7.8
Where can I stream The Mayor of Casterbridge legally?
The Mayor of Casterbridge is included with a subscription to WETA+ in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Mayor of Casterbridge
1978·Show
What's your score?
The Mayor of Casterbridge fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Spectacle3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Deeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Melancholy9
- Family Dynamics9
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Satire & Parody1
- Dark Humor1
World
History, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters, performances, and direction
- Character Depth10
- Acting9
- Direction8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Mayor of Casterbridge is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and profoundly sad. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumHistory, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, family, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout characters, performances, and direction
The characters, performances, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacing
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
Episode ratings
| Season | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode | |
|---|---|
| Episode 1 | |
| Episode 2 | |
| Episode 3 | |
| Episode 4 | |
| Episode 5 | |
| Episode 6 | |
| Episode 7 |
About
The Dennis Potter adaptation of Thomas Hardy's classic tale
The Mayor of Casterbridge is a 1978 BBC seven-part serial based on the eponymous 1886 book by the British novelist Thomas Hardy. The six-hour drama was written by dramatist Dennis Potter and directed by David Giles, with Alan Bates as the title character.
Michael Henchard, an out-of-work hay-trusser, gets drunk at a fair and, for five guineas, sells his wife and child to a sailor. When the horror of his act finally sets in, Henchard swears he will not touch alcohol for twenty-one years. Through hard work and acumen, he becomes rich, respected, and eventually the mayor of Casterbridge. But eighteen years after his fateful oath, his wife and daughter return to Casterbridge, and his fortunes steadily decline.
Classic Period DramaLiterary AdaptationTragic Character StudyFate vs. Free Will19th Century EnglandMelancholy & EmotionalSocial DeclineMoral DilemmasSlow Burn Narrative
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Mayor of Casterbridge
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Mayor of Casterbridge worth watching?
72
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 73/100 (IMDb 7.8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How many seasons does The Mayor of Casterbridge have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 7 episodes of about 50 minutes each.
Is The Mayor of Casterbridge based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
When did The Mayor of Casterbridge air?
S1
It ran from 1978 to 1978 and has ended.
What language is The Mayor of Casterbridge in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.