Episode 2

18th century Ireland. Old Thady Quirk has served under four disastrous generations of the Rackrents - Sir Patrick drinks, Sir Murtagh litigates, Sir Kit gambles and Sir Condy merely fritters away the family fortunes. Yet Thandy remains the ever faithful retainer at the bankrupt Castle Rackrent.

Maria Edgeworth's satire on Anglo-Irish landlords, first published in 1800.

Concluded by Cyril Cusack.

Omnibus of the last five of eight parts abridged by John Scotney.

Producer: Jeremy Howe

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1989.