gemma Arterton was stunning....

DIANE
THOMAS HSARDY great man

Judy Dawson
I loved this production of Tess, although I wasn't sure I would after the superb Roman Polanski film in the 80's with Natasha Kinski. Could you let me know if the music in this production was by Vaughan Williams?

Lizzy
wow! it has been a while since the BBC have made such a brilliant costume drama. This has been the first in many years that have made me hooked and in love with every aspect of tess and have left be sobbing. Nothing has been quite as emotional, well acted, with a good script in a long time. Hope the BBC created something jsut as good in the future.

Valerie Blackwood
I though the adatation was excellent with all the main points played out superbly. This was Thomas Hardy's favourite of all his novels.

Chris Pullen
Brilliant production beatifully filmed, lovely to see our beautiful Dorset countryside that Hardy loves so much. One question however - why was the hymn 'How great Thou art' used when it wasn't translated from the Swedish until 1953?! Why not use some of the West Gallery church music of the period that Hardy was so familiar with? Maybe a bit more research was needed?

Alyson
i last read tess for o level more than twenty years ago - this adaptation would have been very useful then ! I had forgotton what a wonderfully sad story it is. Beautifully done - very emotive, and wonderfully filmed. How about an adaptation of the woodlanders next?

Miss Sarah McCarthy
I think Tess of the D'Urbervilles was Fantastic 10/10 i've never sat back and whatch a oldern style drama befor or even read a book!But i feel as if i'm living on the edge can't wait for each series to start each week its truly romantic and beautifully put together from the filming to the casting. And i must say that i think Alic D'Urerville is the most dishy out of the two but then again there always something hot about the bad boys!

Samantha King
Tess and the Mayor of Casterbridge have been successfully adapted for tv, but how about The Well Beloved - set on the Isle of Slingers, aka Portland. There are nooks and crannies of the island which remain unchanged since Jocelyn Pierston's day. Or make heathland Dorset come alive with The Return of the Native.

Terence Suthers
Brilliant adaptation - beautifully filmed. Well done BBc as ever. Please do The Mayor of Casterbridge next. Equally awful tale but full of material relevant to today.

George Yates
A brilliant Tess and an excellent production

sara serpell
on the whole a very moving and skilful adaptation; pity to miss out the "coffin" episode but maybe would look absurd on tv.

Carol, Wa State, US
Looking forward to future viewing of "Tess." Would like to see "The Trumpet Major" filmed. One of my favorites.

Karen Cromie
Absolutely superb, breathtaking. Would like to see this series come out on dvd. I would definately buy a copy.

Juli Morgan-Russell
Absolutely Fabulous (excuse the intertexuality!) Superb casting of Tess in Gemma - just the right proportions of spirit and innocence. And very true to the novel ... was worried that it wasn't Andrew Davies but no such thoughts now! Well done! Oh, and Return of the Native next please!

Mrs. C. Foot
Would like to see a really good, rich adaptation of Return of the Native

Michael Palframan
Missed the first episode but saw last night's episode 2. Great scenery and sets, and combined with the acting produced a sense of total immersion. But can anyone tell me what breed of cattle (black with white rumps) were used?

Chris
Yes it is a beautifully made series as we have come to expect from BBC period dramas but I still don't understand why this story is so popular when it is full of so much lies and deceit. Alec is full of lies, so are her workmates at the house, and I imagine there are more lies in future episodes. Are the lies a reflection of Hardy's life, of life generally, of love relationships, or of the divide between living in a town/city to living in the country? I just don't get it. Watching characters lie through their teeth is not enjoyable and I switched off half way through Episode 1. I have an idea I know the ending so I don't think it improves as it goes on.

liz cook
I love tess of the d,ubervilles,and any of thomas hardy works would love to see on television

tim weston
very good production.would like more info on the locations. Time for a new mayor of casterbridge

m powell
My personal Hardy favourite is the Trumpet Major, set during the Napolionic wars, and apparently based on stories his grandmother told him.I've never seen or heard of an adaptation of it,I studied it for o level and there was not a dry eye in the classroom when we got to the sad ending!

Nancy Hussey
I would like to see the BBC do adaptations of all the Hardy novels, and filmed in Dorset.

Marilyn Peddle
I think it was well acted and portrayed but I would have liked more of it to be filmed in Dorset. I would like to see The Woodlanders and Under the Greenwood Tree.

Angel Valentine
The Roman Polanski film was beautiful and will always be the best.I also loved Julie Christie in "Far From the Madding Crowd". I would like to see that shown again ontv very soon.The BBC has produced wonderful adaptations of classic novels and I am ecstatic with any!

Cass
Let's have all the Wessex novels filmed here in Dorset.

Martin Davies
Having studied Tess many years ago for A level - it has always been a special novel for me. I believe Polanski filmed much of it in Northern France back in the 1970s so bringing it home to Dorset would be ideal. There is a magic in Dorset's churches/churchyards and rolling hills that cannot be equalled anywhere else. Personally I think all Hardy's novels should be refilmed by the BBC, as has been done in the past with Shakespeare and Austen.

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD
Why not film the whole of the Wessex novels? In Dorset, of course.

Ian Griffiths
Far from the madding crowd, filmed in dorset.please more thomas hardy.

Moira Walshe
I personally do not think it will ever be possible to surpass the 1979 Roman Polanski film version. However, I am extremely grateful to the BBC bringing Hardy to the screen as he has been long neglected and in my opinion the greatest ever author. I would like to see so many. I enjoyed reading Two on a Tower and a Pair of Blue Eyes so would like to see this adapted but I would be extremely pleased. Obviously, the best place to film would be Dorset. Thank you BBC. Please let us have more Hardy!